Friday 13 January 2017

“Leadership Lessons from Chiranjeevi, India’s Megastar” ― Professor M.S.Rao








Happy Sankranti and Pongal!

“I'm not an ambitious person. I'm very content, and I have no pending dreams. God has given me so much, and if there's one thing I really want to do, it's to serve the people.” — Chiranjeevi


India’s megastar, Chiranjeevi was back to Tollywood after a gap of almost a decade in January 2017 with his film ‘Khaidi No. 150.’ It was a matter of excitement for Telugu people across the world. There were whispers within the political and film industry that Chiranjeevi was finished forever. Several people in politics and film industry openly criticized for his failures. Some critics went to the extent of hitting him below the belt. They failed to recognize that immortality lies in his name. Of course, Chiranjeevi never reacts but only acts and responds positively to criticism. In fact, every leader has his ups and downs, and Chiranjeevi is no exception.  

When the boss was back (Chiranjeevi) to the Tollywood, people celebrated his 150th film ‘Khaidi No. 150’ with excitement. His fans across the world including in USA conducted car rallies and went to cinema halls to enjoy his film. Because of his film, the festival of Sankranthi has started on 11th January 2017 itself. This massive hit is possible because entire team of the movie worked voluntarily very hard not for remuneration but to see the megastar back on the screen again as a number one hero. What goes around comes around. Chiranjeevi helped many people in the film industry, and that has paid him rich dividends now.  


Chiranjeevi ― A Self-Made Man

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” ― Pele

Chiranjeevi is a self-made actor who rose from ranks without anybody’s support. He is a role model for achievers and aspiring actors for his hard work, discipline and dedication. He voluntarily gave up film career and floated Praja Rajyam Party to bring social justice. His party’s merger into Congress Party was not appreciated by many people. It adversely affected his image and cost his political career. Currently he is in political hibernation. He underwent several failures and insults for eight years. It has made him as a stronger person and a better leader. For Chiranjeevi, failure is only a comma, not a full stop. He is a continuous learner, and has the great habit of learning lessons from failures and moving forward with energy and enthusiasm.

After he left the film industry several stars surfaced. Thanks to Chiranjeevi for creating vacuum in the Telugu film industry and paving the way for many actors including Pawan Kalayan to become stars! Now the boss is back with a bang!


Leadership Lessons from Chiranjeevi

“It so happens that after a certain stage, we have to give in to the wishes of the people rather than your own satisfaction. I look at it as my responsibility to satisfy the wishes of the people more than mine.” — Chiranjeevi

Several analysts fail to understand how Chiranjeevi rose like Phoenix. The fact is that Indian audiences are always loyal to their heroes irrespective of the films’ outcome. That is the strength for Chiranjeevi! Here are some leadership lessons to learn from him.
  • Age is not a deterrent. Age is not an obstacle to pursue your passions and accomplish your goals and objectives. When your passion is strong, you can start your life at any age.  
  • Failure is only a comma, not a full stop. Everyone fails at some time in life. In fact, failure teaches many lessons for the people if they are willing to learn lessons to grow as better human beings. Remember, tumble makes people humble. Ben Stein once remarked, “It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated…it is finished when it surrenders.”
  • Hard work pays. Although Chiranjeevi had rich experience in acting, he didn’t take it for granted. He worked very hard for his 150th film to come to a physical shape and improve his body language to suit to the audiences.
  • Connects with common man. Chiranjeevi knows how to connect with the common man with his simple dialogues rather than with lengthy dialogues that confuse the audiences.
  • Promises less but delivers more. He is a man of a few words. He stands by his commitment. He believes in hope, not hype.
  • Show the way for others. Chiranjeevi showed the way for other Telugu heroes including Pawan Kalayan, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Varun Tej, Sai Dharam Tej and Allu Sirish.  If there were no Chiranjeevi, there would not have been these heroes.

Chiranjeevi is the least controversial leader. Some individuals make irresponsible statements to draw the attention of the people, or to kick up controversies to be in the limelight. Chiranjeevi doesn’t believe in such cheap tricks and gimmicks.  

Chiranjeevi is a transformed man. Now he knows who are his real friends and foes. He should avail this new platform to do his best as a film star and politician. Chiranjeevi is an ideal example for others that everything is possible in the world. Tough times don’t last but tough leaders like Chiranjeevi do last.


Conclusion  

“I assure, the door to politics is never closed. Whatever medium is necessary to reach the masses, I will take that - be it cinema or politics.” — Chiranjeevi

Indians don’t let down their leaders. They have big hearts to forgive their leaders for the mistakes, and offer further opportunities. Hence, Chiranjeevi must learn lessons, reform and work for people.

Chiranjeevi must be careful about the enemies within and outside and take precautions accordingly. He must remember the people who betrayed him in the past and take appropriate steps accordingly to avoid further disasters. Above all, he must remember that people are Gods because they decide the fate of the actors and leaders. He must reinvent to entertain audiences, and evolve as a better leader to serve people. Jai Hind!



“Many think that the mark of a great champion is the nature and margin of their victories and the peaks they scale and reach. That’s only part of it. The mark of the greatest of champions is how they react and respond to defeat. That is when they become enshrined in our hearts and minds – as they rise again and into the immortal pages of history.” ― Rasheed Ogunlaru

Note: It has been adapted from my book “School Leadership: Faculty First, Students Second, And Institutions Third” URL: https://www.amazon.in/School-Leadership-Faculty-Students-Institutions/dp/9387799093  Dedicated this book to Chiranjeevi who wrote foreword for this book. 



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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Wednesday 11 January 2017

The Power of Ideas to Achieve Entrepreneurial Success!



“There Is One Thing Stronger Than All The Armies In The World, And That Is An Idea Whose Time Has Come.” ― Victor Hugo


Some people complain lack of resources and opportunities to accomplish their ambitions. They complain their circumstances and the people around them for their challenges and failures. On the other hand, the extraordinary achievers explore ideas to overcome their challenges and achieve success. They are rare breeds who don’t invent excuses to overcome their challenges.


Ideas versus Resources

Ideas are more important than the resources. When you have ideas, you will find opportunities and develop the mindset to raise resources. When humans undergo challenges their real strength surfaces and they unlock their hidden potential. Challenges lead to creativity paving the way for innovative solutions. The most inventions occurred during the global crises and challenges. During The Great Depression, several global companies were founded. During the Second World War, atom bomb was invented. True leaders run behind ideas, explore opportunities and raise resources instead of running helter and shelter during crises.  


Technology is an Advantage for Entrepreneurs

Technology has become a boon for entrepreneurs. With amazing ideas and without any capital, entrepreneurs are starting their businesses globally. There are several companies that grew with less capital and human resources. For instance, Whatsapp has a few employees; Google doesn’t own content; and Uber runs business through ideas, not by owning cars. It is obvious from these inspiring examples that ideas are more important than anything else in the world. When entrepreneurs have ideas and audacious vision, they can accomplish their goals and objectives effectively.


Ideas Lead to Success

Ideas lead to success as they serve as seeds to development and growth. It is essential to capture the ideas whenever they pop up in your mind. It is advisable to record them in your journal to reflect during your leisure time. It is from these ideas the civilization has advanced. And civilization will go to the next higher level. I get lots of ideas to author books. Whenever ideas pop up in my mind I scribble them immediately in my journal that I always carry with me. I develop them during my leisure time. It is from these ideas I could author 36 leadership books including the bestselling ‘21 Success Sutras for CEOs’ https://lnkd.in/eqwk9uZ.


Opportunities are Infinite while Your Life is Finite

Currently there are immense opportunities for the individuals with ideas and ambitions. Only thing they must do is to take risks to explore and apply their ideas to accomplish their ambitions. They must remember that life is very short, and they are blessed with one life only to explore and avail the opportunities to make it big globally.  Remember, opportunities are infinite while your life is finite. Hence, make your decision to follow your passions to provide meaning to your life.




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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Sunday 8 January 2017

Chiranjeevi’s ‘Khaidi No. 150’ ― The Boss is Back and Balakrishna’s ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’


Happy Sankranti and Pongal!

“The greatest height of heroism to which an individual, like a people, can attain is to know how to face ridicule.” ― Miguel de Unamuno

Chiranjeevi’ return to Tollywood after a gap of almost a decade raised lots of curiosity and expectations in the film industry. Many analysts are pondering whether he will recreate magic as a Megastar?

Chiranjeevi is a self-made actor who rose from ranks without anybody’s support. He is a role model for many achievers and aspiring actors for his hard work, discipline and dedication. He voluntarily gave up film career and floated Praja Rajyam Party to bring social justice to the society. His party’s merger into Congress Party was not appreciated by many people. It adversely affected his image and political career. Currently he is in political hibernation. He underwent several failures and insults for the last eight years. It has made him as a stronger person. For Chiranjeevi, failure is only a comma, not a full stop. He is a continuous learner, and has the great habit of learning lessons from failures and moving forward with energy and enthusiasm. He is blessed with grace.

After he left the film industry several stars surfaced. Thanks to Chiranjeevi for creating vacuum in the film industry and paving the way for many actors to become stars! Now the boss is back with a bang!


Will Chiranjeevi Succeed as a Megastar?

Undoubtedly, he will succeed because he is passionate about acting, and he ruled the film industry for more than two decades. V. V. Vinayak is an amazing director. Telugu film industry is blessed with such a wonderful professional and humble director. He knows what the audience wants. He knows how to get the best out of Chiranjeevi. He knows how to present Chiranjeevi the way his fans want. He showed his stamina and showcased Chiranjeevi successfully in the film, ‘Tagore.’

Chiranjeevi’s 150th film ‘Khaidi No. 150’ (to be released on January 11, 2017) will be a treat to Telugu audiences for Sankrati (Pongal) festival. Another great Telugu hero, Balakrishna’s 100th film ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ (to be released on January 12, 2017) will be a treat to the Telugu film industry as it highlights the first Telugu emperor, Satakarni ― an unsung hero. Balakrishna’s body language and oral language will be an asset to this film. Undoubtedly, he is the apt hero for this film, and Krish is the apt director for this film. I hope audiences will enjoy viewing these films on the eve of Sankranti.  


“As you follow the escapades or the journey of the hero through a story, it evokes some kind of emotion in the viewers. The director's job is to make sure that the audience goes through the journey and has an emotional reaction.” ― Don Bluth




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Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.

Friday 30 December 2016

Happy New Year 2017! ― Acquire new Habits to Achieve Excellence





Dear friends,

Happy New Year 2017!

The year 2016 passed peacefully. It is time to celebrate New Year with optimism and excitement. Take feedback for the year 2016 and carry forward the goals that have not been accomplished. Analyze the reasons for not accomplishing them to do better in 2017. Most people fail more due to distractions rather than due to their personal mistakes. If you feel that you failed due to the distractions from external environment, you don’t have to regret. Develop a right attitude to understand the realities to move on.

Set your goals. Goals remove negative thoughts from your mind and replace with positive thoughts. Hence, set your goals. Acquire attitude for excellence.
Understand the power of reflection. Reflection helps you understand what worked and what didn’t work. It helps you focus more on your passionate areas.
Carry a notepad with you. Develop a habit of taking notes and carrying a notebook wherever you go. It helps you capture the ideas that pop up your mind and helps you reflect a lot. Remember, a short pencil is always better than a long memory. We tend to forget many things in this complex world. When you observe successful people including Richard Branson, they carry a notebook with them.
Learn when to hold and when to fold. It is tough to make decisions in the current technological world. We cannot predict what happens next due to volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. You must let go off your unpleasant events and experiences from your life to recharge yourself with more energy and enthusiasm.
Avoid negative people around you. Always associate with people who emphasize ideas rather than individuals and issues. Create a healthy and positive environment around you.
Use social media judiciously. Social media is both a boon and bane. It all depends on how you utilize it. You must understand its usage to reap benefits. It is good to adapt to digital technology. At the same, it is essential to maintain physical relations with others. Remember, physical network is more meaningful and fruitful than the virtual network.
Fail differently. Nobody wants to fail and everybody wants to succeed in the world. But you cannot avoid failure. Failure is an integral part of life, and it teaches you to be humble, and be empathetic toward others.
Cultivate the habit of gratitude. Never forget the people who helped you during your life journey. Don’t expect anything from others. Do good to others. What goes around comes around. Express your gratitude to the people who laid the ladder for your success. 
Provide meaning to your life. Remember, life is very short. Hence, make it sweet. Don’t run behind success. Keep doing your work sincerely and the success will chase you. Enjoy the journey, not the destination.

To conclude, acquire new skills and habits and focus on a few areas intensively rather than on many areas. Take one specific area and work on it sincerely for 10 years to become an expert and an international authority on it.

Good luck!





Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.


Saturday 17 December 2016

Free Chapter ― Professor M.S.Rao’s Upcoming Book “Soft Leadership for Millennials: Leading Generational Differences in the Workplace Successfully”





Dear friends,

Here is the free chapter of my upcoming book tentatively titled, “Soft Leadership for Millennials: Leading Generational Differences in the Workplace Successfully.” You may share your thoughts about this book on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.

Introduction

“I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: 'Not all were asleep in the nighttime of our grandparents'.” ― Jose Rizal

There are several generational cohorts globally based on duration of their birth. Currently there are four generations active in the workplace. They are the Silent Generation (born mid-1920s to early 1940s); Baby Boomers (born early 1940s to early 1960s); Generation X (born early 1960s to early 1980s); Millennials who are also referred with different names including Generation Y (born early 1980s to early 2000s).

Globally the population of the millennials is growing rapidly. A study shows that by 2020, millennials will be approximately 50 percent of the U.S. workforce, and by 2030, 75 percent of the global workforce. It throws several challenges and opportunities for global organizations. The opportunities outnumber the challenges because millennials are responsible and committed to advance their professional careers and add value to society through nonprofits.  


Who are Millennials?

When you look at eminent people including Mark Zuckerberg, Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger, Malala Yousafzai, Taylor Carol, Nadir Vissanjy, Britney Spears, Amy Schumer, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, and Usain Bolt; they are all millennials.

Millennials are also known as Generation Me, Nexters, Baby Boom Echo Generation, Echo Boomers, Digital Natives and Generation Next. They are the demographic cohort following Generation X. They are ambitious, smart, brilliant and technologically savvy. They belong to a different school of thought unlike older generations. Their mindset is unique, tool set is rapid, and skill set is advanced. Precisely, they are a different, not indifferent to older generations. They bring unique ideas and insights to the table irrespective of the industry and area they work. They are often criticized as impatient and overambitious to make money. They are also criticized for being indifferent with the older generations in the workplace.  There are several factors influencing millennials globally including parenting, technology, impatience, and environment.


The Millennial Mindset

Millennials don’t have preconceived notions and perceptions because they view the world independently. They are better educated. They respect others’ cultures, and appreciate diversity.  They are better volunteers than older generations. They believe in quality, not quantity. They cannot be carried away by others blindly. They cannot be instigated by others easily. They want to be convinced first before arriving at solutions and conclusions.

Millennials are collaborative learners. They prefer soft copies to hard copies. They prefer smartphones to PCs. They don’t appreciate micromanagement. They want to experiment to learn lessons. 

They are constantly bombarded with technology and information. They find it difficult to cope up with it. Yet they enjoy volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. They get bored easily with their regular assignments and routine tasks. Hence, they take frequent career breaks to recharge themselves.  

Millennials are Mr. Cools. They don’t care when heavens fall. They think of crossing the bridge when it comes. They don’t put the cart before the horse. They want the horse come to the cart. They don’t compromise with less. They want more. Loyalty is skin-deep.  


Advantages for Millennials

Millennials don’t have pre-conceived mindset as they have not tasted failures.  They are virgin in their views and thoughts.  They are fresh in their approaches and attitudes.  Additionally, age excites them to dream, think and achieve big.  They are blessed with novel thoughts.  Even if they fail and fall age supports them as they are young, and can bounce back with energy and enthusiasm. They were born at the right time of history where the technology is growing rapidly throwing several opportunities open. For any success, timing is also equally important.  Hence, the Generation Y is also called Generation Why for their questioning, and is blessed with several strategic, technological and educational advantages to take on the challenges for leaving a mark behind for others to follow.

Millennials are blessed with intellectual curiosity and energy and enthusiasm.  Wisdom is not the prerogative of the experienced people.  Anyone can possess. Several Information Technology companies encourage young people for innovative ideas for several solutions.  With the changing times and technologies millennials are going to take on the world much faster and smarter way as the older generations are busy with their problems and pre-conceived mindsets.  The millennials are energetic, and dare to be different.  They want to be unique and go by the road less traveled.  They can see the invisible and they can see possible in impossible and, finally, they make things happen.


Mark Zuckerberg ― An International Millennial Icon

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook is an inspiration to millennials globally. He is many things to many people, and is the young century’s first millennial CEO.  Most millennials draw inspiration from this entrepreneurial icon to excel as entrepreneurs. Studies show that 40% of millennials and budding entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 state that Mark Zuckerberg is their business role model.

Mark Zuckerberg surprised the world with his innovative and creative internet technology and raised the hopes of billions of youth by dreaming and achieving big.  He busted traditional leadership myth that leadership is exclusively for experienced and elderly.  

What counts at the end of the day is passion.  It is the first and foremost thing that determines your success. Mark Zuckerberg was passionate about programming since childhood.  He was, in fact, a programming prodigy.  He was constantly working in internet and computer related activities since childhood.  His father arranged tuitions to enable the Mark to grow in his passionate domain of programming.

Mark Zuckerberg has become a symbol of hope, role model and inspiration for youth internationally.  He broke the traditional barriers and dreamt big and succeeded as the world’s youngest billionaire.  


Conclusion

Irrespective of the nations, regions, and cultures the mindset of the millennials remains more or less same. Hence, the organizations must do research to find out what touches and inspires them to connect with them to create compatibility in the workplace. When you know that you must work with all generations in the workplace, the best option is to understand, empathize and appreciate to achieve the desired outcomes.


“Be kind, don't judge, and have respect for others. If we can all do this, the world would be a better place. The point is to teach this to the next generation.” ― Jasmine Guinness


Note: Here is the link to purchase my bestselling book '21 Success Sutras for CEOs' https://lnkd.in/eqwk9uZ  



Life is great!

Professor M.S.Rao, India
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants India
Recipient of 10th International Prestigious Sardar Patel Award―2015




Thanks for reading!

Kindly share your thoughts and comments below, I’m sure someone out there will find your story useful.



Copyright©2017 MSR Leadership Consultants India. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


This is a nonprofit blog to share Professor M.S.Rao’s passion and vision to build one million students as global leaders by 2030. Please don't cut articles from my blog and redistribute by email or post to the web. The use of this material is free provided copyright is acknowledged and reference or link is made to the Blog http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.in.  This material may not be sold, or published in any form, or used in the provision of business services to a third party without permission.