RRR -- The Japanese Way...

         We had a near-perfect April. Although delayed, we caught glimpses of the beautiful Sakura in early April. We all went out together as a team and enjoyed Hanami. For the uninitiated, Hanami is having an outdoor party beneath the Sakura(Cherry Blossom) during the daytime or at night. The much-awaited next phase in project also finally started, albeit with a smaller team, but we are sure it will grow to its full glory soon J

As we enter May, the refreshing spring weather in Japan is perfect for new beginnings. It’s also a good time to reconcile, retrospect, and recharge i.e. RRR

Reconcile: With new Phase starting, it is time for resources across both Phases to be reconciled. Be it people, or hardware, or even travel, we must ensure efficiencies across the board. We look forward to synergies and your cooperation in ensuring both the Phases get their due needs and succeed equally.

Retrospect: Let’s take a moment to retrospect. Retrospect to check what good we did in last Phase till now and what we can do better. Let’s do better in not just future Phase, but also in the latter half of current Phase till production. Any ideas for the same are welcome, feel free to send them to me

Recharge: The vacation period has just started in India and Japan just starts the “Golden Week”. With the vacation and holiday period starting, it’s time to recharge the batteries. We all deserve a break from our hectic routine to be at our personal Best in the coming months. So recharge, relax, bask in the sun, and come back to successfully take on all the new challenges thrown at us.

The coming months will be super exhilarating with both Phases running in parallel. So tie your laces and gear up for the brisk walk\run ahead. However, do not forget to enjoy the journey and the beautiful scenery on the way J

 -- Sanjay Ishwarlal Upadhyay

 

Heard a new concept today --> Microstresses at Work

Heard a new concept today --> Microstresses at Work

Microstresses are small stresses from routine interactions—they’re often so brief we barely even register them. Individually, they might seem manageable, but cumulatively they take an enormous toll. How can you combat them?
 
Start small. Commit to tackling one small, easy-to-address microstress a week for the first two weeks to build confidence, a different mindset, and a sense of agency. Don’t focus on the bigger (and more difficult and entrenched) stressors that can keep you from acting on ones you can control.
 
Shift your attention to positive interactions. Having people in your life who provide perspective, envision a path forward, offer help, create space to unplug, or make you laugh can have a dramatic impact on your resilience.
 
Pay attention to how your concern for others is affecting you. When people we care about are struggling, it can cause us anxiety, worry, and pain. Think about how you can reshape these interactions in a more positive way.   
 
Finally, focus on what gives you a sense of purpose. Researchers found that the happiest people put some of their microstress in perspective by making time for meaningful activities outside of their work and family lives.

Interested to know more?
Read the complete article at:

https://hbr.org/2024/02/5-ways-to-deal-with-the-microstresses-draining-your-energy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_&deliveryName=NL_MTOD_20240307

Promote Yourself Without Seeming Self-Centered

Promote Yourself Without Seeming Self-Centered by HBR

Talking about your accomplishments can make you appear more competent and capable, but it can also make you seem colder, less friendly, and more selfish. In contrast, self-deprecation, deflecting credit, or sharing setbacks can make you seem more approachable—but less competent. 

 
Researchers found that you can walk this tightrope by practicing “dual promotion,” or pairing a self-promotional statement with one that highlights or compliments someone else.
 
Start by identifying whom you want to promote alongside yourself. At the office, praise your colleagues’ work before you mention your own. If you’re in a competition of some kind, compliment your competitor. If you’re engaged in a more individual endeavor—for example, writing a novel—compliment a colleague whom you admire. Be sure that your compliments of others are genuine and specific. Overly general praise lands as disingenuous and fake.
 
Then, focus on yourself. Share your meaningful achievements—and don’t be shy about claiming the credit you deserve. 

Interested to know more?
Read the complete article at:

https://hbr.org/2023/11/how-to-self-promote-without-sounding-self-centered

What to Do When You Receive an Upsetting Email

What to Do When You Receive an Upsetting Email by HBR

When you receive an email that’s critical, hostile, or just plain rude, it can ruin your whole day. Here’s how to keep your emotions in check and respond rationally and professionally.

First, take your time. You don’t need to reply immediately. Give yourself a pause to really analyze the message, calm down, and think clearly before you craft your response.

Then, before you say anything else, thank the sender for taking the time to communicate their message to you. Even if they used a negative tone, make sure yours is positive.

Explain your perspective without blame or bluster. Keep in mind that this is only the start of the conversation. There may be facts that your counterpart was unaware of. You can use their email as an opportunity to share where you’re coming from.

Next, clarify the core issue. Communicate where the disconnect happened between you and the sender and ask follow-up questions to better understand what needs to be resolved.

Finally, focus on solutions. Once you understand the problem at hand, concentrate your attention—and your reader’s—on the future, where positive change can occur

Interested to know more?

Read the complete article at:

https://hbr.org/2023/11/how-to-respond-to-an-upsetting-email

Leadership Isn’t About Your Job Title

Leadership Isn’t About Your Job Title by HBR

You don’t need to be the boss to be a leader. Here are three actions you can take to hone your leadership skills right now and become a highly respected and influential team member. 

• Embrace your existing strengths. Start by asking yourself: Which tasks at work feel most energizing and natural to you? Which projects do you excel at and enjoy? What unique perspective do you bring to the table? Your strengths, identity, and interests are what set you apart. The more you understand yourself, the more you’ll be able to carry yourself with the confidence of a leader.
• Devote time to daily development. Improving your skills will help you expand your impact and influence. For example, maybe your organization values leaders who can back up their ideas with hard data and insights, or those who project empathy, curiosity, and compassion. Whatever it is, take note and prioritize developing those skills and projecting growth on a daily basis.
•  Connect with people. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert (or somewhere in between), you can establish the kinds of meaningful relationships that are key to building influence on your team. Commit to being vulnerable, authentic, and empathetic in your interactions with your colleagues.

Interested to know more?

Read the complete article at:

https://hbr.org/2023/02/you-dont-need-to-be-the-boss-to-be-a-leader