Snake and Ladders!

I have played that game many times in my childhood. It is a lot of fun and the roll of the dice decides your fate. I do not know where and how it originated, but it sure captured my imagination as a child. So I played it many times until the game played itself on me sometime back. Perhaps the roll of the dice landed on a snake. I slid down many positions and it was a bitter feeling.

A few days ago, I met a young boy of about 22 years. He lived in the vicinity and a casual chat told me that it would be an instructive conversation. His parents live modestly and he has a brother who is differently challenged. He had been a bright student and had always achieved above 85% aggregates throughout his education. It had recently culminated with his masters in computer application. This description would bode well for any reviewer and his resume should ideally find many takers. But the dice rolled a snake yet. He is yet to be employed. 

His interests were chiefly directed towards the study of mathematics. I thought it best to end the conversation there. My interest and ability in that subject never meandered beyond the preface part of the text book. I would read that enviously, wondering how on earth did the stupid author come up with such complex problems. This was a thought I had when I was in the fourth grade. As I went up the grades, I found that even reading the preface text of the maths textbook was getting harder and more complex!!!

His greatest inspiration came from the great mathematicianRamanujam. I gulped and tried hard to smile and nod. He mentioned that he had worked on some algebraic problems that Ramanujam had laid out in one of his historical papers and was close to solving a few. He mentioned that he had worked out multiple short cuts to some questions. Apparently he had sent his solutions to a certain university to get accreditation and a position as a scientist! Well, I am sure some of you have seen the cartoon character Dexter. I have got nothing in common with his genius. The only thing I shared that day was his blink. 

Yet, for all his genius, he stood there talking to me with barely enough to last him that week. It was humbling. With far lesser abilities and skills, the dice had rolled well for me. I am not discounting the hardwork I have put in to get where I am at. However, it is almost painful that such intelligence does not get instant gratification. I assured him of all help and provided some avenues which could help him to get employed and provide a better life for his people. He was very thankful. May be in time, he will rise in life. I certainly will not be surprised if he does so.

There are many stories around all of us like this. We notice some and many go unnoticed. We are all in this game. At different boxes. We got there because we rolled the dice. With luck, confidence and efforts we moved up the boxes. Our efforts yield the occasional ladders, our mistakes invites the sting of the snake. As you look around other boxes, you will see different kinds of people. The boxes below you will have stories of great struggle and determination. They fight for every move ahead and never give up. Around you, you will see boxes which are filled with people who have seen that struggle like you and are looking further up. Their ambitions have grown in desire and shed in modesty. Occasionally you will also find some who have been stung and have had to come down from their high perch. They are the ones who learnt a bitter lesson in life.

The top boxes are almost always filled with content people. They have achieved what they needed to. As they complete the game, they know that only a grave mistake will send them tumbling down again. Often times, a few get lucky and complete the game in quick time. I believe that it perhaps robs the element of struggle that is crucial to the development of character. 

Whatever be the roll of the dice, that afternoon, I felt that I was talking to one who occupied a few boxes below me, but was capable of overtaking me at his will. I made a silent prayer for a favoured dice to credit his destiny. As for me, I have taken a sting. It pretty much brought me back to the beginning. With some luck, the dice has rolled again and a few steps have been taken in the direction forward. This time I will be more wary of the snakes!

Did you roll your dice today?

Turn the Light on you!

Hello Devils! Today I would like to share some of my thoughts on how you can add value to your organization and in turn be recognized for it. I do believe that it is a very important step in ensuring that you are valued for not just the skills you bring to the table, but also for the future potential you hold. This requires initiative and a creative thought process. You have to try and do that which no one else has done or is unwilling to do.

It is possible to contribute at every level of your career. There is a saying which goes - "You are as small or big as you think you are". You have to constantly think big and apply your mind to higher your contribution to the organization. Here are some thoughts on how -

Start by participating in voluntary programs run by your organization. It could be charity events, or any other pursuits that enhances your visibility amongst peers and superiors. They will acknowledge your contribution and know that you are not afraid of taking up initiatives. This key message will be important the next time you sit for your annual appraisal.

Another good place to contribute is through the methodology of training. You can sit down with your colleagues and identify areas where they feel they could do with some training inputs. It need not be an elaborate training session. Something as small as a gathering during lunch hour where one person addresses a few common concerns will go a long way in elevating your role as leader. This way you will gain greater acceptance from your team members. This is important for your growth in any organization. You don't have to train yourself all the time, all you need to do is to facilitate the learning process.

Always ask yourself, what new skills have you added to yourself as compared to last week. It has to become a strong practice. If you equip yourself with one skill every week, you would have 52 in a year. What it does to your growth is only good, since the boss knows that you are someone who can handle anything. He has that belief since he/she has seen you acquire new skills and more importantly try and use them when the situation arises.

There are many more that I can write about, but it is not about the volume of what I write, it is about its application to your lives and careers. Please do read this and let me know if this has made any difference to you. These are tough times and many organizations are looking at multi skilled individuals who can do many tasks at once. To be that individual there are many things you can do, the above points should help you make a start.

Start by "Turning the light on you!"

Over and Out!
KK