Excitement turns into boredom
I learned from a friend of mine that Stephen Covey was coming in to town...the personality developer, the prescriber of principle-centred living and leadership, "Stephen R Covey" himself. Circumstances made it so happen that I ended up going to hear him. I was quite looking forward to it since it was my first time to hear an internationally reputed writer. His books are widely read and have created an impact on organisations and people. I was hoping this could be the one for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel....but alas!!
He spoke a lot of what he has already written in his books. The main thing he emphasized on was how to manage people in organisations. According to him, "people don't need to be managed but empowered". He feels that true and good management is when you are able to facilitate individuals to achieve their potential by finding their voices. His experience says that employees should be treated as volunteers. They should be asked what they would like to do and are good at it and assigned that job instead of trying to get work out of them. Makes sense to me....if I get a job that I like, I would put in my best on my own because I enjoy it.
While all this profound information was being bestowed upon us, my friend was busy doodling and shading on his pad. His obvious boredom emanated from his practical knowledge of managing people and running a 7th generation family business. This strong sentiment and absolute boredom coupled with disappointment rubbed on to me and we were both waiting to get out.
Mr. Covey left us with a thought provoking idea which was that,the key to be at peace is to live keeping your conscience in mind. Most of us are taught this at homes and therefore it was'nt a new concept I was introduced to. But very often when you hear things that you have already heard, in a different ambience, it triggers off a new dimension.
In this case, it was the larger picture that presented itself. The idea that the world would be a better place if everyone followed this school of thought. Most governing bodies like the law system would be non-existant. The day to day systems that we follow won't need to be thrusted upon us but will be natural. Like my friend told me, laws were written to make sure people are decent.
For me, decency is simply being considerate. Having an altruistic attitude helps you live in a community responsibly and in harmony. People learn to live in a group without stepping on each other's toes. This would consecutively lead to a good society. To a large extent, may be make democracy an effective system. Unlike our country where everything has to be written or else it won't be followed. Worst still, what is even written is not implemented creating absolute chaos.
I know I have gone off track towards the end....but in conclusion I would like to add that Mr. Covey did bore me a great deal but certaily triggered me to think and introspect. I only wish he was as good a speaker as he is writer....
He spoke a lot of what he has already written in his books. The main thing he emphasized on was how to manage people in organisations. According to him, "people don't need to be managed but empowered". He feels that true and good management is when you are able to facilitate individuals to achieve their potential by finding their voices. His experience says that employees should be treated as volunteers. They should be asked what they would like to do and are good at it and assigned that job instead of trying to get work out of them. Makes sense to me....if I get a job that I like, I would put in my best on my own because I enjoy it.
While all this profound information was being bestowed upon us, my friend was busy doodling and shading on his pad. His obvious boredom emanated from his practical knowledge of managing people and running a 7th generation family business. This strong sentiment and absolute boredom coupled with disappointment rubbed on to me and we were both waiting to get out.
Mr. Covey left us with a thought provoking idea which was that,the key to be at peace is to live keeping your conscience in mind. Most of us are taught this at homes and therefore it was'nt a new concept I was introduced to. But very often when you hear things that you have already heard, in a different ambience, it triggers off a new dimension.
In this case, it was the larger picture that presented itself. The idea that the world would be a better place if everyone followed this school of thought. Most governing bodies like the law system would be non-existant. The day to day systems that we follow won't need to be thrusted upon us but will be natural. Like my friend told me, laws were written to make sure people are decent.
For me, decency is simply being considerate. Having an altruistic attitude helps you live in a community responsibly and in harmony. People learn to live in a group without stepping on each other's toes. This would consecutively lead to a good society. To a large extent, may be make democracy an effective system. Unlike our country where everything has to be written or else it won't be followed. Worst still, what is even written is not implemented creating absolute chaos.
I know I have gone off track towards the end....but in conclusion I would like to add that Mr. Covey did bore me a great deal but certaily triggered me to think and introspect. I only wish he was as good a speaker as he is writer....
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