An important turning point

Some time back, I had written that life is too continuous with no Knee jerk reactions and it almost seems that the whole life has been lived in the present.

Every day I have realized the truth of the statement and sincerely today I don’t remember as to how did I live through the day before Preeti was in my life and more interestingly, I find it difficult to recall the days from the one year which Preeti and I had spent together before Kanav was born. It seems like my whole life till date has revolved around Kanav.

Today, 5^th October 2011, I think the day has again come to wash over the memories of the past three years which Kanav, myself and Preeti and write a fresh new present. While I write this, Preeti is preparing herself to go under the Knife (without even a speck of tension) to bring a new life into this world.

I am surely going to look back after another 3 years and would find it really hard to remember as to how life was when Kanav was alone. J God has been really Great to bless me with such a lovely family.

For the past few days Preeti’s real worries have been regarding Kanav. While Kanav is currently quiet a naughty kid and is miles away from the “adult logic” phase, controlling him at times is beyond anyone. But the real issue which Preeti is concerned about is how Kanav will spend his time over the next week as he is not used to even sleep without preeti. Every time Kanav has to sleep, Preeti has to lie down along with him. As soon Preeti is out of the Bed, Kanav can be expected to be out within 10 minutes automatically until and unless I am sleeping beside him.

But I very sincerely believe that Kanav is a very sensitive, sensible and intelligent kid who keeps on improving at the pace of light daily. I remember that a few weeks back, Preeti had an awful toothache and was taking combiflam which induced her to sleep. Unfortunately none of our Parents were with us that time. Amazingly Kanav realized the situation and not even once troubled Preeti throughout the day and neither did he try to make an escape to the park outside when Preeti was asleep. Kanav has been a revelation for us daily and the pleasure he gives us is similar to what a scientist must experience when he discovers something unique to share with the world.

I am sure Kanav unknowingly will rise up Preeti’s unspelt challenge and go beyond our expectations as always.

Manish Saini

The 24 Carrot Manager

Its been almost a year now since I have been thinking of gifting a book as a token of appreciation to each of my team members but have not been able to materialize the idea because –

1. I don’t know what book to gift?

2. I have so many favorites and I am not sure that at what reading maturity is each of the individual.

But I was too pleasantly surprised to receive a book (The 24 Carrot Manager by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton) from Kavish Jain, the CGP sourcing specialist from North, a very dedicated and hardworking individual.

The immediate thoughts which crossed my mind (both positive and negatives)

1. Oh Shit! It’s a duplicate book and I don’t read duplicates.

2. By Gosh! Kavish likes to read books and has sent me one which he likes. I was very happy to know that he too shares a similar feeling as I do i.e. to share your knowledge.

What I did immediately was –

1. I read the synopsis of the book and realized that it is about motivating your employees through rewards and recognition. This got me a bit double minded as to did Kavish send me this to make me realize what I was doing wrong? But then I cleared my mind and understood that he was finding the right words to say thanks to me and has found them somewhere in this book and I made sure to read the book completely.

2. Called up Kavish to say Thanks and ask him the question (above) and he started laughing because I think, what he wanted to say was in the book.

3. I scribbled the date or receipt and Kavish’s name on the book to help me remember the gift even years after.

This book is sincerely a great carrot for me and has motivated me harder. Will try to become a better leader tomorrow and even more better the day after.

Manish Saini