Embracing Change: Professional Growth Through Nature’s Metaphor

Reflecting on Professional Growth

This morning, a simple walk led me to a profound realization. Observing a majestic tree standing tall along the roadside sparked a contemplation on the parallels between its journey and our paths to professional excellence.

Much like the tree shedding leaves, we, too, must let go of our egos and personal agendas to strive towards a greater purpose in our work. Just as the tree withstands strong winds, there are times when we must stand firm on beneficial ideas, even if they initially face resistance within our teams.

Similar to how the tree faces challenges like rots and insect infestations, we encounter our own battles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome in the workplace. Moreover, just as the tree provides shelter for birds and creatures, we often find ourselves accommodating others at work, going the extra mile for the collective success of the team.

The tree’s journey serves as a poignant metaphor for the resilience, selflessness, and continuous growth essential to flourishing in our careers. What are your insights on the qualities required to stand tall in your professional endeavors?

Are we measuring work productivity right?

In today’s world of AI and data analytics taking over most work place jobs and tools ,”Are we measuring work productivity in the right way.”(Gear up for some Lengthy reading☺️)

I used to have a colleague at work who used to come half an hour late to work, then spend some time making her tea trying to catch up with everybody at work. Have a bit of office networking in the morning and then settle down to do her work at around 11:30 when our work day/ hours start at 8:30am while the rest of the colleagues have already contributed three hours into work .She would start her P.C ,read through her emails, she would then decide to start doing her work for an hour and break for lunch with the others by 1pm and the second round after lunch with the rest of the team have already reached their peak and still looking to complete their work by 4:30 pm which is our closing time ,she would then decide to take up an activity/some work project that would need her clear focus and used to stay back after work.

Unsure whether it would be for half an hour after work or over an hour after work because none of our colleagues had ever stayed back and seen as to how long she was staying back after work and our management used to appreciate her because she always stayed back or worked extra hours and also she was super proud of herself and being in senior position she also used to make us feel guilty for trying to finish work on time which made me wonder is this the right way to measure productivity ?Just because she was staying back and working extra hours is she productive ? Where as in reality the rest of the the team members have come on time done the complete 8 hours of work and left home on time compared to someone who’s had a very relaxed day and then decided to stay back just an hour ignoring the fact that she came late in the morning is given the best employee award / always appreciated.

I definitely think this is just not my personal experience, but most of you would have had a similar employee or a friend or a team member who works the same way as my colleague used to do .I started looking at productivity tools to measure employee productivity either in healthcare sector or in the IT industry I’ve come across a few tools and recommendations, but are these the best? And do they actually intend to measure what they’re supposed to?

Let us consider feedback or customer feedback : How good are they? I currently work in healthcare sector where we are advised to take patient feedback which may sometimes be influenced by how they were treated in the hospital ,hours of waiting times,how someone greeted them, how someone make them felt when they were sick, or admitted with some illness on which health health care professionals sometimes may not have control over .A nurse would have had a long day at work or an irate patient relative speaking rudely to her because of long waiting times they had in A&E which would then affect her emotions, interaction with other patients and her performance for the rest of the day and someone working in customer service or sales would have experienced similar issues.

When I was working for a Test Prep Consultancy with the team of counsellors and I used to observe them making telephone calls to students to try and convert them into admissions for foreign universities.One counsellor’s calls would just require a brief talk like giving them the basic details and ask them to come and see the counsellor in the office where as some counsellors used to really take time, talk to the student to know their interests ,the time that suits them , the budget that works for them ,what type of university they are looking for …then come up with some alternatives and used to offer advice and get the student to come to office to discuss this information.In suchcases if you’re measuring productivity just from the number of calls they are making is that really a good way of measuring ?

When I compare a counsellor who would has done hundred calls in a week would and convinced two students for admission whereas a counsellor who would have done just 15 calls and still converted two students has put some real time research and efforts into place compared to the other in my opinion has a good conversion rate but again she was not be appreciated enough because her call numbers were less.

Data(Numbers) or work hours, may not always bethe right way of measuring employee productivity.When I’ve done my research online about the work hours, I see that most of most of the organisations internationally especially in the west recommend 40 hours work week or even less ,Most of the Indian organisations still have 48 hour work week and the recent debates about 70 hour and 90 hour work week made me think of how many hours can a human brain focus straight ?The answer is 6 to 8 hours and that is with minimal distractions and not to forget that our attention span is for 90 minutes and the hours of brain focus is different for different individuals and varies with factors like age.

When I was looking at work tools used to measure productivity online. I’ve come across few tools like 360° feedback ,customer feedbacks ,performance appraisals, KPIs .However all these tools to my knowledge to some extent rely on data and numbers . Should not there be a human factor or an emotional component that should be taken into consideration .We are not robots after all?

P.S:Please share your thoughts on this, and what tools do you use for measuring employee productivity in your teams.

ChatGPT generated image.

When should the word “For” be used in a sentence :

There are different reasons to use the word “for “ in a sentence.

1.For is used to mention a duration / time period/ specific time .

Example: My class is for one hour .

We lived there for four years .

I have a reservation for May 10th.

2.For is used to show emotions / thoughts in relation to some one or something .

example: I am happy for you .

I feel sorry for him.

3.For can be used to show  belonging to some one.

example: This flowers are for you.

That gift is for my mom.

4.‘For ‘can be used to show reason or cause / purpose.

example:We bought  an A.C  for your room.

This brush is( meant ) for painting .

I worked hard for good grades / marks .

5.For can be used for indicating a relation to an occasion.

I shall invite you for my birthday .

Come over to our house  for Diwali.

6.For can be used for Distance :

I walked for 2miles .

There was not even a single gas station for the next 5 Kms.

Where else do you think …the word “for” can be utilised?Share your thoughts…..

Are you dealing with Workplace politics ?

Oh dear,Work place politics and rumours are  inevitable.

  As a novice in my first work place ,I always used to think that politics used to happen in the place only where I work and getting out of that place was the only solution.

   Only after going to my second work place did I realize that office politics are inevitable and they are embedded into the system .Just like you cannot inhale  only pure oxygen from the mixture of gases ,working for an organization does not alone mean dealing with the work related issues,it also demands you to put up with the office politics and the grape vine.

  At times you may also be a part of it .When others are involved we may love to listen but  when we are given a role  in which it goes against our expectations we want to have in the work place,it can be a little disheartening.

 The reasons behind this are many. A wide range of factors may be involved like One person gaining too much of popularity or fame with the employers or the clients,being different from other employees on the team,speaking facts upfront or it can also be due to sort of jealousy when your colleagues consider you as a competitor,your age ,your physical traits….so on. 

There were times when I spent hours pondering over this issue,reading articles from some online portals as to how to deal with it .However  a little positivity dawned  when I read a quote from one of the books of Dale Carnegie that says”No one ever kicks a dead dog.”That means you are criticized and involved in false rumours  because doing  so with you gives the doer a feeling of importance. So  I am not defending or saying that we are perfect ,each one has their own flaws and their own style of working but if you are worrying a great deal about the office politics that is the answer. Moreover   these rumours can bring out the brighter side of you  into limelight and also make people think about you in analysing whether the rumours about you are true  or false.

 One of my friend who  worked as a branch admin was hard working and keen on documentation. When the manager of the branch resigned and when the organisation was keen on giving the existing employees a chance to lead the branch,it so happened that one of her colleague raised false allegations against her saying she had manipulated some bills .My friend who was ignorant about the false allegations felt very bad and surprised when the management brought this complaint to her and demanded an explanation .She managed to stay calm and showed all the records she maintained .

The Management were impressed with her work and her colleague who raised false allegations was never entertained next time and lost her reputation in the branch prior to this incident,she lost all her worth in one day and the credit she got so far was also under scrutiny.My  friend who never tried for any  appreciation (but who did her work perfectly)got into limelight and was promoted

So the moral of the story is” Let people talk whatever they want if your work is good it will be evident  sooner or later and clear documentation is always helpful in workplace and rumours cannot cloud your limelight for a long time .Worrying a great deal about Workplace politics is a waste of time.”

Understanding an Ielts writing task 2

Writing an IELTS essay is something which the students usually have hiccups and misconceptions about.I wouldn’t say it is easy but it is possible to score band 7 and above if we know how to frame the essay.

           To know what to write in an essay first let us understand on what basis British council or IDP expects us to write:The evaluation criteria for an IELTS essay.They include :

  1. Task response or Task Achievement(25%)
  2. Coherence and Cohesion(25%)
  3. Lexical resource/Vocabulary(25%)
  4. Grammar(25%)

    Task response or Task achievement : the extent to which the exam question is correctly answered.It is interpreted differently for Task 1 and Task 2.For Task 1 it can be  clear depiction of the trends in the graph or pie chart including accuracy of the data, for Task 2 it depends on how you are answering the question stem .

Let us consider the example given below to understand what parts comprise the question.

Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The Writing task 2 question is usually divided into two parts: the first part is the statement that throws light on the topic at hand while the second part the question stem plays the crucial role for it is to this you need to decide how you want to answer.We are free to choose agree or disagree as long as we have enough points to support ourselves.It is always good to brainstorm which side we take and what points we have to support our stance rather than starting to write straight away.A good essay should have at least two examples for supporting the action statement or your stance. Always read the question at hand properly and never start writing without understanding the question.For instance, most of the students in my classes would write:Yes I agree that alternative forms of medicine are useful………Now let us take a look at the statement in the question once again, the last part of it speaks in negative tone about the alternative forms of medicine describing them as ineffective and dangerous.It is to this, the question stem asks whether you agree or disagree?

If we agree we need to support our statement with disadvantages or negative points about alternative forms because we are agreeing its dangerous or ineffective and if we disagree we need to support our stance with positive points or benefits of alternative forms.Another common mistake students make is not writing in terms of the question asked….Some students write as…….. In my opinion alternative forms of medicine are helpful or the advantages of alternative forms of medicine are…….which was never mentioned in the question stem rather the same positive or negative points can be stated in the form of whether you agree or disagree.

Test takers also need to bear in mind that there are different types of IELTS essays like Opinion essays,Discussion essays,Agree /disagree, Opinion essays,Solution essays.Advantage and disadvantage essays.

So the way you approach each of these essays is different especially in the way you write your introduction.However the organization of essay into Intro ,body and conclusion is still the same.

Coherence & Cohesion: Coherence is connecting our ideas through logical sequencing in terms of paragraphs at the idea level while cohesion is the flow that we maintain through out the essay and the connectivity in terms of sentences .Coherence refers to the flow of writing as to how well your ideas are sequenced into paragraphs.Most of the students directly start the introduction with advantages or disadvantages,sometimes the paragraphs contain both advantages and disadvantages popping up alternatively.For logical sequencing or cohesion we can use linking words/cohesive devices which also add more variety to your sentence structures.The most commonly used words would be ‘and’ ,’but’. For instance:a common reply to the question which is your favorite pet and why?Most of the students would answer:A dog is my favorite pet because he is friendly and also dogs are more loyal when compared to cats.This can also be written as:Dog is my favorite pet as dogs are friendly moreover they are loyal to their owners than felines.Similarly the words ‘nevertheless’ ,’despite’ and’ however’ can be used instead of’ but’ depending on the sentence.Excessive use or inaccurate use of cohesive devices is not encouraged.Adequate and appropriate use is essential for higher scores.
I always recommend 👉 https://ieltsliz.com/ for the best IELTS lessons and tips.Also do check👉https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/ for the best use of cohesive devices.

Grammar :In terms of grammatical range and accuracy as to what is expected on IELTS test from test taker can be checked in the links mentioned below,👉https://www.britishcouncil.it/en/exam/ielts/prepare/videos/english-grammar

👉https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_speaking_3_-_grammatical_range_accuracy.pdf

Lexical resource:Refers to the range of vocabulary that can be used in speaking or a writing task .Use of simple vocabulary is always recommended but avoid monotony of words.Do not use complex language making it difficult for the examiner to understand your ideas .

👉https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_speaking_2_-_lexical_resource.pdf .

Here is a list of few words and their synonyms that we commonly come across on IELTS essays

Please do remember do not blindly use the synonyms ,use them as per the context of the sentences.

  1. Accept: receive, take, gain, obtain, acquire.
  2. Advantages: merits, benefits, profits, gains.
  3. Authority: power, command, jurisdiction, control, supremacy.
  4. Available: obtainable, accessible and handy.
  5. Barriers: restraints, impediments, obstacles, hindrances.
  6. Because: since, for the reason that, owing to.
  7. Beautiful: attractive, pretty, handsome, alluring, gorgeous.
  8. Change: alter, adjust, adapt, amend, modify, refine.
  9. Citizens: citizenry, public, populace.
  10. Country: state, nation, realm, principality, kingdom.
  11. Difficult: hard, strenuous, arduous, laborious, painful.
  12. Disadvantages: drawbacks, demerits.
  13. Easy: effortless, painless, simple, facile, trouble free.
  14. Eager: keen, desirous, impatient, anxious, longing.
  15. Elderly: aged, old, geriatric.
  16. Feasible: realistic, viable, sensible, and reasonable.
  17. Government: administration ,executive ,regime ,authority.
  18. Happy: cheerful, jovial, jolly, glad, delighted.
  19. Important: salient, crucial, vital, significant, essential.
  20. Improve: enhance, upgrade, better, ameliorate.
  21. Influence: effect, impact.
  22. Interesting: fascinating, enthralling, engrossing, riveting, compelling.
  23. Similar: alike, corresponding, parallel, identical, same, equivalent.
  24. Use: utilize, employ, make use of, wield, ply.
  25. Youngster: youth, juvenile, teenager, adolescent.

The essay should be organized accordingly :

  • Introduction:Paraphrasing the essay question with your view or answer to the question.
  • Body paragraph 1:One supporting statement  or reason no.1,elaborate on that and give some examples for the same or advantages of a particular topic at hand
  • Body paragraph 2:One supporting statement or reason no. 2 to support your stance or disadvantages in case of an advantage disadvantage essay with appropriate examples .
  • Conclusion:Summarizing or restating what you have written in the previous paragraphs and what made you consider your view which you have already stated in the introduction

*Never submit an essay with out a conclusion.

*Your introduction and conclusion should not have different opinions.*

*Take time to reread/proof read your essay before submission of your essay /test paper.

Hope this is helpful.Happy writing👍

How to keep Calm under Pressure while at work 🤯😇

Over the years I have mastered this art of keeping calm under pressure .My daily routine of working as a nurse in Emergency department in an organisation like NHS and previous job role as an administrator in an office and the previous roles where I worked as a class co ordinator have helped me in mastering this skill and now in being able to share my insights with you in this post .

Most of us experience this pressure / stress in day to day life either it be reaching work on time ,reaching a deadline at work ,being available for a presentation and organising a client meeting the list never ends .The fear of not being able to complete a task on time or not fulfilling a promise or failing to achieve set targets is the main source of our pressure .

We don’t want to be that underachieving team mate .All of us like to be looked up as a valuable team member that everyone can count upon .But trust me none of the job roles are easy to fulfil without undergoing that stress in most of the situations.

Following are the 7 steps I follow to keep calm under pressure and to effortlessly improve my performance .

1.Start early -A day started peacefully is the day started right rather than the day where you rush to office and you have already had an adrenaline rush .I don’t go half an hour early to shift but prefer to be there 5 to 10 min early than my shift time ( which I have learnt from my work place colleagues )so I can greet my colleagues ,have ample time to plan depending on what I have got for the day.Wake up early and keep all the things you need ready the prior day so that your morning is pleasantly started .

2.Prioritise your tasks -Sometimes your day at work may feel like crap with too many tasks pending from the previous day or previous shift and the only option you are left with is .. to deal with them .In such a scenario prioritising the tasks would always be handy and it avoids duplication of work and saves time too .Definitely there are few tasks which need your best attention and some may not require your complete attention ,so priorities always help .

3.Delegation and asking for help -In the beginning of my career I used to prefer doing all things by my self because I felt asking for help was a sign of weakness ,later as I moved up the ladder I realised it is not always possible to complete all the tasks on your own and delegation of tasks makes your team members feel valuable and involved.And also I have realised that Asking for help does not make you weak in fact not asking for help means so.It is more courageous step and way cooler than keeping it all to yourself and straining your nerves.

4.Deep breathing and Music -When I feel the pressure building up , I just take few deep breaths and have some quiet time with my self .If the day is too busy or if surroundings are noisy,I take a 10-15 minute break ,pick my favourite song ,plug my ear phones and play it loud .This helps me to disconnect and refresh my mind .

6.Unwind,This too shall pass-The only way to play it cool is not to think about it too often and take each day as it comes .Follow your daily routine ,have something to look forward to on your off days .Call your family and friends and speak to them for at least a few minutes in a day .When it is getting too stressful and when you feel low remember that you have a life outside your workplace too and about times when you felt so,and how you overcome it.Feel free to share your thoughts with friends /colleagues (at least with one )at work and ask what they think and what they did when they were in your situation .Sometimes they should have already been there and know better ways to deal with it .

5.One task at a time -There are times when we multitask and we often do this under stress .We think it saves time but it actually affects our productivity and and brings down the quality.I prefer doing one single task at a time and doing it right rather than doing too many things at the same time .

7.Reward yourself and stay positive-Be optimistic about your self and your work challenges .Don’t aim for perfection and Don’t compare yourself to others .Every person’s journey is different and no two individuals are the same Reward yourself when you meet your deadlines .I always treat myself to one favourite takeaway /restaurant in a month or treat yourself to a soothing spa or trip .

Hope these tips would be of help and feel free to share if you have any new ways /ideas to keep calm under pressure .

Introduce Yourself (Example Post)

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

  • Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
  • Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

  • Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
  • What topics do you think you’ll write about?
  • Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
  • If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.