Xraaz’s Weblog

February 17, 2009

Satyam Leadership…..

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 4:00 pm

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What I feel, it might be the psychological pressure what most of the leaders face, such as command, addiction to power, fear of envy……it might be an impact of narcissistic behavior.

If I’m not wrong, 2005 HBR Magazine had an excellent cartoon which shows two children fighting, when they are pulled apart by their mother, one of the children points at the other and says, “He called me a CEO first!” 

As an HR Advisor, I see Satyam scandal as another case of dysfunctional leadership after Tyco, Enron & WorldCom…., I don’t say it’s a darth-vader aspect of leadership, but it grows out of personality traits such as self exaggeration and entitlement, thrives on narcissism, self-deceit and abuse of power.

It’s not sure when and how the 5,400 crores were transferred to Maytas….might be prior to buyout plans or even Maytas were being funded for years….what happened with funds, will the employees get paid…. I’m least bother about that…!!!

After going through few of these scandal reports, I can merely say, its coz of psychological pressures that most of these leaders face….!!!

Mostly these people get addicted to power after reaching certain position in an organization, however stress & frustration often develops and colleagues become distant, and the fear of losing what has been so difficult to gain leads them to engage in malevolent acts. 

For years Ramalinga raju refused to acknowledge his weaknesses but finally got to give-up…., many CEOs despite of leadership traits, hesitate to look inside themselves and even if they do, they refuse to acknowledge it…they are unwilling to face up to how their defensive structures and character traits can negatively effect their organizations….

However these people deny that the pressures that come with leadership can contribute to dysfunctional behavior and decisions, some time fear of envy can reach the point where dysfunctional self – destructive behavior “Snatches defeat out of the jaws of victory.”

Good quote …..by ~ Tad Williams!!!

“We tell lies when we are afraid… afraid of what we don’t know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.  But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear only grows stronger.”

December 11, 2008

The Value of Money…from Adam Khoo’s blogs, Interesting.

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 3:34 am

I don’t know how to say the money, coz I never cared to save….!  Now I need to as I will be having responsibilities coming ahead, I read many books which includes how to become a millionaire, how banks bet you money and quite a few on investing as well. I found all the books inspirational, but don’t know why I was unable to follow it…

 

Adam khoo, the well known entrepreneur, a best-selling author and a peak performance trainer. A self-made millionaire, he owns and runs several businesses in education, training, event management and advertising, all with a combined annual turnover of $30 million….

 

One of his blog was really interesting…..hope you all like it,

“Some of you may already know that I travel around the region pretty frequently, having to visit and conduct seminars at my offices in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Suzhou (China). I am in the airport almost every other week so I get to bump into many people who have attended my seminars or have read my books.

Recently, someone came up to me on a plane to KL and looked rather shocked. He asked, ‘How come a millionaire like you is travelling economy?’ My reply was, ‘That’s why I am a millionaire. ‘ He still looked pretty confused. This again confirms that greatest lie ever told about wealth (which I wrote about in my latest book ‘Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires’ ). Many people have been brainwashed to think that millionaires have to wear Gucci, Hugo Boss, Rolex, and sit on first class in air travel. This is why so many people never become rich because the moment that earn more money, they think that it is only natural that they spend more, putting them back to square one.

The truth is that most self-made millionaires are frugal and only spend on what is necessary and of value. That is why they are able to accumulate and multiply their wealth so much faster. Over the last 7 years, I have saved about 80% of my income while today I save only about 60% (because I have my wife, mother in law, 2 maids, 2 kids, etc. to support). Still, it is way above most people who save 10% of their income (if they are lucky). I refuse to buy a first class ticket or to buy a $300 shirt because I think that it is a complete waste of money. However, I happily pay $1,300 to send my 2-year old daughter to Julia Gabriel Speech and Drama without thinking twice.

When I joined the YEO (Young Entrepreneur’ s Organization) a few years back (YEO is an exclusive club open to those who are under 40 and make over $1m a year in their own business) I discovered that those who were self-made thought like me. Many of them with net worths well over $5m, travelled economy class and some even drove Toyota’s and Nissans (not Audis, Mercs, BMWs).

I noticed that it was only those who never had to work hard to build their own wealth (there were also a few ministers’ and tycoons’ sons in the club) who spent like there was no tomorrow. Somehow, when you did not have to build everything from scratch, you do not really value money. This is precisely the reason why a family’s wealth (no matter how much) rarely lasts past the third generation. Thank God my rich dad (oh no! I sound like Kiyosaki) foresaw this terrible possibility and refused to give me a cent to start my business.

Then some people ask me, ‘What is the point in making so much money if you don’t enjoy it?’ The thing is that I don’t really find happiness in buying branded clothes, jewellery or sitting first class. Even if buying something makes me happy it is only for a while, it does not last. Material happiness never lasts, it just give you a quick fix. After a while you feel lousy again and have to buy the next thing which you think will make you happy. I always think that if you need material things to make you happy, then you live a pretty sad and unfulfilled life.

Instead, what make ME happy is when I see my children laughing and playing and learning so fast. What makes me happy is when I see my companies and trainers reaching more and more people every year in so many more countries. What makes me really happy is when I read all the emails about how my books and seminars have touched and inspired someone’s life. What makes me really happy is reading all your wonderful posts about how this BLOG is inspiring you. This happiness makes me feel really good for a long time, much more than what a Rolex would do for me.

I think the point I want to put across is that happiness must come from doing your life’s work (be in teaching, building homes, designing, trading, winning tournaments etc.) and the money that comes is only a by-product. If you hate what you are doing and rely on the money you earn to make you happy by buying stuff, then I think that you are living a life of meaninglessness.”

September 3, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 3:36 am

Coffee addiction

 

 

 

 

I don’t think life has much changed but certain habits are….. It is pretty comfortable living in the capital, you feel more relaxed if you are with family, here for me, the chores are being taken care of by cousins, and it’s a completely different experience when there is some to take care of each and every small errand…..

Having a favorite coffee spot with a whole bunch of locations is something I don’t experience a lot, I had been in Riyadh earlier but not for a long time, As I was getting proverbial to the road unexpectedly I hit dr.CAFE® very near to my office…I really liked dr.CAFE® spot, It’s to the main street with wood-planked exterior & fabulous interiors. Within 2 week I managed to find few of my favorite coffee spots in city….

Starbucks & dr.CAFE® has a nice variety of coffee, no doubt about it……

It was a steep joy having dr.CAFE® near my office…..it’s definitely gonna be a best place to pass time; I don’t feel like I’m addicted to coffee, but yes some time to work I need coffee, without it I get tired faster. habitually while going / coming back from office, I get my favorite, Arabian Mocha… just a sip before starting the day, takes me to a different level …

I got habituated to coffee way since 2001, it was a very small coffee shop on our way to college….we use to visit daily to have a chat over cup of coffee….I’m not sure where I stand right now, truth is I enjoy my coffee breaks vastly.

I haven’t counted yet, and I don’t know how much I spend on my coffee, but I’m sure I spend more than I do for my food….

September 1, 2008

Ramadan Kareem

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 10:59 pm

Yet another chance given by almighty to us…. to clear our record of bad deeds &  become a good Muslim….. Ramadan is here and the doors of forgiveness are wide open…..

It is the most beautiful month and the time for you to reflect and hone your mind…let’s come close to the right path and lets all ask Allah to help us become the best of Muslims…….Ameen. 

For me this month is precious…. All the other activities will be abridged, Last year I started Ramadan in Haram (Makkah) as I was in Jeddah and luckily got an opportunity to be in Haram most of the times….but now I’m 1000 miles away from Jeddah….. Now I feel that, my decision to move to Riyadh was quite wrong…..

I firmly believe that the month of Ramadan is a great time to clear all our bad deeds & build ourselves up and rejuvenate…. It is the time when the blessing of almighty will be showered enormously…a single deed will be multiplied by thousands….I really wish If I could be back to Jeddah…..

The Prophet Muhammad, (PBUH) was always generous but even more so in Ramadan, Let’s open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year……help the people in need.

I really admire my dad for his thoughts and belief……. He always says “whatever you earn here u got to leave here in this world, what comes with you are your deeds……just make sure its worth watching..!!!”

August 25, 2008

Investment

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 11:31 pm

This is the right time to collect coins… (lolz); the gold prices which was slipped on Friday further edged down to $821 an ounce today.

‘Right now, I think it is the right time to invest in gold, but for a longer period, though from past many years gold just covered the inflation, but from last 2 year investment in gold has given tremendous returns….there are many investors who believe jewelry demand is going to pick up in the next few months…

The precious metal is down more than 20 percent since hitting a record high of $1,030.80 on March 17.

Gold and Silver Investments Limited agree and believe gold will surpass its inflation adjusted high of $2,400 per ounce in the next 5 years…. of if we are planning for investment gold can be an good option as of now..!!!!

June 16, 2008

Social Networking Takes Off

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 2:48 am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social interaction platforms: Orkut (my fev), LinkedIn, MySpace and Facebook, have grown dramatically in recent years, with more people joining every day. Once it was a niche activity, online social networking now engages millions of consumers and has become an integral part of many people’s lives… I can live with out food for one day but with out internet its difficult for me!

 

Currently, one out of every four people online visits social networking sites, according to the Consumer Internet Barometer report……

 

I started social networking early 2005 with Orkut; initially I was quite bored of it but after regular contribution in the communities, silly scraps & testimonials….. I was fascinated towards it… later on I introduced many of my friends & family member….but now I’m connected to other networking platforms say LinkedIn, Facebook, myspace & namesdatabase.

 

I feel LinkedIn quite valuable for social networking with working professionals for their valuable advise & support! According to consumer internet barometer survey; “Online social networking is an integral part of many people’s lives and a natural extension of our means of communication which the Internet has created. The next growth wave will be expanding and incorporating these networks into our business lives.”

 

Orkut, Facebook, LinkedIn & MySpace has become the part of daily practice….About half of social networkers visit these sites on a daily basis. In fact, many of my friends say they log on several times a day…..Mostly people are logging onto these social networks from everywhere. While the majority of user’s logs onto social networking sites from home…Few people like me log on at work ……

 

According to the survey of Conference board….women are more likely to frequent social networking sites than men. In general, women use the internet more than men for personal communication.

 

 

 

Advantages…

1.       Got reconnect to lost relationship (my school frndzzz)

2.       The cheery atmosphere which introduced to new friends

3.       Got introduced to business executives

4.       Being in contact with all of my friends

5.       Received help from consultant around the globe

 

The main reason cited by the vast majority of online consumers — at least four out of five — for visiting social networking sites is to be able to connect with friends….and many people update and maintain their online profile, email, and connect with family & friendzzzz

 

These social interaction platforms are valuable if it is utilized in effectively and it helps you to move ahead in life…..

 

November 10, 2007

Wishing ma dee…. on her birithday!

Filed under: Uncategorized — xraaz @ 12:10 pm

I really thank Almighty for blessing me with a Sister like U……having a sister like u is like having a best friend in life that I can’t get rid of…..and u know whatever I do….you are little bit of my childhood that can never be lost!

 

I just wonder that what would be the worth of news if I don’t have u to share it….in the cookies of life… you are the chocolate chip….you were always for me when mamma & papa were unable to understand my feeling…..you supported me when I lost interest in life…and u were with me @ my worst!

 

If u do remember you were my partner in bunking the school…..and sometime you were witness of my crime….. You are my mirror dee… u always supported me to move ahead inlife……

 

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