The power of conditioning

I got this story on an email today. If this is true, it is the power of conditioning. Something that we need to break free from. It is interesting to read, and even more interesting to think long and hard about…

As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the fact
that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their
front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at
anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent
animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. "Well," he said, "when
they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and,
at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to
believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so
they never try to break free." I was amazed. These animals could at any time
break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn't, they were
stuck right where they were.

"Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a
belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once
before?"

Pausing in Pursuit

This is a very interesting post on the Fast Company Blog.

Can you honestly answer this question? When was the last time you can remember you not thinking about your business? Work? Or whatever that we are pursuing?

I was personally thinking very hard to remember this moment. But honestly, I could not think of a moment that work, or projects that I am involved in, were not hovering over my mind. Even if I was involved in something else, things to be done, to be completed were on the back of my head and I was never really free from the tasks.

I am sure the companies that we work for will like it, but is this the life we really want. We are so engrossed on the results, we forget to enjoy the process or to take a proper break? I always had a policy of leaving work at office, but lately, the other projects that I am involved in were taking up my free time. SO I am left with no free time, and my sub-conscious mind always working!

Heck, I need to change this pattern, before this hunger totally consumes me! I have a very important phase in my life coming up and I want to be completely involved in that. So let me put the work and projects aside, and try to be fully involved in these activities. I want to take a break in my pursuits and enjoy the moment. As it is said, I wanna enjoy the ride, not just the destination. For all I know, I may never really 'arrive', as the destination keeps changing, as the world changes!

Ten Principles of Highly Ethical Business Leaders

I found these ten principles in a mail that I received from a colleague. This was a publication by the Institute For Business, Technology & Ethics.

1. Treat all employees as unique, valuable individuals - Never treat anyone as though (s)he is dispensable, without value or just a number.
2. Support each employees freedom, growth and development - Never view anyone through stereo types and images, or as fixed and unchangeable.
3. Communicate to employees by name with respect - Never use or impose demeaning, trivializing, or derogatory names on others.
4. Model and encourage a balanced life of good work and rest - Do not adopt policies or make demands on employees that undermine balanced lives.
5. Honor and respect employee families - Never undervalue the significance of families and friends of employees.
6. Protect employees' life, safety and health - Never harm or jeopardize the physical well being of anyone.
7. Create a working environment free of sexual harassment - Do not allow communication or activity that is sexually inappropriate.
8. Be fair and just in financial matters - Never tolerate unfair wages, prices or financial practices.
9. Communicate honestly and truthfully - Never mischaracterize people, products, services or facts.
10. Cultivate a positive attitude towards others and thier accomplishments - Do not give in to envy or the temptation to take credit for the work of others.
    

I think these are very good practices for any business leader to follow. These practices will build trust and faith. The relationship between the leader and the employees will be one based on trust and this will naturally lead to better results. Because now that the leader will discover that his/her employees are motivated than ever.

As the saying goes, the relationship is worth more than any short-term result.