What leads you towards excellence?

There is a saying, “Nothing succeeds like success; and nothing fails like failure.” We appreciate the end results, but never look at the efforts. It points to a business-like approach. But life is much more than business. Two students joined a laboratory to do research. One pursued a stereotype approach, followed a well-known path and got some results, published them and left the laboratory with a certificate. The other tried to do something new, but at the end of five years, finished only half of what he was meant to do. He did not get a certificate, because there was no appreciation for his unconventional efforts. The attempt to innovate was nipped in the bud.

A company asked a scientist to develop a solar cell. He developed one, but the efficiency of the solar cell was half of the efficiency of the solar cell available in the market, and the manufacturing cost was double. The scientist was fired.

Both examples suggest that we are not ready to pay a price for innovation. In both cases, there was no lack of sincerity and effort. We do not have patience to develop on our own. We borrow and buy the by-products of others and enjoy them. When we passed out from the school, our headmaster gave a piece of advice. He said, “Dear boys! While growing up, try to depend less and less on others and more and more on yourselves. That would help you develop confidence and lead you towards excellence.”

Today we are lamenting the lack of excellence everywhere; in our educational institutions, in our science, technology and in our manufacturing and services. Ideas are borrowed. Implementation processes are borrowed. Technology is borrowed. Therefore there is no excellence. When we have nothing to show in the present, we go back to the past and claim that our past was better than others. How long will we bask in past glory which has now only limited or no relevance?

Not long ago we did produce a few Nobel laureates, great thinkers and reformers, leaders and doers. It happened because we yearned for change and to achieve it, we were committed and prepared to undertake sacrifices in order to prove our potential and excel.

The spirit of sacrifice gradually faded after Independence. The need of the hour is to excite the youth, encourage them to follow the path less travelled, to overcome the hurdles of destiny, and to shift the target forward so that they can learn to walk ahead fearlessly. Uncertainty could be converted into certainty and hurdles into opportunities.

Only a robust general educational system, can help us achieve this. Positive change will come only when the means of change is based on truthfulness and honesty. MK Gandhi brought about a change in us because he adhered to these principles under all circumstances.

Growth must be universal, not local. In science we have seen that universal laws are more effective than the local ones which are subject to fluctuations. There are many scientists but only a few are remembered, like Newton, Einstein and Darwin because they showed us the eternity of science and the beauty of its creations.

Science is not destructive, it is our inability to use it for constructive, peaceful purposes that proves to be dangerous.

Source: TOI The Speaking tree 27 Feb, 2019

Why You Should Work Less and Spend More Time on Hobbies

As professionals around the world feel increasingly pressed for time, they’re giving up on things that matter to them. A recent HBR article noted that in surveys, most people “could name several activities, such as pursuing a hobby, that they’d like to have time for.”

This is more significant than it may sound, because it isn’t just individuals who are missing out. When people don’t have time for hobbies, businesses pay a price. Hobbies can make workers substantially better at their jobs. I know this from personal experience. I’ve always loved playing the guitar and composing. But just like workers everywhere, I can fall into the trap of feeling that I have no time to engage in it. As head of demand generation for Nextiva, I have enough on my plate to keep me busy around the clock. I can easily fall into the trap of the “72-hour workweek,” which takes into account time people spend connected to work on our phones outside of official work hours.

When I crash, there’s always the temptation to do something sedentary and mindless. It’s little surprise that watching TV is by far the most popular use of leisure time in the U.S. and tops the list elsewhere as well, including Germany and England.

But by spending time on music, I boost some of my most important workplace skills.

Creativity. To stand out and compete in today’s crowded and constantly changing business environment, organizations need new, innovative ideas that will rise above the noise. I’m tasked with constantly looking for new ways to attract attention from potential buyers. But coming up with a fully original idea can be difficult when your mind is filled with targets, metrics, and deadlines.

A creative hobby pulls you out of all that. Whether you’re a musician, artist, writer, or cook, you often start with a blank canvas in your mind. You simply think: What will I create that will evoke the emotion I’m going for?

It’s no surprise that by giving yourself this mental space, and focusing on feelings, you can reawaken your creativity. Neuroscientists have found that rational thought and emotions involve different parts of the brain. For the floodgates of creativity to open, both must be in play.

Perspective. One of the trickiest tasks in the creative process is thinking through how someone else would experience your idea. But in doing creative hobbies, people think that way all the time. A potter imagines how the recipient of a vase would respond to it. A mystery novelist considers whether an unsuspecting reader will be surprised by a plot twist.

When I take a break from work to go make music, I reconnect with that perspective. I keep thinking about how someone hearing my song for the first time might respond. I do all I can to see (or hear) the world through someone else’s eyes (or ears). Then, when I resume the work project, I take that mentality with me.

Confidence. When I face a tough challenge at work and feel stymied, I can start to question whether I’ll ever figure out a successful solution. It’s easy to lose creative confidence. But after an hour of shredding on the guitar, hitting notes perfectly, I’m feeling good. I can tell that my brain was craving that kind of satisfaction. And when I face that work project again, I bring the confidence with me.

It turns out people like me have been studied. In one study, researchers found that “creative activity was positively associated with recovery experiences (i.e., mastery, control, and relaxation) and performance‐related outcomes (i.e., job creativity and extra‐role behaviors).” In fact, they wrote, “Creative activity while away from work may be a leisure activity that provides employees essential resources to perform at a high level.”

So to my fellow professionals, I highly recommend taking some time to keep up your creative hobby. It doesn’t have to be long. A study found that spending 45 minutes making art helps boost someone’s confidence and ability to complete tasks.

I also suggest you encourage your business to celebrate employees’ hobbies. Zappos puts employee artwork up on its walls and encourages people to decorate their desks in whatever ways they wish. Some businesses hold talent shows. Even employees who may not have these kinds of talents should be encouraged to do something that feels creative and fun. Some CEOs spend time on their own hobbies, setting the right example.

And when you find a little time for a creative hobby break, make it guilt free. After all, when you do this, everyone stands to gain.

Source: HBR 07 Feb, 2019

CEO of Vodafone Business to join Cognizant as CEO

His appointment will be effective from April 1, 2019. Following his appointment, Francisco D'Souza, who co-founded Cognizant and has served as CEO since 2007, will serve as full-time Executive Vice Chairman.

Information technology company Cognizant has announced that it has named Brian Humphries, currently the CEO of Vodafone Business, as its CEO and a member of the Board of Directors. Humphries' appointments will be effective April 1, 2019.

Following Humphries' appointment, Francisco D'Souza, who co-founded Cognizant and has served as CEO since 2007, will serve as full-time Executive Vice Chairman to facilitate the transition through June 30, 2019. Thereafter, he will remain on the Board as Vice Chairman.

As CEO of Vodafone Business, Humphries has been responsible for its global enterprise, consisting of all business-to-business fixed and mobile customers, as well as Vodafone's Internet of Things, Cloud-Hosting, Carrier Services and Security Solutions. 

Vodafone Business is part of Vodafone Group, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies. During his time leading Vodafone Business, the division accounted for nearly a third of the Vodafone Group's service revenue with approximately €12 billion in sales globally. Humphries previously held leadership positions at global technology leaders Dell and Hewlett-Packard.

"With a strong track record of success across different companies, cultures and roles, Brian is the right executive to lead Cognizant and build on its 25 years of growth, success and innovation," said Michael Patsalos-Fox, Cognizant's Chairman of the Board. "Our industry is entering a dynamic new growth stage. Brian is a broadly experienced technology executive with a proven track record of driving enterprise-wide transformation through focused execution, often in challenging and highly competitive market segments. Brian brings a global perspective and a keen knowledge of our businesses and the technologies with which we innovate. We're confident he has the ideas, energy, ambition and insights to extend the remarkable track record of success under Frank's leadership."

"It is an honor and a privilege to join Cognizant, which has been at the forefront of the digital revolution – driving innovative and transformational change for many of the largest enterprises in the world," said Humphries. 

"Cognizant is renowned for being laser-focused on its clients' needs, developing business solutions and services that help clients position their companies for the future. I look forward to building on the great work and collaboration Cognizant has with clients, the development of innovative solutions and its operational execution and strength. The opportunity to lead Cognizant is an exciting one."

D'Souza said, "During my 25 years at Cognizant, including the last 12 as CEO, and the last seven months as Vice Chairman, I've had a bird's-eye view of the world-changing technology revolution that is reshaping how we work, live and play. Cognizant has been fortunate to play a leading role in that transformation. While I have enjoyed serving as CEO, I believe this is the right time for me to step aside and for the Company to name a new leader to build on the strong foundations we've created and take Cognizant into the future."

D'Souza added, "The Company has the strategy and people in place to continue to deliver innovative technologies and solutions that help our customers realize their full potential in a digital world. I know Brian will help Cognizant deliver on its commitments to our clients and continue to build value for our shareholders. I am committed to continuing to support Cognizant as we make this transition and beyond as Vice Chairman of the Board. I want to thank Michael Patsalos-Fox and our fellow Board members for their support and my many colleagues for their engagement and hard work, which have made Cognizant the success it is today."

Brian Humphries' Experience and Expertise

Brian Humphries joined Vodafone from Dell where he most recently held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of its Infrastructure Solutions Group, based in Boston and Geneva. Previously, he was President of Dell's Global Enterprise Solutions, a group with approximately $15 billion in revenue, and before that he was Vice President and General Manager, EMEA Enterprise Solutions.

Before joining Dell, Humphries was with Hewlett-Packard where his roles included Senior Vice President, Emerging Markets; Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development; and Chief of Staff to the Chairman and Chief Executive. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of HP Services. The early part of his career was spent with Compaq and Digital Equipment Corporation.

He received his Bachelors of Business Administration with Honors, from the University of Ulster in 1996.  

Source: People matters 07 Feb, 2019

Future Libraries : Usage of technology, innovation and creativity

I will start this post with a video from a public library from Toronto, Canada



The function of libraries will evolve in accordance with our world. For example, it has been suggested that libraries will cease to be places where content is collected and mediated, but will instead be recognized as a place where institutionally-created content is curated. Elsewhere, it has been argued that traditional perceptions of the library as mere collectors of information objects needs to be vigorously challenged so that libraries are recognized as the place to go in search of support in the process of converting information into new knowledge.

Technology continues to evolve, and as it does it is becoming more and more integrated with society.. Smart appliances and voice controlled assistants are just two examples of how technology is evolving to make people’s lives easier. As technology changes the way we manage our lives, will it also affect the way libraries are managed?

Lets see few technologies for future libraries

1. Library bookmark and guide



An interesting concept from a Chinese design company Toout. This little tiny device is in the first place a regular bookmark. But on top of that it also has features that could make using the library much easier.
First of all, the device would be a perfect companion when navigating through the library, by giving turn-by-turn directions to the book the patron wants.The device could also keep track of all borrowed books, as well as remind the user of the return dates.

2. Augmented reality apps

librARi is a concept of an image based augmented reality application, created by Pradeep Siddappa. A lot has been said about using augmented reality in libraries, but there are few examples that would let us actually see it. The app would point you to the new arrivals. It would also be able to find and point to similar books. Simple, but useful, and very probable.

3. Book delivery drone



To get the book from a library, you can either go and find it, or you can let it find you. The future belongs to unmanned flying machines, and just like Amazon drones can deliver the goods to customers, libraries could deliver the books to patrons.
Library drone is not even the close future. It’s already happening. Australian start-up Flirtey has teamed up with a book rental service Zookal to create – the first in the world – textbook delivery system.

4. Digital interface for print books



Anyone who tried e-books would never give up the convenience of a digital interface and all other helpful tools. Searching the content of the book (including smart search), looking for a reference on the web, getting an instant translation, writing notes, or collecting book passages – all this can be done on the same device that we use to read an e-book. We can obviously borrow an ebook instead of a print book, but here is a better idea – enhance the print book with a digital interface.

Finger Link is a project currently developed by Fujitsu that will let you use digital tools to work with a printed book.

5. Print on demand machines



Bookless libraries, where you can’t find a single print book, launch regularly. They obviously won’t kill traditional libraries, just like e-books don’t kill print books. The digital-only route has its disadvantages.

To me, every digital-only library should offer their patrons the ability to instantly make a print version of the book. Let’s put aside the question who is going to pay for this. The most important question is that sometimes the book has to be real to make use of it.

Futuristic Libraries

Innovations will also lead to advancements in digital data management that will result in more accurate subject search results and citations while enabling libraries to more effectively curate and display relevant resources.

Libraries are going through a renaissance(transformation or rebirth), both in terms of the social infrastructure they provide and in terms of a diversification of the services and experiences offered. In corporate environments they are playing an increasingly important role in the provision of collaborate workspace and innovation. In communities they are evolving into hubs for education, health, entertainment and work.