ISB graduation day for '05 batch
Just read the speech delivered by Chief Guest, Daniel Vasella, MD., Chairman and CEO of Novartis AG at ISB graduation ceremony, And the I have atleast not heard(read actually) a more relevant and thought provoking speech.
You can see it at ISB-website
Outstanding in the way he has built it all up while using analogies and metaphors all along.
I have placed his words in quotes and my take below it …..
" You are entering a wonderful land full of pastures, creeks, fields of crops and fruit trees, and in some places one may – with some luck - even find some minerals and gold. What you discover and learn and how you master the terrain will depend on you. It is a hilly region and the horizon often limits the view, so when you cross the bridge today, you will not be able to see it all, and the best may be neither visible nor close. Some of you may find your personal field close by and you will spend a life time on it. Others among you may have to walk and search for a long time, working on the way, improving your skills and gaining experience."
These thoughts best describe the path for the new batch of ‘06. There are so many treasures and rewards hidden in the year ahead, in various forms like personal development, friends , self-discovery , increased horizons and of course monetary rewards. Some people will with a little bit of luck start with stratospherical salaries becoming an object of envy of all others. Some things which we all might actually gain out of it all may not be visible form outside and hence unexpected. What we will become out of the experience will definitely depend on each of us as an individual.
“As you continue on your path, start to work and you will discover and learn how to best cut the grain, your arms will become stronger and your movements more agile and faster. “
And that is what we all should expect. We all cannot be expected to master the situation as soon as we enter the hallowed portals of ISB. It is only as we spend time and learn that we will become good at it . At first it might feel tough and difficult, but with self- confidence everybody who wishes will be able to do it.
“ When you chose a place look to the sky and check the elements, as this will influence your performance. Work will be easier when the conditions are right – more productive during mild days, more limited when it is hot and humid. There are days and weeks with glaring sun at which time vulgar stones may shine like diamonds. Hours and money may be spent to get a claim -- just to find out in the evening, after a hectic day that you have filled your pockets with gravel.”
How true. Students have been seen working or spending time on trivial and useless pursuits, which at the time of reckoning ( placements) do not give any advantage.
“As Nehru said, “Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism, the way you play it is free will…There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.””
There is no way that you will not end up a winner if you sincerely decide it to be so in whatever way it might be.
“But what are your views on ethics and values? With all the corporate scandals ranging from Enron to Worldcom, Tyco and so many others, every business school today must also talk about laws, regulations, ethics and integrity, personal values, right and wrong. I am sure that you have developed a perspective of your own about these matters.”
This is something I have tried to discuss in my earlier posts :-) ....
“As you know there is often a lack of clarity in life, and a tension which pulls into opposing directions. Ambiguity is something we have to learn to live with, without its creating discomfort for us.”
I know a lot of us including me are apprehensive , about how things will be and how we will cope with it and where we will be after all this……. Well we all will have to deal with it and forge ahead.
“Be comfortable with seemingly contradictory situations, feelings and actions. You will of course encounter many people who can not deal with ambiguity, people who always want simplicity and clarity. So, you as leaders will have to create the clear direction for them. This is an act of will and part of leadership. Your instinct and judgment will indicate the right actions and timing for you, as Alexander the Great knew when he cut the Gordon Knot, finding a stunningly simple solution for a complex problem. “
Definitely this ability to deal with ambiguity best will separate the leaders from the followers of tomorrow, amongst the students.
“Finally, I’d like to share with you some thoughts that are very important, but which you probably won’t hear a lot about in your career. There will be days when you feel the pleasure of accomplishment. But the truth is, there will be times when you are disappointed, angry or sad. This is normal. Have the confidence to accept these feelings, trust your self, be genuine, and also transparent with others. Be yourself and don’t try to play a role. Tough days never last forever and after follow the good days. Your family and friends will support you in difficult times, therefore understand and respect also their needs and strike the right balance for yourself and for them.”
How true! We all ( the batch of ‘06) can just cut paste this statement for the one year of our life going forward.
All the mantras of success for the year ahead have been listed , so whenever I feel tired , disappointed let down, I will just look at this post of mine for encouragement…
“The new land is yours – at least for some time – make the best out of it, it’s up to you. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world. Infinite striving to be the best is man’s duty, it is its own reward. Everything else is in God’s hands.”
The year ahead will be full of joys, challenges and hard-work, Here’s wishing all my future batch mates all the best for the coming year. It is now just a short while, before we all start our journey to the top………..
You can see it at ISB-website
Outstanding in the way he has built it all up while using analogies and metaphors all along.
I have placed his words in quotes and my take below it …..
" You are entering a wonderful land full of pastures, creeks, fields of crops and fruit trees, and in some places one may – with some luck - even find some minerals and gold. What you discover and learn and how you master the terrain will depend on you. It is a hilly region and the horizon often limits the view, so when you cross the bridge today, you will not be able to see it all, and the best may be neither visible nor close. Some of you may find your personal field close by and you will spend a life time on it. Others among you may have to walk and search for a long time, working on the way, improving your skills and gaining experience."
These thoughts best describe the path for the new batch of ‘06. There are so many treasures and rewards hidden in the year ahead, in various forms like personal development, friends , self-discovery , increased horizons and of course monetary rewards. Some people will with a little bit of luck start with stratospherical salaries becoming an object of envy of all others. Some things which we all might actually gain out of it all may not be visible form outside and hence unexpected. What we will become out of the experience will definitely depend on each of us as an individual.
“As you continue on your path, start to work and you will discover and learn how to best cut the grain, your arms will become stronger and your movements more agile and faster. “
And that is what we all should expect. We all cannot be expected to master the situation as soon as we enter the hallowed portals of ISB. It is only as we spend time and learn that we will become good at it . At first it might feel tough and difficult, but with self- confidence everybody who wishes will be able to do it.
“ When you chose a place look to the sky and check the elements, as this will influence your performance. Work will be easier when the conditions are right – more productive during mild days, more limited when it is hot and humid. There are days and weeks with glaring sun at which time vulgar stones may shine like diamonds. Hours and money may be spent to get a claim -- just to find out in the evening, after a hectic day that you have filled your pockets with gravel.”
How true. Students have been seen working or spending time on trivial and useless pursuits, which at the time of reckoning ( placements) do not give any advantage.
“As Nehru said, “Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you is determinism, the way you play it is free will…There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.””
There is no way that you will not end up a winner if you sincerely decide it to be so in whatever way it might be.
“But what are your views on ethics and values? With all the corporate scandals ranging from Enron to Worldcom, Tyco and so many others, every business school today must also talk about laws, regulations, ethics and integrity, personal values, right and wrong. I am sure that you have developed a perspective of your own about these matters.”
This is something I have tried to discuss in my earlier posts :-) ....
“As you know there is often a lack of clarity in life, and a tension which pulls into opposing directions. Ambiguity is something we have to learn to live with, without its creating discomfort for us.”
I know a lot of us including me are apprehensive , about how things will be and how we will cope with it and where we will be after all this……. Well we all will have to deal with it and forge ahead.
“Be comfortable with seemingly contradictory situations, feelings and actions. You will of course encounter many people who can not deal with ambiguity, people who always want simplicity and clarity. So, you as leaders will have to create the clear direction for them. This is an act of will and part of leadership. Your instinct and judgment will indicate the right actions and timing for you, as Alexander the Great knew when he cut the Gordon Knot, finding a stunningly simple solution for a complex problem. “
Definitely this ability to deal with ambiguity best will separate the leaders from the followers of tomorrow, amongst the students.
“Finally, I’d like to share with you some thoughts that are very important, but which you probably won’t hear a lot about in your career. There will be days when you feel the pleasure of accomplishment. But the truth is, there will be times when you are disappointed, angry or sad. This is normal. Have the confidence to accept these feelings, trust your self, be genuine, and also transparent with others. Be yourself and don’t try to play a role. Tough days never last forever and after follow the good days. Your family and friends will support you in difficult times, therefore understand and respect also their needs and strike the right balance for yourself and for them.”
How true! We all ( the batch of ‘06) can just cut paste this statement for the one year of our life going forward.
All the mantras of success for the year ahead have been listed , so whenever I feel tired , disappointed let down, I will just look at this post of mine for encouragement…
“The new land is yours – at least for some time – make the best out of it, it’s up to you. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world. Infinite striving to be the best is man’s duty, it is its own reward. Everything else is in God’s hands.”
The year ahead will be full of joys, challenges and hard-work, Here’s wishing all my future batch mates all the best for the coming year. It is now just a short while, before we all start our journey to the top………..
posted by Thought Leader at 4:49 AM
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