Responsibility

Relationships!

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I am not a relationship expert. However, I do run into relationship issues while I coach business executives.

What I have noticed is that the biggest lament for women in a relationship (marriage, common law) is the lack of expression, appreciation, and priority from the man in her life.

Women find men to be misers in expressing their love and appreciation and give priority to other things (business, sports) compared to the relationship.

Men, on the other hand, are confused. No matter what they do, women can find fault with them.

If men started to take every opportunity to express their love and appreciation and assign priority to their relationship things would get much better.
If women, on the other hand, picked their battles instead of making every battle a big one, things are bound to improve.

It would be good to do a weekly checkpoint of how this is working as follows:

– what worked well last week?
– what could have been done better?
– what are the goals for the coming week?

I believe when an important relationship is rock solid in terms of communication, respect and understanding the rest of the challenges are far easier to handle. When the foundation of an important relationship is shaky, the rest of your life gets impacted!

Being Decisive!

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Do your homework as you wish. However, once you have gathered the facts then decide!
If you sit on the fence, it will not get you too far in life. It will look safe but actually can be more risky.

Taking action on your goal and being decisive moves the needle. If you waiver too much that shows lack of confidence and clarity. Make a decision then put all your energy in executing around it.

Invest time in what you want, get the team whose help you need then move quickly to get the job done.

One minute video from Azim

Sweet Spot!

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A Sufi is someone who is focused on the spiritual aspects of life. A corporate person on the other hand often prefers a materially driven, structured, task-oriented approach. A Corporate Sufi combines the best aspects of both personalities.

Planning well will attract efficiency, whilst allowing flexibility in your plan will allow you to capitalize on unplanned opportunities. Also, while you are executing your planned activities, it is important to be totally present in order to optimize your performance.

When you trust the flow, despite having thorough planning, a meeting point emerges where planning and going-with-the-flow coincide. This is the beautiful sweet spot!

One minute video from Azim

Goal larger than Self!

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Not everyone gets time to do voluntary work. Others choose to take on voluntary efforts irrespective of time commitments.

Voluntary work is a blessing, rewarding and fulfilling. Rewarding because of the skills one acquires, like interpersonal skills, leadership skills, and time management skills. Fulfilling in the sense that you are doing something that you want to do, not have to do. Finally, and most importantly, the satisfaction you get for making a positive difference in the lives of others.

There are times when voluntary work gets frustrating, especially when there are inefficiencies or more likely when your ego gets in the way. However, when you take voluntary work as a blessing and a privilege, nothing frustrates you because you have a goal larger than self!

Recently we saw deaths of Aretha Franklin whose music moved people. This was her way of giving! We also witnessed the death of Senator John McCain who served his country for many years and was a strong voice for bipartisanship. Neither Aretha Franklin and Senator John McCain were perfect but none of us are. It is not about being perfect but about finding a cause larger than self or using your gift and doing your best!

Watch Azim’s video message on the topic

Authentic, yet Sensitive!

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A shot of a praying senior man

When it comes to people, it is important to be authentic, yet sensitive. It is a delicate balance.

Some people are insensitive in the guise of being authentic. Some are too sensitive to the point of not being authentic.

Having a healthy balance between authenticity and sensitivity applies to all walks of life. It applies to your children, your spouse, parents, siblings, co-workers, supervisors, Boss, subordinates, volunteer team, business partners, and investors.

For example, if you are trying to appoint someone to a role and want him or her to perform at their peak, then being sensitive, as well as authentic will have the highest chance of success. Being sensitive will make the person feel respected; while being authentic will not only keep the foundation of trust and integrity sound but will also address the real issues that could prevent this new appointee from getting the best results.

If you have to choose between being sensitive or authentic, then choose authentic, but it need not be either/or.

Proactive & Responsive!

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Doing things early gives you an edge. If you start your work earlier in the morning, you control the activities instead of the activities controlling you.

If you arrive at a meeting early, you have time to review your notes and prepare well. It also affords you the opportunity to network with others and depending on the time of day, you may also be able to avoid heavy traffic if you leave early. By starting early to get to your destination, you remove the stress of getting there on time, thus enabling you to enjoy the ride.

If you work on planning your yearly goals well before the year begins, you will gain momentum earlier. You will also be able to tweak your plans if need be. Thus, setting you up on a clearer path to achieving your goals.

Getting an early start gives you the edge whether at work; while attending a meeting, or in achieving your goals.

Being early shifts your paradigm from reactive to being proactive and responsive!

Lifelong Learning

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books on wooden deck tabletop

Lifelong learning is pivotal to adapting to change. Mastering skills required to meet shifting demands, help you build the confidence needed to face changes head-on. So, be attentive and open to continually learning from every experience.

Furthermore, enhancing your skills, and broadening your education, can spark creativity. Let me illustrate with an example:

Gerry was almost fired as an architect. A partner in his firm told him that he did not have what it took to be an architect. He first, craftily negotiated a three-month grace period by fully trusting in his abilities. He then made an irrefutable offer – if he failed to prove his worth during this period, he would be open to termination. In the end, through an arsenal of learning, diverse skill sets, and unbound ingenuity, Gerry proved his worth so convincingly that he not only retained his job but was eventually offered a partnership in the firm.

How did this turnaround come to be? Gerry opened himself up to all feedback; committed himself fully to improving his weaknesses, and wholeheartedly believed in his own capacity to excel. This full-tilt effort enabled Gerry to move forward toward greater opportunities. Every positive change he made, immensely increased his chances of inviting more success. All, despite the trying circumstances he faced.