WHO NEXT

 WHO NEXT?

Who next is an oft used phrase?

As a schoolteacher, house master, boarding superintendent , Headmaster and School Principal, I have frequently used this phrase while thinking to myself and at meetings. You see, as a Leader, if you want to ensure stability in any sphere, one must always think about ‘who next’. It’s a sort of succession planning.

Let me explain.

You see a dance, or a concert being presented by your pupils in school. There are some brilliant dancers and actors but unfortunately, they are all in the class that is passing out of school that year. Immediately you say to yourself ‘what happens next year or who next’. There is this worry that there will be no one to take over the baton.

You would have a fantastic Head boy or Head Girl – bubbly, intelligent and one who exhibited such great qualities of Leadership. ‘Who next’ would always crop up in some meeting or the other as the year was drawing to a close.

Every time I trained a debate team in Pune or Dubai there was always that ‘star speaker’. Confident, eloquent, a deep thinker, humourous, natural and a born orator, so to say. They had that innate ability to connect with any audience, with ease. I was confident that he or she would blow the opposition away and usually , they lived up to my expectations. However, a year or two later they were ready to pass out from school, and the question on my mind would always be, ‘who next’. Would we ever win as consistently again?

When brilliant, passionate, motivated teachers and leaders have left schools where I have been Headmaster or Principal it has always pained me, as they were loved by pupils and parents, did so much more than just teach, were the complete package and individuals who made a difference. Now what do we do, or ‘who next’, always cropped up. The initial thought often was, ‘will the results go down’? ‘Will parents be upset’?

However, my apprehensions and fears were always short lived, as someone or the other always stepped up and proved that they were as good, if not better at shouldering the task . There were the occasional, initial hiccups but soon everything was ‘hunky dory’.

I remember being interviewed for the Post of Principal in Dubai by a senior official. After clearing the interview, the person smiled and said, ‘you have big boots to fill’. Obviously the ‘who next’ scenario was playing out in her mind before the interview as well, and I don’t blame her.

The ‘who next syndrome’ is inevitable as that twinge of uncertainty will always prevail. However, the fears are more often than not, unfounded.

Now please don’t get me wrong – the ‘NEXT’ has, on a few occasions, NOT BEEN AS GOOD, and there has been a temporary setback as well.

However, if you take the law of averages into consideration, ‘who next’ is just a figment of one’s imagination and nothing much to worry about, as no one is indispensable.

SOMEONE ALWAYS STEPS UP - OFTEN LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE SHADOWS AND TAKES THE REINS.

To put the record straight here is a disclaimer.

THIS IS A POST ABOUT EDUCATION AND LIFE.

However, if YOU make any connection between this post and POLITICS OR POLITICIANS – then you truly have an extremely fertile imagination.

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Comment

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WHO NEXT

 WHO NEXT?

Who next is an oft used phrase?

As a schoolteacher, house master, boarding superintendent , Headmaster and School Principal, I have frequently used this phrase while thinking to myself and at meetings. You see, as a Leader, if you want to ensure stability in any sphere, one must always think about ‘who next’. It’s a sort of succession planning.

Let me explain.

You see a dance, or a concert being presented by your pupils in school. There are some brilliant dancers and actors but unfortunately, they are all in the class that is passing out of school that year. Immediately you say to yourself ‘what happens next year or who next’. There is this worry that there will be no one to take over the baton.

You would have a fantastic Head boy or Head Girl – bubbly, intelligent and one who exhibited such great qualities of Leadership. ‘Who next’ would always crop up in some meeting or the other as the year was drawing to a close.

Every time I trained a debate team in Pune or Dubai there was always that ‘star speaker’. Confident, eloquent, a deep thinker, humourous, natural and a born orator, so to say. They had that innate ability to connect with any audience, with ease. I was confident that he or she would blow the opposition away and usually , they lived up to my expectations. However, a year or two later they were ready to pass out from school, and the question on my mind would always be, ‘who next’. Would we ever win as consistently again?

When brilliant, passionate, motivated teachers and leaders have left schools where I have been Headmaster or Principal it has always pained me, as they were loved by pupils and parents, did so much more than just teach, were the complete package and individuals who made a difference. Now what do we do, or ‘who next’, always cropped up. The initial thought often was, ‘will the results go down’? ‘Will parents be upset’?

However, my apprehensions and fears were always short lived, as someone or the other always stepped up and proved that they were as good, if not better at shouldering the task . There were the occasional, initial hiccups but soon everything was ‘hunky dory’.

I remember being interviewed for the Post of Principal in Dubai by a senior official. After clearing the interview, the person smiled and said, ‘you have big boots to fill’. Obviously the ‘who next’ scenario was playing out in her mind before the interview as well, and I don’t blame her.

The ‘who next syndrome’ is inevitable as that twinge of uncertainty will always prevail. However, the fears are more often than not, unfounded.

Now please don’t get me wrong – the ‘NEXT’ has, on a few occasions, NOT BEEN AS GOOD, and there has been a temporary setback as well.

However, if you take the law of averages into consideration, ‘who next’ is just a figment of one’s imagination and nothing much to worry about, as no one is indispensable.

SOMEONE ALWAYS STEPS UP - OFTEN LIKE A PHOENIX FROM THE SHADOWS AND TAKES THE REINS.

To put the record straight here is a disclaimer.

THIS IS A POST ABOUT EDUCATION AND LIFE.

However, if YOU make any connection between this post and POLITICS OR POLITICIANS – then you truly have an extremely fertile imagination.

Like

Comment

Share

Rest in peace

 

We have all probably used phrases and words such as these far too many times in the recent past – more than ever this year.

Deepest condolences

Sorry to hear about your loss

Remembering you in our prayers

Shocked and sad

Oh, this came as a shock

Gone too soon

Too young to die

He/ She will be dearly missed

Our condolences & prayers

I hope you are looking after yourself

I am here for you if you need to talk

Just a phone call away

I have lost a loved one so I know how you are feeling

We will keep in touch

Rest in Peace

Death and the resultant grief affects our spirit, body, mind & emotions in more ways than we imagine.

Further, it makes everything feel so very surreal as if reality is just a horrendous dream.

Everything becomes a blur as the idea of time vanishes. Days are measured by one day after they died, two days after they died until it gradually tapers off.

Let us all pray for this pandemic to end.

Enough is enough.

Rest in peace

 

We have all probably used phrases and words such as these far too many times in the recent past – more than ever this year.

Deepest condolences

Sorry to hear about your loss

Remembering you in our prayers

Shocked and sad

Oh, this came as a shock

Gone too soon

Too young to die

He/ She will be dearly missed

Our condolences & prayers

I hope you are looking after yourself

I am here for you if you need to talk

Just a phone call away

I have lost a loved one so I know how you are feeling

We will keep in touch

Rest in Peace

Death and the resultant grief affects our spirit, body, mind & emotions in more ways than we imagine.

Further, it makes everything feel so very surreal as if reality is just a horrendous dream.

Everything becomes a blur as the idea of time vanishes. Days are measured by one day after they died, two days after they died until it gradually tapers off.

Let us all pray for this pandemic to end.

Enough is enough.

Leadership

 

 

LEADERSHIP

 

Are you content being a member of the team, or do you want to be captain?

Are you delighted being a player or do you desire to be a game changer?

Are you better at carrying out instructions or would you prefer to be the one deciding on what needs to be done, and how best to accomplish the task?

 

Now, it is not everyone who wants to be a leader – it is not everyone’s cup of tea - some just do not have it in him or her and are just not cut out for leadership. They are others who are very happy as they are, and that is fine.

On the other hand, there are several who aspire to become Leaders – the fire burns brightly within them from an early age.   A few succeed and others fall by the wayside or remain half-baked leaders for life. That they are not aware of their shortcomings is a different matter altogether. 

 

There is something I have always said – ‘Aspiring to be a leader is fine – however preparation and readiness is key.’

 

Often, when young people join the workplace, they look at the leaders in the organization and the first thing they say is, ‘How lucky they are’ .

 

Now let us be frank- Leadership and luck are not synonymous. Yes, there is no denying the fact that there would probably be a certain amount of luck involved – like being at the right place at the right time, hearing about the opening before anyone else, knowing the boss or doing surprisingly well in a difficult interview. Leaders usually never depend on luck, they take advantage of it if they can, but it is not part of their original strategy, it is a bonus. 

 

There are innumerable exemplary leaders, who have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth or have had it handed to them on a platter, and they are very successful too- Good for them.

 

However, Leadership is a privilege and not a right. It is more about working smart and less about accolades, titles bonuses and fancy, gold edged, business cards!

 

 The majority of leaders have started from scratch, gone through the grind, risen up through the ranks, failed many times, faced rejection, felt miserable at not being able to make it and then finally one fine day, they have scaled the summit!  

 

I have had the opportunity to be in Educational Leadership for a number of years and this is what I have deduced.  

 

Most leaders worth their salt, have all been good contributors first.

They have proven that they have the expertise, are able team players, and are reliable.

They have exhibited strong people skills and have worked on developing them further.

They have demonstrated that they work well under pressure, are consistent and dependable.

When assigned a task, they deliver the goods and get the job done as efficiently as possible. 

They learn to tackle problems as and when they arise, and can either find, or contribute towards finding solutions.

They do not watch the clock, and are always ready to take on new projects, even though they may have to learn from scratch as to what needs to be done.

They lead by example and are proactive and decisive.

They keep it simple- no needless jargon.

They display compassion, empathy and a deep concern for others.

Failure does not scare them.

They are not intimidating in their approach, nor are they unnecessarily confrontational.

They are kind, genial and approachable but no pushovers.

At meetings they are not decorative pieces or just wallflowers – they contribute effectively. 

They have warm personalities and people gravitate towards them.

They have a sense of humour and are not afraid to laugh at themselves.

They are thinkers but at the same time, they do not unnecessarily procrastinate.

They speak intelligently & do not shoot their mouth off at every opportunity.

They are good listeners and are known to consider all angles before concluding.

They are always eager and ready to learn.

They are proficient at multi-tasking.

 

I have always found Leadership to be  exciting, challenging & something that  keeps me on my  toes.

Lastly, it has a lot to do with Service, Humility, Respect, and Gratitude.  

Leadership

 

 

LEADERSHIP

 

Are you content being a member of the team, or do you want to be captain?

Are you delighted being a player or do you desire to be a game changer?

Are you better at carrying out instructions or would you prefer to be the one deciding on what needs to be done, and how best to accomplish the task?

 

Now, it is not everyone who wants to be a leader – it is not everyone’s cup of tea - some just do not have it in him or her and are just not cut out for leadership. They are others who are very happy as they are, and that is fine.

On the other hand, there are several who aspire to become Leaders – the fire burns brightly within them from an early age.   A few succeed and others fall by the wayside or remain half-baked leaders for life. That they are not aware of their shortcomings is a different matter altogether. 

 

There is something I have always said – ‘Aspiring to be a leader is fine – however preparation and readiness is key.’

 

Often, when young people join the workplace, they look at the leaders in the organization and the first thing they say is, ‘How lucky they are’ .

 

Now let us be frank- Leadership and luck are not synonymous. Yes, there is no denying the fact that there would probably be a certain amount of luck involved – like being at the right place at the right time, hearing about the opening before anyone else, knowing the boss or doing surprisingly well in a difficult interview. Leaders usually never depend on luck, they take advantage of it if they can, but it is not part of their original strategy, it is a bonus. 

 

There are innumerable exemplary leaders, who have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth or have had it handed to them on a platter, and they are very successful too- Good for them.

 

However, Leadership is a privilege and not a right. It is more about working smart and less about accolades, titles bonuses and fancy, gold edged, business cards!

 

 The majority of leaders have started from scratch, gone through the grind, risen up through the ranks, failed many times, faced rejection, felt miserable at not being able to make it and then finally one fine day, they have scaled the summit!  

 

I have had the opportunity to be in Educational Leadership for a number of years and this is what I have deduced.  

 

Most leaders worth their salt, have all been good contributors first.

They have proven that they have the expertise, are able team players, and are reliable.

They have exhibited strong people skills and have worked on developing them further.

They have demonstrated that they work well under pressure, are consistent and dependable.

When assigned a task, they deliver the goods and get the job done as efficiently as possible. 

They learn to tackle problems as and when they arise, and can either find, or contribute towards finding solutions.

They do not watch the clock, and are always ready to take on new projects, even though they may have to learn from scratch as to what needs to be done.

They lead by example and are proactive and decisive.

They keep it simple- no needless jargon.

They display compassion, empathy and a deep concern for others.

Failure does not scare them.

They are not intimidating in their approach, nor are they unnecessarily confrontational.

They are kind, genial and approachable but no pushovers.

At meetings they are not decorative pieces or just wallflowers – they contribute effectively. 

They have warm personalities and people gravitate towards them.

They have a sense of humour and are not afraid to laugh at themselves.

They are thinkers but at the same time, they do not unnecessarily procrastinate.

They speak intelligently & do not shoot their mouth off at every opportunity.

They are good listeners and are known to consider all angles before concluding.

They are always eager and ready to learn.

They are proficient at multi-tasking.

 

I have always found Leadership to be  exciting, challenging & something that  keeps me on my  toes.

Lastly, it has a lot to do with Service, Humility, Respect, and Gratitude.  

Politics in India

 

I do not profess to be an expert on politics- miles from that – in fact, I am not politically inclined and do not have a favourite party or politician etc. Just a common man with a few thoughts on his mind.   

So, before you start casting aspersions ….

I entreat you to please read the above lines again.

 

Cam across  some news this morning and that got me thinking – a very simple thought and no rocket science.

India is the world’s biggest democracy and despite the unity in diversity, there have been and still are various issues from time to time – and that is expected and often, we are all to blame. However, is it as vibrant as it should be? Is it balanced? Do we have a strong party at the centre with a worthy opposition, ready and able to challenge them, and keep them on their toes?  

The answer according to me is a vehement NO. I could be wrong.

 Now, while we all talk about a multi-party system( Read Democracy)  flourishing in India, if you observe very carefully, it looks more like a one-party system today, with no opposition actually being able to make its presence felt.

 With different parties pulling in different directions, economic progress often suffers, and any meaningful social welfare remains a dream. Coalition governments just do not work – nor do different parties at the centre and state - let’s understand and appreciate the fact that you can’t  have lions and sheep in the same cage and hope all will be well!

The current population of India is approximately 1.4 Billion. Now that is a very large figure indeed and hence pitfalls are innumerable and once again expected .  

As per the latest publication from the Election Commission of India, the total number of political parties registered was 2698, with 8 national parties & 52 state parties. The remaining, are unrecognized parties with a few thousand supporters each. Mindboggling to say the least.

However, what is very odd is the fact there seem to be just a handful of nationally known leaders spread across these parties.

Some of them were together in the same party and are now sworn enemies, while others were sworn enemies who are now strange bedfellows. Some jump parties at the drop of a hat and are known opportunists, while others try to keep themselves afloat by hook or by crook- legs in two boats and all that jazz!

Money plays a big role and definitely “makes the mare go” – But isn’t that politics?  

Stay with me here and permit me to do a further breakdown of that motley crew of about fifteen in number.

Some are well past their prime, others are more local than national in stature, some have proved themselves to be incompetent and a few do not seem to be sufficiently motivated or keen to take on bigger roles. The remaining few are not trusted by the minorities for whatever reason.

 Lastly , some have cases pending against them/ are not sufficiently educated or experienced.

All probably honourable men no doubt, so do not get me wrong- I am not pointing any fingers.

So where does that leave us, the common citizens and the country as a whole ?  

  Is there nobody worth his or her salt who is ready to stand up and say, “Count me in” Where are the intelligent, motivated, inspirational, reliable political leaders who we can trust to take our country forward? Have they been put to pasture or have they flown the nest?

As I see it, and as millions see it at the present moment  – there is very little choice, and that does not auger well for the citizens.

Some historians have suggested that two-party systems promote centrism, and encourage political parties to find common positions, which appeal to wide swaths of the electorate. It can lead to political stability which leads, in turn, to economic growth. Two of the world’s best-known democracies, the United Kingdom and the United States of America have two party systems. The UK has Labor and Tories, the USA has Republicans and Democrats.So, whydo we have so many parties in India?Can we not have a think tank to overhaul the entire system?

I do not know, but I am sure there are so many intelligent friends and colleagues out there who would have great ideas and thoughts to share

(This is a bit of a contentious topic so polite comments will be appreciated please- don’t let yourself down by being nasty  )