Trained to be Navy seals, but forced to serve as basic infantry...
Generation gap - this topic was discussed by many writers, psychologists, educators, and bloggers many times. Generation gap issue has existed for centuries and it is almost unavoidable. However, nowadays, it is more obvious, and not only because of the technological advances, but, also, because of upbringing, the way how Generation Y was raised.
I was observing and analyzing this issue for some time and came up to the conclusion - We (on some level I am relating myself to this generation) are raised, trained for special forces (I found this military analogy the most suitable here), to become a "Navy seal" of marketing, engineering, or finance, to be a part of an innovative company, or any exciting, even difficult, start-up or a project. We are tough, open-minded and educated enough to accomplish any assignment (despite the fact of the project's difficulty). Yes, it might look hard, but it makes us more excited, gives us some challenge, forces us to go and finish it. We are curious, we want to explore this world, learn new language, absorb something new every day, make a difference, we truly believe that we are special. Doing triathlons is already too boring for us (we already finished it couple times), we want to participate in "Spartan race" or "Tough mudder", latin dancing is too simple for us, we want "Zumba" party, having only one major at the college/university is too easy, we want two or three majors plus various certificates - our minds are rebelling and requesting more and more challenges.
Reading all the above, one might ask, "What is wrong with such a dynamic Generation? This fast-paced world needs them". Even though we hear about that all the time and observe incredible changes and innovations right now, somewhere around 80% (I would assume somewhere in this range) of the society hasn't changed and doesn't like and want any changes. It requires an average representative of the present work force to be a basic infantry, a soldier which doesn't ask any questions and just silently and obediently finishes any assignment (doesn't matter how inefficient and illogical it might be). It was like that for centuries. No one ever has asked any questions, gave any suggestions, it wasn't necessary and it wasn't encouraged before. It was (still is) safe just be average and do not show of.
Ys like to discover or explore. This is their advantage and drawback at the same time. Doing something new, Gen Y representative probably is not going to ask any questions for the FIRST time because this assignment will be something NEW, but when he or she will be asked to accomplish the same assignment forth or fifth time, Y-person might ask oneself, "WHY AM I DOING IT? AM I LEARNING SOMETHING?" Even though it is a simple assignment, Ys need some inspiration, some encouragement, at least the REASON why they are doing it.
We, as a generation, were raised with a concept that LIFE IS TOO SHORT, inspired by accomplishments of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Sergei Brin, and Larry Page - the list is unlimited, you name it.
For a long time, we were watching our parents living their reserved lives, saving for retirement everything what they earned, never doing something adventurous, substituting adrenaline with simple "toys" shopping (like cars, boats, etc.) and then retiring and sharing with us their regrets that they never accomplished, what they had planned.
The "old school carrots", "American Dream" attributes do not work for our generation, a classic picture: a house with a backyard, a car, and a lazy vacation in Florida do not make us excited, doesn't make us to move forward.
So, We are, questioning previous generations' lifestyle, came up to the conclusion that we do not want these lives. We truly believe that we are unique or special, or at least we want to feel special, treated with respect like ones, and phrase "LIFE IS TOO SHORT" is pumping in our heads, calling for action.
On one hand, someone might call it spoiled, daydreaming, or not-practical generation.
On the other hand, that might be a new challenge for the true leader or manager. How to deal with/motivate these troops of tough, well-trained, educated, and idealistic young people? In my opinion, the most applicable answer was given by Sun-Tzu in his "Art of War", "Keep your army continually on the move".
In other words, keep us busy, encourage us, lead us, teach us something NEW, and we will accomplish the most unachievable, from the first sight, assignment. We were raised to believe that this fragile life is given to us to realize all our talents and inner potentials. We want to "stay hungry, stay foolish", - we absorbed this phrase from Steve Jobs' Stanford commencement speech, and, moreover, we want know the reasons, observe the results of our efforts, and spend one third of our lives working on something fulfilling and enjoyable.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Thursday, December 13, 2012
My trip to Taipei (or a story from one of the Canadian delegates of JCI World Congress in Taiwan)
My trip to Taipei, to be honest, was a mind-blowing experience, and not because of the combination of my first trip to Asian country, JCI World Congress, and flight to warm place (+25 Celsius) after Calgarian November, but, also, because it was right place, right time, and right people around me there.
Totally different world and life-style were revealed to me: a big, vibrant, hectic, sub-tropical city. A billboard "Welcome to JCI World Congress in Taipei" confirmed our expectations that it will be an inspiring and intriguing experience. A disciplined and quiet Taiwanese cab driver took me and my friend Gary to our hotel - a small, with a local flavor, place, our home in Taipei for 7 days.
7 am in Taipei. After more than 13 hour flight we are tired, hungry, want to take a shower; however, the check-in time is only at 2 pm. As with any new and exciting adventure, adrenalin in my blood doesn't let me feel sleepy. We are going for a almost 6 hour walk around the city - exploring not-touristic places and remote from the city-center streets.
Around 2 pm we are in our room: it is so small that we barely find space for two suitcases, two beds almost touching each other, a city-view - a concrete wall 3 feet away from a window. Warm refreshing shower, a glass of wine, and a short nap have changed the perception of the room - it became bigger and cozier, while the view has acquired positive qualities, such as a lower level of street noise.
After 3 hours of rest, we are getting ready for JCI opening ceremony at 6 pm. Taipei itself has a very developed subway-system, for just $35/week pass, it is relatively easy to transfer from almost any part of the city. We decided not to experiment for the first time and to take a taxi (it costs us $3) from our hotel to Taipei Arena, formerly known as the Taipei Municipal Baseball Stadium, which is big enough to seat more than 4,500 JCI delegates from 120 countries.
My fist JCI World congress memory: the square in front of the Arena, hundreds of people under drizzling subtropical rain, and waving flags of almost all represented countries. Fairly big German delegation was attracting everyone's attention by their bright, grass-green t-shirts and active, full of excitement behaviour - they were promoting 2014 JCI World Congress in Leipzig, Germany.
The opening ceremony has started, and whole stadiums was welcoming presidents from 120 countries. "The president of JCI-Canada," - announced MC (the list was in alphabetical order), and Francois Begin, went on the stage, Canadian delegation stood up to applause him, big Canadian flag appeared on the screen - I would say that something magnetic and powerful was in this moment, I may assume that Olympic athletes experience something similar when they on the stage to accept a medal. At least that how I felt.
Around 11 pm. We are in our hotel room, reviewing tomorrow's schedule and discussing plans for the week in Taipei - it looked like the Congress will be full of the events: trainings, awards, forums, sessions, internationally themed parties, and simply fun networking with the same-minded individuals age 18 to 40 from all over the world.
And Monday has started with JCI Morning show at 9 am and has finished at 3 am with European night. I forgot to mention that during the whole week of the Congress - the background music was "Gangnam Style" by PSY, so keep it mind while reading it, personally me, I have heard this song there more than 100 times, and this internationally acclaimed hit song will be associated with 2012 JCI World Congress in Taipei forever.
Between various sessions and presentations, JCI-Calgary delegation could find some time for several excursions: to Taipei 101 Tower, the tallest (509 m/1669.9 ft.) building from year 2004 until 2010, it offers 101 floors, amazing view, and the world fastest (it takes 37 seconds to get on the top) elevator made by Toshiba. The ticket is only about $15 Canadian.Weather was nice and sunny, we have enjoyed Taipei view and even could have sent souvenir postcards to our families from the top of this building. Haven't heard from my sister yet, if she got Taipei 101 card or not.
Another tour was to Asus head office in Taipei, where we listened to a short presentation and could see and touch recently issued laptops, tablets, and other gadgets of this corporation.
On Wednesday, on the third day of a Congress, I had a chance to attend a presentation of Stan Shih (http://www.acga-asia.org/public/files/2009-07-CV-StanShih.pdf) the co-founder of Acer Group - charismatic, inspiring, and strong businessman and leader. The level of how he recognized and respected by Taiwanese (and most Asian) people would be easier to compare with Bill Gates in the States. During his presentation, Stan Shih compared Western and Eastern business approaches and gave a short overview of, developed by him, a management model, which he called "Wang Dao" - the Way of the King.
His presentation added another missing part into my "whole perception of Asia" puzzle - how diverse could be approaches in different parts of the world to life and business, for example, the sense of family and community, long-term vision (sometimes 10-20 years ahead), and respect to elder generation, small children, and various authorities. Having Asian blood in myself, but being westernized by American books, movies, media, I always had a constant desire to clarify an inner conflict of two totally opposite cultures inside of me.
This trip to Taiwan has helped me to view, in some aspects, quite opposite concepts more clearly, under different angles, where, with globalization of businesses and connections, we need to use as many tools, approaches, teachings, which are and were successful, to be able to "evolutionize" gradually and more efficiently for our future generations.
Talking further about international experience - Junior Chamber International has a tradition - every world congress there are themed parties; during this Congress I have experienced Korean/Asian, European (which I mentioned before), Japanese, and, "Global village" nights. During these events, each country presents something unique and distinctive about their culture, for example, Japanese night is usually a highlight of JCI World congress each year and the main reason is, in addition to uniqueness of "the land of the rising sun" itself, JCI Japan is one of the biggest and advanced JCI communities in the world.
Another event, which, I think, definitely worth mentioning is JCI TOYP (Ten outstanding young persons) award. TOYP is JCI World program which is "intended formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and thus exemplify the best attributes of the world's young people" (quote from Wikipedia "JCI"). On Wednesday night, 10 awardees were invited on the stage of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, a short video story was presented about each person. These stories were so diverse and heartening, and behind each award was a lot of dedication, commitment and passion for community projects.
Each of the TOYP laureates worth acknowledgment here in my blog; however, a speech of the young lady from Madagascar, Fela Mijoro Razafinjato, impressed me the most, and want to share it with you. After being diagnosed with poliomyelitis at the age of three, Fela Mijoro continued her life journey developing humanitarian, voluntary leadership skills and becoming a founder of the organization which provided assistance to more that 2 million disabled persons. The story sounds impressive, but her speech in front of more than 1000 JCI World congress delegates was even more fascinating. She spoke in French, and, unfortunately, I did not have an electronic translator with me, but her strong voice, articulation, energy, commitment to the project, and definitely passion were the best interpreters at that moment.
Forums, sessions, trainings, and the last, fifth, day of the Congress approached. The Gala night with traditional taiwanese dinner was an exclamation mark of the whole convention. Next day we had our flight to Calgary. I didn't feel sad on my way to Taipei international airport because I had strong believe and, now, desire to come back to Taiwan again, to absorb and learn as much as possible about culture and people of this exceptional country.
Totally different world and life-style were revealed to me: a big, vibrant, hectic, sub-tropical city. A billboard "Welcome to JCI World Congress in Taipei" confirmed our expectations that it will be an inspiring and intriguing experience. A disciplined and quiet Taiwanese cab driver took me and my friend Gary to our hotel - a small, with a local flavor, place, our home in Taipei for 7 days.
7 am in Taipei. After more than 13 hour flight we are tired, hungry, want to take a shower; however, the check-in time is only at 2 pm. As with any new and exciting adventure, adrenalin in my blood doesn't let me feel sleepy. We are going for a almost 6 hour walk around the city - exploring not-touristic places and remote from the city-center streets.
Around 2 pm we are in our room: it is so small that we barely find space for two suitcases, two beds almost touching each other, a city-view - a concrete wall 3 feet away from a window. Warm refreshing shower, a glass of wine, and a short nap have changed the perception of the room - it became bigger and cozier, while the view has acquired positive qualities, such as a lower level of street noise.
After 3 hours of rest, we are getting ready for JCI opening ceremony at 6 pm. Taipei itself has a very developed subway-system, for just $35/week pass, it is relatively easy to transfer from almost any part of the city. We decided not to experiment for the first time and to take a taxi (it costs us $3) from our hotel to Taipei Arena, formerly known as the Taipei Municipal Baseball Stadium, which is big enough to seat more than 4,500 JCI delegates from 120 countries.
My fist JCI World congress memory: the square in front of the Arena, hundreds of people under drizzling subtropical rain, and waving flags of almost all represented countries. Fairly big German delegation was attracting everyone's attention by their bright, grass-green t-shirts and active, full of excitement behaviour - they were promoting 2014 JCI World Congress in Leipzig, Germany.
The opening ceremony has started, and whole stadiums was welcoming presidents from 120 countries. "The president of JCI-Canada," - announced MC (the list was in alphabetical order), and Francois Begin, went on the stage, Canadian delegation stood up to applause him, big Canadian flag appeared on the screen - I would say that something magnetic and powerful was in this moment, I may assume that Olympic athletes experience something similar when they on the stage to accept a medal. At least that how I felt.
Around 11 pm. We are in our hotel room, reviewing tomorrow's schedule and discussing plans for the week in Taipei - it looked like the Congress will be full of the events: trainings, awards, forums, sessions, internationally themed parties, and simply fun networking with the same-minded individuals age 18 to 40 from all over the world.
And Monday has started with JCI Morning show at 9 am and has finished at 3 am with European night. I forgot to mention that during the whole week of the Congress - the background music was "Gangnam Style" by PSY, so keep it mind while reading it, personally me, I have heard this song there more than 100 times, and this internationally acclaimed hit song will be associated with 2012 JCI World Congress in Taipei forever.
Between various sessions and presentations, JCI-Calgary delegation could find some time for several excursions: to Taipei 101 Tower, the tallest (509 m/1669.9 ft.) building from year 2004 until 2010, it offers 101 floors, amazing view, and the world fastest (it takes 37 seconds to get on the top) elevator made by Toshiba. The ticket is only about $15 Canadian.Weather was nice and sunny, we have enjoyed Taipei view and even could have sent souvenir postcards to our families from the top of this building. Haven't heard from my sister yet, if she got Taipei 101 card or not.
Another tour was to Asus head office in Taipei, where we listened to a short presentation and could see and touch recently issued laptops, tablets, and other gadgets of this corporation.
On Wednesday, on the third day of a Congress, I had a chance to attend a presentation of Stan Shih (http://www.acga-asia.org/public/files/2009-07-CV-StanShih.pdf) the co-founder of Acer Group - charismatic, inspiring, and strong businessman and leader. The level of how he recognized and respected by Taiwanese (and most Asian) people would be easier to compare with Bill Gates in the States. During his presentation, Stan Shih compared Western and Eastern business approaches and gave a short overview of, developed by him, a management model, which he called "Wang Dao" - the Way of the King.
His presentation added another missing part into my "whole perception of Asia" puzzle - how diverse could be approaches in different parts of the world to life and business, for example, the sense of family and community, long-term vision (sometimes 10-20 years ahead), and respect to elder generation, small children, and various authorities. Having Asian blood in myself, but being westernized by American books, movies, media, I always had a constant desire to clarify an inner conflict of two totally opposite cultures inside of me.
This trip to Taiwan has helped me to view, in some aspects, quite opposite concepts more clearly, under different angles, where, with globalization of businesses and connections, we need to use as many tools, approaches, teachings, which are and were successful, to be able to "evolutionize" gradually and more efficiently for our future generations.
Talking further about international experience - Junior Chamber International has a tradition - every world congress there are themed parties; during this Congress I have experienced Korean/Asian, European (which I mentioned before), Japanese, and, "Global village" nights. During these events, each country presents something unique and distinctive about their culture, for example, Japanese night is usually a highlight of JCI World congress each year and the main reason is, in addition to uniqueness of "the land of the rising sun" itself, JCI Japan is one of the biggest and advanced JCI communities in the world.
Another event, which, I think, definitely worth mentioning is JCI TOYP (Ten outstanding young persons) award. TOYP is JCI World program which is "intended formally recognize young people who excel in their chosen fields and thus exemplify the best attributes of the world's young people" (quote from Wikipedia "JCI"). On Wednesday night, 10 awardees were invited on the stage of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, a short video story was presented about each person. These stories were so diverse and heartening, and behind each award was a lot of dedication, commitment and passion for community projects.
Each of the TOYP laureates worth acknowledgment here in my blog; however, a speech of the young lady from Madagascar, Fela Mijoro Razafinjato, impressed me the most, and want to share it with you. After being diagnosed with poliomyelitis at the age of three, Fela Mijoro continued her life journey developing humanitarian, voluntary leadership skills and becoming a founder of the organization which provided assistance to more that 2 million disabled persons. The story sounds impressive, but her speech in front of more than 1000 JCI World congress delegates was even more fascinating. She spoke in French, and, unfortunately, I did not have an electronic translator with me, but her strong voice, articulation, energy, commitment to the project, and definitely passion were the best interpreters at that moment.
Forums, sessions, trainings, and the last, fifth, day of the Congress approached. The Gala night with traditional taiwanese dinner was an exclamation mark of the whole convention. Next day we had our flight to Calgary. I didn't feel sad on my way to Taipei international airport because I had strong believe and, now, desire to come back to Taiwan again, to absorb and learn as much as possible about culture and people of this exceptional country.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Nabokov's quartet
Bought a book at the used books store in Lethbridge. "Nabokov - a master of English prose - the most extraordinary phenomenon since Conrad" (Edmund Wilson). The book was published in 1966./
Купила книгу, изданную в 1966 году в Нью-Йорке, в магазине подержанных книг. Набоков признанный мастер английской прозы. Люблю его стиль.
Купила книгу, изданную в 1966 году в Нью-Йорке, в магазине подержанных книг. Набоков признанный мастер английской прозы. Люблю его стиль.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Value for shareholders
Food for thought. Cartoon from @NewYorker http://www.newyorker.com/humor/issuecartoons/2012/11/26/cartoons_20121119#slide=6
Monday, November 12, 2012
Judith I Bridgland: That Stolen Modigliani Painting in Skyfall
Judith I Bridgland: That Stolen Modigliani Painting in Skyfall: It was back to the cinema again last night, this time to take my son to see the new James Bond film Skyfall ('not enough car chases'). Whi...
Saturday, November 10, 2012
The Habit of being Happy
It sounds very easy and fun, like in Bobby McFerrin's song - don't worry, be happy.
When I was 14 years old, I had read the book of, nowadays, a classic inspirational writer Dale Carnegie "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living"
At that time, and very often now, it was hard to imagine for me not worrying because I was worrying about everything: my school, my appearance, my classmates, my teachers, and many other things, which any, relatively standard, teenager is worrying about. Therefore, for me it was an almost impossible task to digest and contemplate that book, but I have finished it and even memorized and tried to practice some parts of it.
Surprisingly, more than 17 years passed since, and almost everything in regards of worrying stayed the same, except the scene and probably some characters - classmates were substituted by colleagues, school by work; moreover, because my life has more activity, there are more things which "deserve" headache.
As a person with analytical mind, I am trying to find some logical and shortest way to solve this problem, before it reached its climax, after which normally follows an emotional collapse.
Practicing yoga and keeping a journal help me to focus on what important for me: my health and well-being of my family. However, sometimes, any person can be stupid enough to forget about these essential elements of one's life (yes, I want to be rude here and use word - stupid, because that how it is). This self-pity game happened to me last week again, I was on my way to C-train station, angry and unhappy about everything and everyone.
Then C-train arrived, I found a warm place to sit (do not forget about winter in Calgary), still contemplating my imaginary problems. Next to me was sitting a guy, tall, good-looking, strong jaw line, and skin which became rough from wind, from his clothing I was guessing that he was working at some construction site and was on his way home. He was chatting with his friend, smiling, in other words, he looked content. After some time, I have noticed that he doesn't have right hand, he was using his left hand dialing numbers on the phone, texting, and by the way he was doing it, was clear that he lost his arm just recently, a couple years ago. Watching him, I felt ashamed of my mood, my thoughts, which were minor compare to his or anyone's health related problems.
We dwell in the past or in the future, want some imaginary "toys", stuff, or promotions at work, then we get all above, and still being unhappy, we want more and more. Greed or constant desire of something imaginary, which, many generations were taught by Gordon Gekko, is good, occupied our minds like mantra, virus. Being pressured by media, which persuading us that we ARE already unhappy without some product: cereal, a shampoo, a car, a house (the list is limitless), we forget about the most important part of our life - the present, and everything, which surrounds us right now: our parents, friends, warm house, health.
There is nothing needed, to be honest, the rest of the list is just game, which we were forced to participate and toys, which we were told to acquire.
The answer sounds simple, but difficult to implement and practice every day, the state of being content and balanced should become a habit, which implanted into our minds. I have realized that reading the book "The power of habit. Why we do what we do in life and business" by Charles Duhigg, the power of habit, the habit loop, could be applied to almost everything: fitness, healthy eating, etc. and, also, I am pretty sure, to the state of happiness. It is not a part of personality, it is a habit which should be trained, nurtured every day.
I was lucky, my mom have thought me some elements of life-enjoyment. However, being many thousand miles from her, here in Canada, doesn't help me, and I forget, sometimes, the simplicity and importance of developing this habit. My mom could have been a professional motivational speaker - she knows a lot about Habit of being Happy (let's name it this way). She was born in a very poor family in the Southern part of Ural Mountains, Russia. When she was one year old, she had lost her right eye. Imagine being a teenage girl in 60s with one eye. My mom had been spending all her teenage years at the library, hiding, from such immature and very often cruel world, behind book shelves. What I admire in her the most that she did not give up, she studied very hard, entered the University to become a veterinarian. There, she joined various student groups, where she had met my dad, a bright and handsome guy. And here I am. All my childhood I do not remember any whining, complaining about life difficulties (trust me, life before, during, and after Soviet Union collapse was tough), there always was hope and enjoyment of life each moment.
My mom still knows how to cheer me up, when I call her, she knows a lot about Habit of being Happy. And, I assume, we all have a choice to obtain this knowledge and keep it in our hearts.
When I was 14 years old, I had read the book of, nowadays, a classic inspirational writer Dale Carnegie "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living"
At that time, and very often now, it was hard to imagine for me not worrying because I was worrying about everything: my school, my appearance, my classmates, my teachers, and many other things, which any, relatively standard, teenager is worrying about. Therefore, for me it was an almost impossible task to digest and contemplate that book, but I have finished it and even memorized and tried to practice some parts of it.
Surprisingly, more than 17 years passed since, and almost everything in regards of worrying stayed the same, except the scene and probably some characters - classmates were substituted by colleagues, school by work; moreover, because my life has more activity, there are more things which "deserve" headache.
As a person with analytical mind, I am trying to find some logical and shortest way to solve this problem, before it reached its climax, after which normally follows an emotional collapse.
Practicing yoga and keeping a journal help me to focus on what important for me: my health and well-being of my family. However, sometimes, any person can be stupid enough to forget about these essential elements of one's life (yes, I want to be rude here and use word - stupid, because that how it is). This self-pity game happened to me last week again, I was on my way to C-train station, angry and unhappy about everything and everyone.
Then C-train arrived, I found a warm place to sit (do not forget about winter in Calgary), still contemplating my imaginary problems. Next to me was sitting a guy, tall, good-looking, strong jaw line, and skin which became rough from wind, from his clothing I was guessing that he was working at some construction site and was on his way home. He was chatting with his friend, smiling, in other words, he looked content. After some time, I have noticed that he doesn't have right hand, he was using his left hand dialing numbers on the phone, texting, and by the way he was doing it, was clear that he lost his arm just recently, a couple years ago. Watching him, I felt ashamed of my mood, my thoughts, which were minor compare to his or anyone's health related problems.
We dwell in the past or in the future, want some imaginary "toys", stuff, or promotions at work, then we get all above, and still being unhappy, we want more and more. Greed or constant desire of something imaginary, which, many generations were taught by Gordon Gekko, is good, occupied our minds like mantra, virus. Being pressured by media, which persuading us that we ARE already unhappy without some product: cereal, a shampoo, a car, a house (the list is limitless), we forget about the most important part of our life - the present, and everything, which surrounds us right now: our parents, friends, warm house, health.
There is nothing needed, to be honest, the rest of the list is just game, which we were forced to participate and toys, which we were told to acquire.
The answer sounds simple, but difficult to implement and practice every day, the state of being content and balanced should become a habit, which implanted into our minds. I have realized that reading the book "The power of habit. Why we do what we do in life and business" by Charles Duhigg, the power of habit, the habit loop, could be applied to almost everything: fitness, healthy eating, etc. and, also, I am pretty sure, to the state of happiness. It is not a part of personality, it is a habit which should be trained, nurtured every day.
I was lucky, my mom have thought me some elements of life-enjoyment. However, being many thousand miles from her, here in Canada, doesn't help me, and I forget, sometimes, the simplicity and importance of developing this habit. My mom could have been a professional motivational speaker - she knows a lot about Habit of being Happy (let's name it this way). She was born in a very poor family in the Southern part of Ural Mountains, Russia. When she was one year old, she had lost her right eye. Imagine being a teenage girl in 60s with one eye. My mom had been spending all her teenage years at the library, hiding, from such immature and very often cruel world, behind book shelves. What I admire in her the most that she did not give up, she studied very hard, entered the University to become a veterinarian. There, she joined various student groups, where she had met my dad, a bright and handsome guy. And here I am. All my childhood I do not remember any whining, complaining about life difficulties (trust me, life before, during, and after Soviet Union collapse was tough), there always was hope and enjoyment of life each moment.
My mom still knows how to cheer me up, when I call her, she knows a lot about Habit of being Happy. And, I assume, we all have a choice to obtain this knowledge and keep it in our hearts.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Cultural Neuroscience and Startups
Great article from http://www.bizstone.com/
Cultural Neuroscience and Startups
Henry David Thoreau said, "As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." The emerging interdisciplinary field of cultural neuroscience deals with daily social realities and how they can affect individual members of a culture—perhaps a startup culture.
At a recent World Congress on Positive Psychology Dr Richard J. Davidson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shared research into the positive benefits of compassion and his work reminded me of the startup culture I'm so keen to encourage. Dr. Davidson effectively showed that mindfulness and compassion can enhance the prefrontal cortex—an area of our brain that helps us determine good from bad, controls our personality, and guides us toward our goals.
Previous research published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience showed devastatingly negative results both in the brain and even on organs when stressors are given to produce anxiety. So, if you work with people who are stressing you out or making you anxious then you may be hurting yourself mentally and physically. Ideally, you should work in an environment with compassion, mindfulness, respect, and good, healthy debate when it's needed.
Companies can be a vehicle for positive individual transformation. Startups have a unique ability to create a culture of compassion that helps us improve and in so doing, we are more likely to make a difference in the lives of others. It's possible to build a business, help people, and enjoy our work. How we approach our work is often as important as the work itself because the way we treat each other, our shared environment, and the way we cooperate shapes us as people.
Whatever your role is at the company you work for—whether you're an executive with many reports, or an individual contributor on a team, practicing regular, daily mindfulness and compassion will make you a healthier, more productive person. Additionally, the people you work with are going to respond better and do better work. The outcome is going to be a superior product or service, a happier user or client, and in the best case—a positive global impact.
Posted by Biz Stone
Cultural Neuroscience and Startups
Henry David Thoreau said, "As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." The emerging interdisciplinary field of cultural neuroscience deals with daily social realities and how they can affect individual members of a culture—perhaps a startup culture.
At a recent World Congress on Positive Psychology Dr Richard J. Davidson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shared research into the positive benefits of compassion and his work reminded me of the startup culture I'm so keen to encourage. Dr. Davidson effectively showed that mindfulness and compassion can enhance the prefrontal cortex—an area of our brain that helps us determine good from bad, controls our personality, and guides us toward our goals.
Previous research published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience showed devastatingly negative results both in the brain and even on organs when stressors are given to produce anxiety. So, if you work with people who are stressing you out or making you anxious then you may be hurting yourself mentally and physically. Ideally, you should work in an environment with compassion, mindfulness, respect, and good, healthy debate when it's needed.
Companies can be a vehicle for positive individual transformation. Startups have a unique ability to create a culture of compassion that helps us improve and in so doing, we are more likely to make a difference in the lives of others. It's possible to build a business, help people, and enjoy our work. How we approach our work is often as important as the work itself because the way we treat each other, our shared environment, and the way we cooperate shapes us as people.
Whatever your role is at the company you work for—whether you're an executive with many reports, or an individual contributor on a team, practicing regular, daily mindfulness and compassion will make you a healthier, more productive person. Additionally, the people you work with are going to respond better and do better work. The outcome is going to be a superior product or service, a happier user or client, and in the best case—a positive global impact.
Posted by Biz Stone
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