07 Saturday Mar 2009
Posted in People
Warren Buffet, the legendary Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway has long been considered one of the shrewdest investors in the business. This post is not about his prowess in picking stock for investment but about his eye for picking talent. An executive who came in for high praise from him recently was India-born, Ajit Jain, Head of Berkshire Hathaway’s Reinsurance Group.
23 Wednesday Jan 2008
Posted in A Step A Day
The difference between successful people and others is often that successful people know what they want to do and work towards achieving a plan. The same principle holds good for planning your career as well.
Erin Malone has described the planning process in a series of steps. I recommend her article “Planning Your Future”.
Many of us are so busy with our day to day activities that we have no time to plan – or even think- of the future. Living by the seat of our pants takes you only so far. To succeed in the long run, we need to take responsibility for our own careers. The first step in this is to have a plan.
So the next time you have a break, take some time off to think about your future.
Look at Career Planning at About. com for some structured ideas.
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21 Monday Jan 2008
Posted in Entrepreneurs
Business Standard carries an article called “Mid Life Madness” which speaks of successful corporate executives leaving the comfort of their well paying jobs to venture on their own in uncharted territory.
The key drivers vary from person to person. For some it is the lack of further opportunities for growth, for some one else it is the need to be different and prove to him/herself what they are capable of, for others it means wanting to be their own boss – as the old cliche goes, masters of their own destiny.
Irrespective of the reasons, such a decision does call for a certain amount of courage, self-belief and preparation. It sounds nice to hear that some one you know has started on their own and are doing well. Do remember this has not happened by chance. Planning and preparation is crucial for success. Very seldom does someone hit the jackpot without any planning.
Ultimately, it is a state of mind.
“If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don’t! If you want to win, but think you can’t, It’s almost a cinch you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost; For out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow’s will; It’s all in the state of the mind. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger and faster man, But sooner or later the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can.” – Walter D. Wintle.
People at Work & Play 