New Post (193): Anna Hazare’s fasting fist
Indian politicians are a breed apart.
Shameless, arrogant, vainglorious,... & "servile" ! ...
The status quo stands challenged.
The “fist of fasting” is giving them a “pummeling”.
And it has the politicos totally confused.
Get this ...
In a country where hunger and suicides have long ceased to have any news value whatsoever….
… the government is trying it’s utmost to prevent an old man Anna Hazare from going on a protest hunger strike.
What’s he guilty of ?
He is calling attention to the monumental scale of corruption in the Indian government.
And wants it fixed, so common citizens can “impeach” the high and mighty. With no one being except from scrutiny.
Clearly - This one old man's fasting in protest is now inescapably turning into one mass clenched fist of the people - that will have consequences - for the government of the day.
In the tradition of a Gandhi and a JP, this man Anna Hazare – has the love and respect and follower-ship of all Indians.
You may want to look up – Gandhi, "Satyagraha", "anshan", fasting, non violence, peaceful, Anna Hazare, "Jan lokpal" bill, protest…………..
Search now. Explore more. To get a fuller appreciation of the unfolding challenge to the status quo in India.
Anna Hazare speaks for “all” of India.
Charlie Brown.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Debt is not a 4 letter word.
New Post (192): Debt is not a 4 letter word.
With the unfolding hi-drama in the USA and (southern) Europe most observers have been treating debt like the bubonic plague.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Debt is what finances the deficit of a nation.
Currency too is a form of sovereign dept.
It is what a government chooses to do with finances raised through debt that can potentially do harm.
The sourcing of funding is not an issue. The subsequent deployment of that funding is a problem---or can be.
The key to it all is --- oversight ! (ceaseless hawkish regulation)
We are blaming the car for the driver’s recklessness.
Raising the debt ceiling is like kicking the cans down the road. Eventually all we would see is only a pile up of cans and no road.
There is an urgent need to make fashionable once again the idea – “live within your means”.
This might even save the environment……….
A combo of the gold standard together with penalty points for carbon footprint may encourage greater responsibility by nations.
Charlie Brown
With the unfolding hi-drama in the USA and (southern) Europe most observers have been treating debt like the bubonic plague.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Debt is what finances the deficit of a nation.
Currency too is a form of sovereign dept.
It is what a government chooses to do with finances raised through debt that can potentially do harm.
The sourcing of funding is not an issue. The subsequent deployment of that funding is a problem---or can be.
The key to it all is --- oversight ! (ceaseless hawkish regulation)
We are blaming the car for the driver’s recklessness.
Raising the debt ceiling is like kicking the cans down the road. Eventually all we would see is only a pile up of cans and no road.
There is an urgent need to make fashionable once again the idea – “live within your means”.
This might even save the environment……….
A combo of the gold standard together with penalty points for carbon footprint may encourage greater responsibility by nations.
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Nepalese Maoist's view of Nepal's situation.
New Post (191): The Nepalese Maoist's view of Nepal's situation.
In terms of per capita income, Nepal is the poorest country in Asia.
Just before he was elected prime minister of the country, Nepal's Maoist leader Prachanda stated this rather immaturely I’d say: "Nepal," he said, "is dynamite between two rocks."
A creative variation on – Being caught up between “a rock and a hard place”.
Prachanda was probably & unwisely so trying to get India and China to take him more seriously by - playing Nepal's giant neighbors off against each other.
He should know better.
The game is not at all about getting regional superpowers to fight over you, but to get them to cooperate in lifting Nepal out of poverty.
The poorest country in Asia can't afford to base its foreign policy on the insecurity of its neighbors. It must try to put them at ease and benefit from trade and investment.
It’s economy, ravaged by a decade of war and poor governance, is growing at 3% or less.
But it borders two economies with more than a billion people each and both growing in the double digits. To the awe & envy of the world at large.
Nepal must hitch its wagon to both the locomotives in its vicinity. Without taking sides or seeming to be doing so. I think they call it the policy of maintaining - “EQUIDISTANCE.”
Charlie Brown
In terms of per capita income, Nepal is the poorest country in Asia.
Just before he was elected prime minister of the country, Nepal's Maoist leader Prachanda stated this rather immaturely I’d say: "Nepal," he said, "is dynamite between two rocks."
A creative variation on – Being caught up between “a rock and a hard place”.
Prachanda was probably & unwisely so trying to get India and China to take him more seriously by - playing Nepal's giant neighbors off against each other.
He should know better.
The game is not at all about getting regional superpowers to fight over you, but to get them to cooperate in lifting Nepal out of poverty.
The poorest country in Asia can't afford to base its foreign policy on the insecurity of its neighbors. It must try to put them at ease and benefit from trade and investment.
It’s economy, ravaged by a decade of war and poor governance, is growing at 3% or less.
But it borders two economies with more than a billion people each and both growing in the double digits. To the awe & envy of the world at large.
Nepal must hitch its wagon to both the locomotives in its vicinity. Without taking sides or seeming to be doing so. I think they call it the policy of maintaining - “EQUIDISTANCE.”
Charlie Brown
Saturday, July 30, 2011
What every spokesperson ought to know.
New Post (190): What every spokesperson ought to know.
The Guerilla journalist’s agenda is to catch a spokesperson off guard and derail his agenda.
It’s a “game” of “agenda versus agenda”.
So - Here’s what every spokesperson ought to know.
I quote: (from an astute observer of this “game”)
Research reporters before agreeing to an interview – Take a look at some of the reporter’s past work. Does he (or she) have a history of entrapping interviewees with harsh questions? Does he have a track record of breaking controversial stories? Is he what you would call a guerilla journalist? You need to pick your battles wisely, and be willing to turn down an interviewer if you suspect things could go south.
Try to avoid on-the-fly interviews – As spokesperson for your company, it’s your job to eliminate as many PR variables and keep things as controlled as possible. The lower the risk, the better the chance is of having a successful interview. When you take an on-the-fly interview, anything can happen because you haven’t done your homework. You’re in an uncontrolled environment asking for trouble.
Be proactive rather than reactive – You have to be looking forward, trying to anticipate issues before they occur. Don’t wait for reporters to dig up negative information. It can be better to release it yourself first if it’s going to get uncovered at some point. This allows you to control the message.
Think before opening your mouth – Whenever you blurt out something without thinking, more times than not, it’s going to end badly. When getting interviewed, take a moment after each question to collect your thoughts and give the best possible answer. Go easy on being eager to impress or desperate to please.
You’re always on the record – [It’s like the Miranda warning] “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” There isn’t really such a thing as “off the record.” If you say something juicy off the record, a reporter will find a way to confirm it and put it on the record. Remember, “You have the right to remain silent.”
Stay on message – Try to steer the conversation as much as possible back to your main message and key bullet points. Use transitional phrases to guide answers back to these messages, and emphasize the positive while avoiding saying anything negative.
Practice makes perfect – The better prepared you are for an interview, the less likely it is that you’ll slip up and say something damaging. Practice the interview in your head, and focus on being able to deliver your key points clearly and confidently.
I hope this wisdom put in practice will help many a career spokesperson and prevent his/her being led on and spiked by any - guerilla journo!
Charlie Brown
The Guerilla journalist’s agenda is to catch a spokesperson off guard and derail his agenda.
It’s a “game” of “agenda versus agenda”.
So - Here’s what every spokesperson ought to know.
I quote: (from an astute observer of this “game”)
Research reporters before agreeing to an interview – Take a look at some of the reporter’s past work. Does he (or she) have a history of entrapping interviewees with harsh questions? Does he have a track record of breaking controversial stories? Is he what you would call a guerilla journalist? You need to pick your battles wisely, and be willing to turn down an interviewer if you suspect things could go south.
Try to avoid on-the-fly interviews – As spokesperson for your company, it’s your job to eliminate as many PR variables and keep things as controlled as possible. The lower the risk, the better the chance is of having a successful interview. When you take an on-the-fly interview, anything can happen because you haven’t done your homework. You’re in an uncontrolled environment asking for trouble.
Be proactive rather than reactive – You have to be looking forward, trying to anticipate issues before they occur. Don’t wait for reporters to dig up negative information. It can be better to release it yourself first if it’s going to get uncovered at some point. This allows you to control the message.
Think before opening your mouth – Whenever you blurt out something without thinking, more times than not, it’s going to end badly. When getting interviewed, take a moment after each question to collect your thoughts and give the best possible answer. Go easy on being eager to impress or desperate to please.
You’re always on the record – [It’s like the Miranda warning] “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” There isn’t really such a thing as “off the record.” If you say something juicy off the record, a reporter will find a way to confirm it and put it on the record. Remember, “You have the right to remain silent.”
Stay on message – Try to steer the conversation as much as possible back to your main message and key bullet points. Use transitional phrases to guide answers back to these messages, and emphasize the positive while avoiding saying anything negative.
Practice makes perfect – The better prepared you are for an interview, the less likely it is that you’ll slip up and say something damaging. Practice the interview in your head, and focus on being able to deliver your key points clearly and confidently.
I hope this wisdom put in practice will help many a career spokesperson and prevent his/her being led on and spiked by any - guerilla journo!
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Amy's personal demons galore.
New Post (189) : Amy's personal demons galore.
In fond memory of Amy Winehouse RIP 23.07.2011
Some believe that just because she was a Celebrity, she did not have to struggle with any personal demons. That she was exempt from this struggle.
Fact is : “To be human is to struggle with your own personal demons”.
The difference between her and many others is that she could not overcome her demons.
It's important to face down your demons. [Else you will be well on your path to self destruct]
Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself / herself.
The demons reside within.
You struggle with your demons and you conquer them.
May her soul rest in peace.
A nagging thought : I (do) wonder if celebrity status can potentially quite easily turn in to “a curse of sorts”.
Charlie Brown
In fond memory of Amy Winehouse RIP 23.07.2011
Some believe that just because she was a Celebrity, she did not have to struggle with any personal demons. That she was exempt from this struggle.
Fact is : “To be human is to struggle with your own personal demons”.
The difference between her and many others is that she could not overcome her demons.
It's important to face down your demons. [Else you will be well on your path to self destruct]
Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself / herself.
The demons reside within.
You struggle with your demons and you conquer them.
May her soul rest in peace.
A nagging thought : I (do) wonder if celebrity status can potentially quite easily turn in to “a curse of sorts”.
Charlie Brown
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Forest versus trees.
New Post (188): Forest versus trees.
If you want to position yourself as a high-status individual with the capacity to lead, know that: Power comes from abstraction, not just from facts.
Abstract thinkers feel less constrained by details and prefer higher-power roles.
Abstract thinking broadens options, while thinking concretely is more likely to make people discouraged.
So, if you want to take a step up, envision advancing the company’s wider game plan, and leave the bean counting to others.
The key to making big moves is thinking in terms of why (insights & strategy) rather than how (implementation).
“When you’re going through your to-do list, think about the higher-level goals each action serves.”
I often find myself reluctant to give my clients concrete advice, because I feel it could be limiting, and less powerful than the advice they give themselves. Better to ask them questions to see if they can come up with their own effective answer before I start feeding them mine.
It’s often a good idea for a consultant to describe the big picture his client is in and why they should listen before he or she jumps into the facts and figures.
The power speech begins with a wide angle shot, then zooms in for the close up, then zooms out to mid-range
In a way, the mind is like a camera. It can zoom in and look at detail, or it can zoom out and see the big picture.
The really powerful lenses and minds can do both. See both the forest and the trees.
Charlie Brown
If you want to position yourself as a high-status individual with the capacity to lead, know that: Power comes from abstraction, not just from facts.
Abstract thinkers feel less constrained by details and prefer higher-power roles.
Abstract thinking broadens options, while thinking concretely is more likely to make people discouraged.
So, if you want to take a step up, envision advancing the company’s wider game plan, and leave the bean counting to others.
The key to making big moves is thinking in terms of why (insights & strategy) rather than how (implementation).
“When you’re going through your to-do list, think about the higher-level goals each action serves.”
I often find myself reluctant to give my clients concrete advice, because I feel it could be limiting, and less powerful than the advice they give themselves. Better to ask them questions to see if they can come up with their own effective answer before I start feeding them mine.
It’s often a good idea for a consultant to describe the big picture his client is in and why they should listen before he or she jumps into the facts and figures.
The power speech begins with a wide angle shot, then zooms in for the close up, then zooms out to mid-range
In a way, the mind is like a camera. It can zoom in and look at detail, or it can zoom out and see the big picture.
The really powerful lenses and minds can do both. See both the forest and the trees.
Charlie Brown
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A day long peek into the lives of the poor in India.
New Post (187) : A day long peek into the lives of the poor in India.
So interesting…………
Not a life that you would expect the future CEOs from the most prestigious B-school of India to lead.
But this is what some of the IIM-B students experienced for a day early this week — just to know what it is to be poor.
Just Rs 20 in pocket. Surviving on single banana for breakfast, rice dish from roadside vendor for lunch, biscuits for tea time.
[Note : Indian Rs 45 is roughly equal to 1 USD.]
As part of their elective programme 'Inclusive Business Models', 75 students were exposed to another world — that of people who live with just Rs 20 per day
That is the below poverty line cut-off in India.
The students, in groups of five, went to different slums in and around Bangalore, interacted with the slum-dwellers, trying to understand their lives and finally come up with suitable business solutions that can help them.
How refreshing……………
Charlie Brown
So interesting…………
Not a life that you would expect the future CEOs from the most prestigious B-school of India to lead.
But this is what some of the IIM-B students experienced for a day early this week — just to know what it is to be poor.
Just Rs 20 in pocket. Surviving on single banana for breakfast, rice dish from roadside vendor for lunch, biscuits for tea time.
[Note : Indian Rs 45 is roughly equal to 1 USD.]
As part of their elective programme 'Inclusive Business Models', 75 students were exposed to another world — that of people who live with just Rs 20 per day
That is the below poverty line cut-off in India.
The students, in groups of five, went to different slums in and around Bangalore, interacted with the slum-dwellers, trying to understand their lives and finally come up with suitable business solutions that can help them.
How refreshing……………
Charlie Brown
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