Watching Petra Kvitova play against Sharapova in the finals of Wimbledon 2011, reminded me of the historical rivalry between the two legendary players of women’s Tennis – Martina Navratilova & Chris Evert.
Kvitova enchants us with her simplicity, shy smile, calm and composed demeanour. Her tennis is embellished with power, purpose, and perseverance. Sharapova’s beauty goes beyond her long legs, ear-rings, blonde hair and high shrieks. Her tennis is engaged with a silken movement and precision. Like Martina, Kvitova is also a southpaw, while Sharapova, like Evert, plays with both hands. Perhaps it is too early to foretell whether Kvitova and Sharapova may compete often as the two legends. Personally I would prefer the gorgeous and effervescent German Sabine Lisicki play against the unassuming and disciplined Kvitova in future.
The platinum blonde, Navratilova, aptly watching from the Royal box, looked stunning, her high cheekbones giving her a graceful and regal bearing with time. Admiring her compatriot Kvitova’s accomplishment, she must have probably felt nostalgic and overwhelmed with joy
Few rivalries in sports were as fiercely contested as that of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Mohammed Ali fought Frazier 3 times, Borg faced McEnroe 14 times, Sampras faced Agassi 34 times, Federer faced Nadal 22 times - all great rivalries, but Navratilova and Evert met an incredible 80 times over the course of 16 years (with 60 of those clashes coming in finals) with Navratilova edging the series 43-37.
As a child, it was Navratilova - Evert and Borg – McEnroe matches that attracted me to tennis. Another factor that elevated Navratilova – Evert rivalry to an almost celebrity status was their contrasting personalities, their on and off court idiosyncrasies and their playing styles. As Evert puts it, "The beauty of our rivalry was not only that we met so many times, but the contrast: we were night and day, so different in every way and brought our own set of fans to the mix. It was drama."
Evert with a strong baseline game, was elegant, attractive and had an emotionless demeanour which earned her the title of “Ice Maiden”. She was earlier known as "Little Chrissie”, and “Cinderella in Sneakers”.
Navratilova played outstanding serve-and-volley game but due to her sexual orientation was unfortunately cast as the villain. Another legendary player, Billie Jean King once said about Navratilova, "She's the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived.”
Martina was expressive, erratic, muscular, athletic, often giving cold stares to people around the court. Perhaps these traits had a lot to do with Martina’s upbringing and her early life behind the dreaded Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia.
Frank Deford, author and Sports Illustrated writer succinctly described about Navratilova, “How gratifying it must have been for her to have achieved so much, triumphed so magnificently. Yet always to have been the other, the odd one, alone: lefthander in a right-handed universe, gay in a straight world; defector, immigrant; the gallant volleyer among those duplicate baseline bytes. When she came into the game, she was the European among Americans; she leaves as the American among Europeans—and the only grown-up left in the tennis crib. Can't she ever get it right?"
While Evert had the best of their earlier encounters, it was Navratilova who dominated in the 1980s. Though successful on all surfaces; Evert was the ‘Queen on Clay’. Off court they were amazingly close friends and often practiced together, even before the actual matches. Their rallies were all masterpieces of touch, timing, finesse, strategy, stamina, psychology, disguise, spin and intelligence. Thankfully none of these two legends grunted or groaned and it was this blend of grit, grace and glamour that captivated our hearts.
While Evert gracefully retired, Martina had another contender to beat – ‘The Strokes of Genius’, athletic and reticent - Stefani Graf. They had some epic battles fought with dogged determination, emblazoned with blend of youth against old, right hand against south paw, introvert against extrovert, with Steffi finally defeating Martina in style.
There was a certain romance, joy and a sense of elation when Steffi was around. Steffi with stunning legs and a strong forehand was known as ‘Fraulein Forehand’. She displayed intense concentration, energy and versatility across all playing surfaces. Steffi tossed the ball too high, induced pace in the game, and rarely used her backhand. Her footwork looked unbelievable giving her the perfect balance, speed and power to hit a moving ball in air.
Michael Stone in New York Magazine once wrote, “Graf is exciting to watch no matter whom she plays. Unlike Evert whose baseline game is primarily defensive, or Navratilova with her muscular net - rushing tactics, Graf plays an aggressive all court game, ripping ground strikes with an abandon that baffles the opponents.”
Steffi had her epic battles with Evert as well. In the first half of 1990’s Steffi and Spain's Arantxa Sanchez Vicario had one of the more exciting rivalries in tennis, with Graf eventually clinching 22 championships including the Golden Slam.
Steffi was later challenged by Monica Seles who had to relinquish playing tennis after a ghastly stabbing incident. After the retirement of Steffi, Women’s tennis almost lost its charm. Monica played well but it was her grunting that was obnoxious and unbearable. The next decade was dominated by Williams sister’s with strong baseline game coupled with their grunting, athleticism, and attacking strokes. Along with superior tennis, the William sisters are also famous for their fashion faux pas. Between the two they have won nine Wimbledon titles.
From 1990’s, Women’s tennis became a glamorous sport with the arrival of gorgeous Anna Kournikova. Anna’s matches with cute looking Martina Hingis were always looked upon. Hingis gained popularity at a very young age but failed to demonstrate the tenacity required for any champions. Anna never won a Grand Slam but that didn’t stop the slim, oestrogen bomb to secure the title of "Sexiest Woman in Sport" followed with huge modeling contracts. Before Anna, it was Gabriela Sabatini, known as “Pearl of the Pampas” and “The Divine Argentine”, who had the hottest looks and a splendid backhand that made her clinch the US Open.
Wimbledon is a coveted, traditional tennis tournament and that conservativeness is reflected in the white clothing rule. But the color restriction has not stopped the players to express themselves and challenge the rules. Nadia Petrova is famous for her fluffy Ellesse apparels. Bethanie Mattek Sands never fails to attract attention with her looks and the recent Lady Gaga's designer jacket adorned with white tennis balls must have created a furore amongst the organisers. Venus William’s new zipper jumper with an open back is definitely unique, whether you like it or not, only this time in a much better way than her shocking Australian Open 2011 choices and the most of the provocative 2010 season dresses.
The game has changed significantly. There are many fashionistas and grunters around. The purists despair against plunging necklines and rising hems but not the sponsors, media and marketers. For them, women’s tennis is huge business and the celebrity status of players, garners more interest among spectators.
The players today are increasingly focusing on their looks, fitness, and some of them are equally serious about their game. Already the girls have become cynosure of all eyes. Let’s hope these beautiful ladies will continue playing good tennis with similar grit, grace, gumption so as to attract spectators based on their craft and become a model of gracious sportsmanship like Evert, Navratilova & Graf.
Reference: Martina Navratilova - Navratilova Legacy - Voice, Tennis, and Time http://sports.jrank.org/pages/3418/Navratilova-Martina-Navratilova-Legacy.html#ixzz1RAARar13
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Harnessing The Pygmalion & Galatea !...
Has it ever occurred to you, why some employees perform consistently well and why others struggle? Do you often rack your brains, and ponder how do we get our teams to increase their effectiveness and enhance performance?
Well, the answer to the above questions lies in the famous Pygmalion & Galatea Effect.
Pygmalion first appeared in Greek mythology as a King of Cyprus who carved a beautiful statue of a woman called Galatea. Overtime Pygmalion deeply falls in love with the statue and begins to wish that his beloved statue breathed some life. Pygmalion prays to Goddess Venus asking her to give him a lover just like the statue. Venus is touched by his love and brings the statue Galatea, to life.
Do you remember the famous movie, “My Fair Lady”? The movie was based on the famous play ‘Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts’ written by George Bernard Shaw. In the play, Henry Higgins makes a bet that he can train a bedraggled Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, to pass for a Duchess at an ambassador's garden party by teaching her to assume a veneer of gentility, the most important element of which, he believes, is impeccable speech.
In simple words, the Pygmalion Effect means "You get what you expect". If you expect disaster, your expectations may well be met in a kind of "self-fulfilling prophecy". Come to think of, the recent best seller, ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne subtly tends to highlight this aspect.
Long time ago, J. Sterling Livingston in Harvard Business Review perspicaciously described The Pygmalion effect in Management. "The way managers treat their subordinates is subtly influenced by what they expect of them." Livingston went on to say about the supervisor, "If he is unskilled, he leaves scars on the careers of the young men (and women), cuts deeply into their self-esteem and distorts their image of themselves as human beings. But if he is skillful and has high expectations of his subordinates, their self-confidence will grow, their capabilities will develop and their productivity will be high. More often than he realizes, the manager is Pygmalion."
Can you imagine how performance will improve if supervisors communicate positive thoughts about people to people?
Today this very principle is used by sports coach. The legendary Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh used to share with his team lots of positive thoughts and his expectations with the team. He used to hand out a page to every player stating their individual strengths and his expectations about their performance before the match. No wonder his team managed to become number 1 in Tests and One day international and managed to create a record winning streak of 16 tests in a row.
At work place, the supervisor forms expectations about the employee's behaviour and performance. These expectations in turn influence the supervisor’s behaviour towards the employee. An employee who is expected to do well receives more emotional support thorough verbal and non-verbal cues, frequent and valuable feedback and reinforcement, challenging goals, better training and more opportunities to demonstrate her or his performance. These have positive effects on the employee who in turn demonstrate desired behaviours and better performance, thereby supporting the supervisor's original expectations.
Apparently the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy can be summarized in these key principles:
1. We form certain expectations of people and events.
2. We communicate those expectations through various cues.
3. People tend to respond to those cues by adjusting their behavior to match them.
4. The result of the original expectation becomes true.
At the same time one must also be cautious; remember that communication can sabotage staff performance if you tell them, even subtly, the opposite. For example, the supervisor fails to praise his subordinate performance as frequently as he praises others or the supervisor talks less to a particular employee. All these lead to de-motivation and creates negative impact. Therefore it is important that a culture of appreciation and providing individual constructive feedback is regularly practiced by managers across all levels.
Here are some practical ways to harness the Pygmalion Effect:
• Hold frequent, positive verbal interactions with the employee
• Communicate consistently your firm belief in the employee's ability to perform the job.
• Make sure employees are receiving consistent messages from others.
• Provide opportunities for employees to work on increasingly challenging assignments.
• Make sure they succeed at each step before moving forward.
• When coaching employees focus more on employee strengths
• Encourage employees to visualize the successful execution of tasks
• Enable the employee to participate in potentially successful projects that bring continuous improvement to the workplace.
Now let’s quickly understand how Galatea Effect works.
A manager could be having low expectations from an employee or an initial neutral impression could get lowered due to the employee making a mistake. The manager then begins to wonder if this person has what it takes to be successful in the organization. His verbal and non-verbal communication conveys the lack of confidence in the abilities of the employee. This doubt leads the manager to watch this person more carefully. The employee, of course, notices this reservation and begins to sense a loss of trust. The employee then gradually starts doubting his own judgment and competence. This process results in a destructive relationship that is fuelled by negative expectations.
So, are you unwittingly communicating low expectations to your team? If yes, gradually change the way you behave. Remember people’s expectations of themselves also affect their performance. This is called the Galatea Effect. Employees who think they will succeed are most likely to succeed. So it goes without saying that any actions the supervisor takes to increase the employee's feelings of positive self-worth will help the employee's performance improve.
Pygmalion effect can cause Galatea Effect and both can be powerful performance management tools. The simple truth is that almost all of us behave pretty much according to the way we’re treated, isn’t it!
Well, the answer to the above questions lies in the famous Pygmalion & Galatea Effect.
Pygmalion first appeared in Greek mythology as a King of Cyprus who carved a beautiful statue of a woman called Galatea. Overtime Pygmalion deeply falls in love with the statue and begins to wish that his beloved statue breathed some life. Pygmalion prays to Goddess Venus asking her to give him a lover just like the statue. Venus is touched by his love and brings the statue Galatea, to life.
Do you remember the famous movie, “My Fair Lady”? The movie was based on the famous play ‘Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts’ written by George Bernard Shaw. In the play, Henry Higgins makes a bet that he can train a bedraggled Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, to pass for a Duchess at an ambassador's garden party by teaching her to assume a veneer of gentility, the most important element of which, he believes, is impeccable speech.
In simple words, the Pygmalion Effect means "You get what you expect". If you expect disaster, your expectations may well be met in a kind of "self-fulfilling prophecy". Come to think of, the recent best seller, ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne subtly tends to highlight this aspect.
Long time ago, J. Sterling Livingston in Harvard Business Review perspicaciously described The Pygmalion effect in Management. "The way managers treat their subordinates is subtly influenced by what they expect of them." Livingston went on to say about the supervisor, "If he is unskilled, he leaves scars on the careers of the young men (and women), cuts deeply into their self-esteem and distorts their image of themselves as human beings. But if he is skillful and has high expectations of his subordinates, their self-confidence will grow, their capabilities will develop and their productivity will be high. More often than he realizes, the manager is Pygmalion."
Can you imagine how performance will improve if supervisors communicate positive thoughts about people to people?
Today this very principle is used by sports coach. The legendary Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh used to share with his team lots of positive thoughts and his expectations with the team. He used to hand out a page to every player stating their individual strengths and his expectations about their performance before the match. No wonder his team managed to become number 1 in Tests and One day international and managed to create a record winning streak of 16 tests in a row.
At work place, the supervisor forms expectations about the employee's behaviour and performance. These expectations in turn influence the supervisor’s behaviour towards the employee. An employee who is expected to do well receives more emotional support thorough verbal and non-verbal cues, frequent and valuable feedback and reinforcement, challenging goals, better training and more opportunities to demonstrate her or his performance. These have positive effects on the employee who in turn demonstrate desired behaviours and better performance, thereby supporting the supervisor's original expectations.
Apparently the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy can be summarized in these key principles:
1. We form certain expectations of people and events.
2. We communicate those expectations through various cues.
3. People tend to respond to those cues by adjusting their behavior to match them.
4. The result of the original expectation becomes true.
At the same time one must also be cautious; remember that communication can sabotage staff performance if you tell them, even subtly, the opposite. For example, the supervisor fails to praise his subordinate performance as frequently as he praises others or the supervisor talks less to a particular employee. All these lead to de-motivation and creates negative impact. Therefore it is important that a culture of appreciation and providing individual constructive feedback is regularly practiced by managers across all levels.
Here are some practical ways to harness the Pygmalion Effect:
• Hold frequent, positive verbal interactions with the employee
• Communicate consistently your firm belief in the employee's ability to perform the job.
• Make sure employees are receiving consistent messages from others.
• Provide opportunities for employees to work on increasingly challenging assignments.
• Make sure they succeed at each step before moving forward.
• When coaching employees focus more on employee strengths
• Encourage employees to visualize the successful execution of tasks
• Enable the employee to participate in potentially successful projects that bring continuous improvement to the workplace.
Now let’s quickly understand how Galatea Effect works.
A manager could be having low expectations from an employee or an initial neutral impression could get lowered due to the employee making a mistake. The manager then begins to wonder if this person has what it takes to be successful in the organization. His verbal and non-verbal communication conveys the lack of confidence in the abilities of the employee. This doubt leads the manager to watch this person more carefully. The employee, of course, notices this reservation and begins to sense a loss of trust. The employee then gradually starts doubting his own judgment and competence. This process results in a destructive relationship that is fuelled by negative expectations.
So, are you unwittingly communicating low expectations to your team? If yes, gradually change the way you behave. Remember people’s expectations of themselves also affect their performance. This is called the Galatea Effect. Employees who think they will succeed are most likely to succeed. So it goes without saying that any actions the supervisor takes to increase the employee's feelings of positive self-worth will help the employee's performance improve.
Pygmalion effect can cause Galatea Effect and both can be powerful performance management tools. The simple truth is that almost all of us behave pretty much according to the way we’re treated, isn’t it!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Dhoni stamps India’s authority on World Cricket and ensures another Tryst with destiny ! ...
It’s simply an amazing feeling to join the crowd again after 28 years and keep screaming, shouting, prancing, dancing and waving flags.
It’s another moment of pride and happiness for all Indians as Dhoni and his men create history and clinch the ICC World Cup 2011 by defeating Sri Lanka in a 274 run chase by 6 wickets.
India is now the only nation to have won all the formats of World Cup cricket. The 60 overs in 1983, the T20 in 2007 and have managed to break the jinx – by comprehensively winning the 50 overs tournament as a host nation!..
Circa 25th June 1983:…. It was late evening and I still remember as a 12 year old boy, Kapil running behind and taking an unbelievable catch and after a while clinching the world cup with a big grin at Lords, the Mecca of Cricket. 28 years later, it is again late in the evening and who would have imagined that history would repeat with skipper M.S. Dhoni finishing the game in style with a huge six at long on at the modern Mecca and the cradle of Indian cricket in Mumbai. In 1983, Mohinder got Holding LBW then this time it was Yuvraj the man of tournament who along with skipper M.S. Dhoni, the man of the finals finishing the match. Back then skipper Kapil led India’s win with his bowlers and defended a paltry total of 183 against the mighty West Indies, today it was Dhoni’s turn to lead the chase with his amazing batting against another island nation Sri Lanka. In 1983, Indian team was the underdog but this time we were the favourites and the manner is which we achieved this pragmatic victory today simply speaks volumes about our progress in last few years.
2011 witnessed the two best teams in the tournament and led by the two of the finest and dignified captains. Earlier in the day, there was a major guffaw when the match referee had to re-toss the coin. India lost the toss albeit I suspect that Dhoni had won the toss first time. But in the end the toss hardly mattered. What mattered was the team that was able to build partnership, consolidate, find gaps, exploit power plays effectively to their advantage and remain composed. India bowled well and their fielding was simply outstanding.
The first ten overs cleverly tied up the prolific Sri Lankan openers. Zaheer was brilliant throughout the tournament. Today he conceded only 16 runs in 5 overs with 3 maidens and a wicket but was milked in his second and third spell. Unlike South Africa or Australia, India have never been the best fielding side but everyone threw themselves around and managed to save at least 30 – 40 runs. Yuvraj and Raina were live wires on the field between point and cover. Barring Zaheer, India probably did not have the best bowling side in the tournament either but the part timers played a pivotal role.
A partnership from skipper Sanghakarra and Jayewardene added a 50 run stand and were beginning to post a total of over 300 runs. But Yuvraj's discipline bowling got rid of Sanghakarra and Samarweera. Rarely would you describe Yuvraj as disciplined player. But this world cup has been a revelation of his talent and resilence. Jayewardene batted along with Kulasekhara and Pierra and manage to post a huge target of 274 to win. Jayewardene batted tenaciously and scored a brilliant century in 85 balls. The last batting power play fetched Sri Lanka 63 runs. Suddenly the total looked big and unattainable.
The tournaments best openers, Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan didn’t do much. Sehwag felled for a duck. Watching Tendulkar bat has been one of the great sporting privileges of the last 21 years and every Indian prayed and hoped for Sachin’s 100th century in International cricket and the world cup in his hands. The little maestro Tendulkar played some exquisite shots along with his signature straight drive but was caught behind on 18. Malinga was on cloud nine for taking the prize wicket of his Mumbai Indian captain. The entire stadium and Indians across the world were stunned and shocked.
The match was soon turning in Sri Lanka’s favour but Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli with their left and right batting combination remained focused and consolidated the innings. Kohli got out cheaply and in walked Dhoni promoting himself ahead of the in form batsmen Yuvraj Singh. That was the turning point of the match since both Yuvraj and Raina are south paw and it was important that the left/ right combination attack the Sri Lankan spinners. Like the T20 finals in South Africa, Gambhir again displayed enormous patience and determination. He tenaciously scored 97 and deserved a century. Meanwhile Dhoni found gaps between long off and covers. Both these batsmen didn't allow Murali, Malinga and Randiv to settle. Kulashekra & Pierra were relentlessly clobbered. The Sri Lankan bowlers were running out of steam and Sanghakarra seem to have ran out of options.
With Gambhir back in the pavilion, the match almost went to the wire, but it was time for Yuvraj to join the party. Yuvraj made 21 runs. Both he and Dhoni played sensible innings and in the end changed the equation in the final batting power play. Dhoni played a captains knock and scored 91 runs to ensure that Indian run chase did not falter at any point. Sri Lanka fought hard but none of their bowlers could run through the Indian batting.
The entire Indian team displayed wonderful performance throughout the tournament and Tendulkar, Raina, Yuvraj and Zaheer have been exceptional. The manner in which India had defeated big sides in the knock out stage; Australia in Ahemdabad and Pakistan in Mohali had induced more self belief, confidence and definitely the team deserved to win. Coach Gary Kirsten and the support staff deserve a special applause for inducing this belief and bringing this paradigm shift in the Indian dressing room.
Dhoni's captaincy has been fearless, bold, courageous and indeed outstanding. Although he remains calm and compose, today for the first time we saw him emoting on the ground. The tears of joy on the faces of Indian players including Dhoni reflected the kind of huge pressure the men in blue must have had. As a captain, Dhoni backed his hunches and took calls that might seem little bizarre and questionable but like a true leader showed the courage to admit his mistake and take complete responsibility. Under his captaincy India has clichéd the World Twenty20 title, have climbed to the No. 1 spot in Test cricket, and now have won the coveted ICC World Cup 2011.
The finals today also showcased the two great legends for the last time – Muralidharan and Tendulkar. Murali has mesmerized the entire cricketing world and has served Sri Lankan cricket with many memorable match winning performances. His retirement will surely create a huge vacuum. Murali couldn’t contain runs and failed to work his magic. Watching these two old masters at work has been another great pleasures of this tournament.
For the past 21 years, Tendulkar has carried the dreams, burden, hopes and expectations of a billion people and it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to watch him play. Perhaps this would be Tendulkar’s last world cup game. And as Peter Roebuck once said, “Tendulkar’s greatness lies in the excellence of his play, the extent of his achievements and the manner in which he has carried himself past the torments and the tiredness and the backslapping and the bulging bank account and into life itself. He is a brilliant sportsman and a straightforward fellow, and has shown that the combination is possible, despite everything.” No wonder all Indians including every member of the Indian team desperately wanted to win this cup for the humble little master and fulfill his dream of winning the cup. It was difficult to avoid the tears of joy when Sachin received his medal on stage. At the same time, it was very touching and emotional to see the young turks of Indian cricket Raina, Kohli and Yusuf Pathan lifting Tendulkar on their shoulders and carrying him around the ground that incidentally happens to be in his hometown. Although Sachin was overwhelmed, ecstatic and is content to be part of the team, he will continue to remain a true champion, a modest human being and for billions of cricket lovers - The God of Cricket.
The Sri Lankans looked dejected and Jayewardene almost shattered. There were emotions in both camps but eventually the match was worthy of finals and India who performed well in all departments deserved to win.
The World Cup seems to have given new life to the 50-over game and Power plays have influenced the outcome of most matches. Having said that, the world cup has truly provided Dhoni and Indian cricket team to stamp their authority. India was expected to win. It was not a question of mere fragile hope. Nor did the enormous expectation of billion supporters and the 100th international century distract them from their purpose. And therefore its time to rejoice and celebrate with great pomp and fervour Dhoni’s leadership, Tendulkar humongous contributions, the players and support staff's efforts and the success of Indian cricket team.
Congratulations Dhoni, Tendulkar and entire Indian Team and everyone in India. Commiserations to all the other nations who tried and gave a valiant fight.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Clash of Generations !....
Generation gap exists and it is getting wider at workplaces !
For the first time in modern history, we are challenged by having to recruit, retain, motivate and manage up to four generations in the workplace all at once. In India and emerging economies, this gap is increasing everyday. The diverse perspectives, attitudes and needs of these four generations have changed the dynamics of the entire workforce.
Perhaps a little insight into the differences and preferences among the generations can help us understand our colleagues in an age-diverse workforce. This will also help to leverage the talents and capitalize on the diversity within our teams.
Although there is no consensus of the exact birth dates that define each generation, they are generally broken into four distinct groups:
Traditionalists – Born between 1927 and 1945 – Patriotic, loyal, hard-workers and self reliant. They grew up in the shadows of the World War, Great Depression, India’s freedom struggle, feudalism, Partition and all these must have shaped their mindset. They respect leadership and aren’t concerned about career development. This generation is less tech-savvy and prefers personal interaction.
Boomers – Born between 1946 and 1964 - In the West, they are optimistic but in India, they are idealist, cynical and conservative. Partition, Wars (Pakistan/ China) coupled with JP movement, nationalization of industries and green revolution played a significant role in shaping their mindsets. Boomers worked in Government and manufacturing organizations. They feel their youth and almost better part of their career was wasted following egalitarian pursuits and Nehruvian socialism. Their career opportunities were stifled due to license raj, emergency, violent industrial relations and abysmally poor Hindu rate of growth. The Boomers therefore link “sacrifice” with “success.” Interestingly the youth in 60’s managed to twist, jive, shake and rebel.
Boomers demand job security, title, plush corner office, seniority, follow protocol and respect for hierarchy. It is starting to shift however to the value of time. They value face time in the office, respect for organisational hierarchies, and often detest work flexibility and / or even work/life balance trends.
Gen X-ers (Nexters) – Born between 1965 and the early 1980s - Optimistic and competitive. Gen Xers are academically brilliant, highly qualified, have filed several patents and the main culprits of brain drain in India. They saw the world changing rapidly with Indira’s populism, Gaddafi’s terrorism, Regan’s policies, the rise and fall of Thatcherism, Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost. Either you like these politicians or hate them but you could never ignore them.
Gen X in India developed a mental model patterned on a rich, rambunctious, violent and yet a vibrant democracy - comfortable with many views, perspectives, and voices. They have seen tremendous media inventions from cable TV, micro-waves, video games, pagers, cell phones and the most significant being the personal computer.
X-ers tend to look for career security rather than job security, focus on employability than just employment and prefer frequent global and varied work assignments . They dislike rigid work requirements and thrive on freedom, autonomy, diversity, challenge, responsibility and creativity. They want flexible leave policies, paid time off, accelerated career paths, relaxed dress codes, and continuous training. The end of license Raj in India followed with liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation immensely benefitted this generation to leap frog in their career and also become entrepreneurs.
Gen Y (Millennial’s) – Born in 1980 or later - Smart, practical, tech-savvy, outspoken and brand conscious. They believe, “It’s better to have a live-in relationship rather then having a divorced life!” They are just arriving and it is a little too early to really know what they will bring to the workplace.
Gen Y has been pampered, nurtured and programmed with a slew of activities since they were toddlers, which means, they are both high-performance and high maintenance. They communicate through emails, Facebook, YouTube, texting, and Instant Messaging giving them a reputation for being peer oriented and seeking instant gratification. However clear thinking, crisp communication, some what free spirited and restlessness are what defines Generation Y. They know what they want, desire instant gratification and have no qualms about it. They constantly need to know that what they are doing is making a difference and prefer the shortest and often quickest route to success. They expect to be recognized and rewarded more frequently even for mere participation!
Generation Y demands recognition, work/life balance and flexibility. When working with or supervising Generation Y, it’s wise to frequently communicate, reassure, reward and at the same time impose structure, stability and cultivate a team-oriented environment.
A generation's personality is determined by events and conditions that influenced its members during their formative years. These varied influences results in generational differences also known as “Clashpoint” and that is why generations collide. (Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman have coined the word Clashpoint in their book, ‘When Generations Collide’.)
ClashPoints frequently erupt around feedback, rewards, role change, and training. Organisations who are unprepared to deal with Clashpoints -- or worse, ignore them -- risk everything from reduced profitability to wasted human potential and attrition.
The keys to managing generational conflicts are awareness, empathy and flexibility. Apparently a one-size-fits-all career path, structure, reward programmes and HR practices will not work within a three or four generation workforce. Is it any wonder many companies are dealing with hiring challenges, job mismatch, managing expectations, increasing employee attrition, increasing usage of social network, communication challenges and low morale?
By 2020 the workplace in India will be known as ‘Youngistan’ and its time all four generations learn to adapt. To conclude, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
For the first time in modern history, we are challenged by having to recruit, retain, motivate and manage up to four generations in the workplace all at once. In India and emerging economies, this gap is increasing everyday. The diverse perspectives, attitudes and needs of these four generations have changed the dynamics of the entire workforce.
Perhaps a little insight into the differences and preferences among the generations can help us understand our colleagues in an age-diverse workforce. This will also help to leverage the talents and capitalize on the diversity within our teams.
Although there is no consensus of the exact birth dates that define each generation, they are generally broken into four distinct groups:
Traditionalists – Born between 1927 and 1945 – Patriotic, loyal, hard-workers and self reliant. They grew up in the shadows of the World War, Great Depression, India’s freedom struggle, feudalism, Partition and all these must have shaped their mindset. They respect leadership and aren’t concerned about career development. This generation is less tech-savvy and prefers personal interaction.
Boomers – Born between 1946 and 1964 - In the West, they are optimistic but in India, they are idealist, cynical and conservative. Partition, Wars (Pakistan/ China) coupled with JP movement, nationalization of industries and green revolution played a significant role in shaping their mindsets. Boomers worked in Government and manufacturing organizations. They feel their youth and almost better part of their career was wasted following egalitarian pursuits and Nehruvian socialism. Their career opportunities were stifled due to license raj, emergency, violent industrial relations and abysmally poor Hindu rate of growth. The Boomers therefore link “sacrifice” with “success.” Interestingly the youth in 60’s managed to twist, jive, shake and rebel.
Boomers demand job security, title, plush corner office, seniority, follow protocol and respect for hierarchy. It is starting to shift however to the value of time. They value face time in the office, respect for organisational hierarchies, and often detest work flexibility and / or even work/life balance trends.
Gen X-ers (Nexters) – Born between 1965 and the early 1980s - Optimistic and competitive. Gen Xers are academically brilliant, highly qualified, have filed several patents and the main culprits of brain drain in India. They saw the world changing rapidly with Indira’s populism, Gaddafi’s terrorism, Regan’s policies, the rise and fall of Thatcherism, Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost. Either you like these politicians or hate them but you could never ignore them.
Gen X in India developed a mental model patterned on a rich, rambunctious, violent and yet a vibrant democracy - comfortable with many views, perspectives, and voices. They have seen tremendous media inventions from cable TV, micro-waves, video games, pagers, cell phones and the most significant being the personal computer.
X-ers tend to look for career security rather than job security, focus on employability than just employment and prefer frequent global and varied work assignments . They dislike rigid work requirements and thrive on freedom, autonomy, diversity, challenge, responsibility and creativity. They want flexible leave policies, paid time off, accelerated career paths, relaxed dress codes, and continuous training. The end of license Raj in India followed with liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation immensely benefitted this generation to leap frog in their career and also become entrepreneurs.
Gen Y (Millennial’s) – Born in 1980 or later - Smart, practical, tech-savvy, outspoken and brand conscious. They believe, “It’s better to have a live-in relationship rather then having a divorced life!” They are just arriving and it is a little too early to really know what they will bring to the workplace.
Gen Y has been pampered, nurtured and programmed with a slew of activities since they were toddlers, which means, they are both high-performance and high maintenance. They communicate through emails, Facebook, YouTube, texting, and Instant Messaging giving them a reputation for being peer oriented and seeking instant gratification. However clear thinking, crisp communication, some what free spirited and restlessness are what defines Generation Y. They know what they want, desire instant gratification and have no qualms about it. They constantly need to know that what they are doing is making a difference and prefer the shortest and often quickest route to success. They expect to be recognized and rewarded more frequently even for mere participation!
Generation Y demands recognition, work/life balance and flexibility. When working with or supervising Generation Y, it’s wise to frequently communicate, reassure, reward and at the same time impose structure, stability and cultivate a team-oriented environment.
A generation's personality is determined by events and conditions that influenced its members during their formative years. These varied influences results in generational differences also known as “Clashpoint” and that is why generations collide. (Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman have coined the word Clashpoint in their book, ‘When Generations Collide’.)
ClashPoints frequently erupt around feedback, rewards, role change, and training. Organisations who are unprepared to deal with Clashpoints -- or worse, ignore them -- risk everything from reduced profitability to wasted human potential and attrition.
The keys to managing generational conflicts are awareness, empathy and flexibility. Apparently a one-size-fits-all career path, structure, reward programmes and HR practices will not work within a three or four generation workforce. Is it any wonder many companies are dealing with hiring challenges, job mismatch, managing expectations, increasing employee attrition, increasing usage of social network, communication challenges and low morale?
By 2020 the workplace in India will be known as ‘Youngistan’ and its time all four generations learn to adapt. To conclude, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ruminations!!!
This had been scribbled in January however due to some technical problems was unable to post it.
New Year is a time when you silently reflect upon various things that happened last year and make few resolutions. I refuse to make any considering my dismal past record. Despite resolutions I cannot refrain from the seductive charms of a cheerful bookshop or a well-stocked music store knowing fully well that there will be little leisure to read or listen to music. But then isn't leisure a state of mind !
Every year there are books that I read with pleasure, and there are books that are quickly skimmed through. There are many books whose pages are flipped with enthusiasm but do not get a second look. No wonder these books are angrily staring at me. And its time I did something. This year, therefore, I intend to avidly browse my library and revisit the books whose delight I have savoured and more importantly read those whom I have neglected for a while.
Well 2010 started with some ‘Audacity of Hope’.
Autobiographies/ Memoirs:
The Audacity of Hope - With Obama winning the election, I simply couldn’t stop myself from rummaging through this remarkable book which provides an optimistic look at America. Obama uses the book to share his perspective on America's history, present situation, and the challenges the country must overcome in order to have a prosperous future.
Dreams from My Father is an unforgettable read, illuminating not only Obama’s personal journey of discovery but also the universal desire that people have to understand their history and what makes them into the people they are.
High Adventure by Sir Edmund Hillary - With nimble words and a straightforward style, New Zealand mountaineering legend Hillary recollects the bravery and frustration, the agony and glory that marked his Everest odyssey. The memoirs are so inspiring, engaging and indeed insightful. Hillary describes the thrill of expedition, and succinctly conveys his admiration of the human drive to explore, to understand, to risk, and to conquer.
Istanbul - Orhan Pamukh pays homage to his home city and literally encourages you to visit Istanbul during your next holidays.
Politics:
If Management literature is abound by Ram Charan then political and sports books are governed by Ramchandra Guha.
India After Gandhi – Ramchandra Guha’s books are simply irrestible and this book does not disappoint you either.
Imagining India – Nandan Nilekani – book provides a road map that defines the strategies required to build the future of India.
Films:
Something like an autobiography – Akiro Kurosawa – If you love Kurosawa films, then you shouldn’t miss this wonderful literature. The book is a treat for all those who wish to learn about film making.
Cricket & Sports Books:
Indian Summers -Well nothing can match the cricket books written by Sir Neville Cardus, C.L.R. James and Jack Fingleton. I wish some day my friend in Australia and UK would get me the volumes written by these three greats. Its time I request my school buddy Alwyn to help me. John Wright’s Indian Summers is more than one man's story. The book is an account of the dramas and disappointments of a coach and his team who worked and played in an environment where keeping your head is as vital as keeping your wicket. It also lifts the covers on modern Indian cricket, as phenomenon and passion, and explains why coaching India is like no other job in the game.
Pundits From Pakistan is a book on cricket by Rahul Bhattacharya. It covers the Indian cricket team’s tour of Pakistan in the year 2004. While the book is largely about cricket, it also tells of how the tour had an impact that went far beyond sub-continental cricket in terms of the goodwill and sense of bonhomie it created between the people of the two countries, thereby encouraging peaceful relations.
Travelogues:
The Great Railway Bazaar is a travelogue written by Paul Theroux. It recounts Theroux's four-month journey across Asia by train, travelling through Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, before finally returning via the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The Kingdom by the Sea (1983) is a written account of a three month long journey taken by Paul Theroux round the United Kingdom in the summer of 1982.
Science:
The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris is truly a best seller and incisive. No wonder translated into 23 languages and still in demand.
Novels/ Light reading:
You cannot keep a John Grisham away but last year; I was overwhelmed by two famous women writers. The Grass Is Singing by Dorris Lessings is a remarkable novel that provides a bleak analysis of a failed marriage, the neurosis of white sexuality, and the fear of black power that Lessing saw as underlying the white colonial experience of Africa.
‘July's People’ is a 1981 novel by my another favourite Nobel laureate author Nadine Gordimer. Nadine Gordimer wrote this book before the end of apartheid as her prediction of how it would end.
Play:
Tughlaq – A Kannada Play intelligently translated in English by Girish Karnad. In its canvas and treatment, Tughlaq is both huge and contemporary. It is a tale of the crumbling to ashes of the dreams and aspirations of an over-ambitious, yet considerably virtuous king.
Gourmet Books:
Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi is interesting but no where closer to gourmet columns by ‘Busybee’ a.k.a Late Behram Contractor. You can read ‘Rude Food’ from any chapter since it is a compendium of Sanghvi’s various articles.
Eating in India by Chitrita Banerji very appetizing. This book is a fascinating tour through the culinary and cultural landscape of India, with mouthwatering descriptions of local delicacies and brief historical side-tours that provide context and background for the reader.
Recipe Books: I have yet to enjoy Sanjeev Kapoor and Tarla Dalal’s recipe books. But Jeroo Mehta’s ‘101 Parsee dishes’ and India’s famous chef Arvind Sarswat’s book ‘Masala cooking' unravels several authentic delectable recipes. Don’t forget to experiment, Jeroo’s famous Parsi Lamb Dhansak recipe and wash it down with some good beer on Sunday afternoon. Well unless you do not experiment in the kitchen, you will never enjoy these recipes.
Management:
Often, it is a drudgery to read management books especially when there is nothing new. However the books that still manage to enthrall me:
We are like that only: Rama Bijapurkar unravels Indian consumers and presents insights to business who wishes to capture Indian markets.
The Long Tail by Chris Anderson is an important manual for the new economics of the Internet and digital culture. As well as demystifying the numbers it provides an essential guide to how to navigate a world where everything is available, all the time. Although The Long Tail is a business book, it is also about culture in general and how it’s changing.
I have yet to finish reading Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s The Black Swan and Fooled by randomness. Somehow was unable to concentrate on these books, despite knowing how radically different and best sellers these books have been.
Books read again:
Marathi books written by P.L. Deshpande and an inspiring biography of Dada Kondke. Someday must explore if there any books about these phenomenal thespians – Mehmood, Pran and Nilu Phule.
Read again:
A corner of foreign field – Ramchandra Guha.- A must read to understand Indian cricket. Glimpses of World History – Jawaharlal Nehru – I still love reading this epic and you can never keep a P.G. Wodehouse away, can you?
Now I must stop because I have painfully realized that its time to remedy the lamentable state of affairs.
2011 - Time to read the books that have been neglected by me and also savour the pleasures of reading again - Sartre, Bertrand Russell, G.B. Shaw, Aldous Huxley, Ayn Rand and J Krishnamurthy to gain some new perspective and learning. The last time I read them was 20 years ago.
Until then, Belated Happy New Year !!
New Year is a time when you silently reflect upon various things that happened last year and make few resolutions. I refuse to make any considering my dismal past record. Despite resolutions I cannot refrain from the seductive charms of a cheerful bookshop or a well-stocked music store knowing fully well that there will be little leisure to read or listen to music. But then isn't leisure a state of mind !
Every year there are books that I read with pleasure, and there are books that are quickly skimmed through. There are many books whose pages are flipped with enthusiasm but do not get a second look. No wonder these books are angrily staring at me. And its time I did something. This year, therefore, I intend to avidly browse my library and revisit the books whose delight I have savoured and more importantly read those whom I have neglected for a while.
Well 2010 started with some ‘Audacity of Hope’.
Autobiographies/ Memoirs:
The Audacity of Hope - With Obama winning the election, I simply couldn’t stop myself from rummaging through this remarkable book which provides an optimistic look at America. Obama uses the book to share his perspective on America's history, present situation, and the challenges the country must overcome in order to have a prosperous future.
Dreams from My Father is an unforgettable read, illuminating not only Obama’s personal journey of discovery but also the universal desire that people have to understand their history and what makes them into the people they are.
High Adventure by Sir Edmund Hillary - With nimble words and a straightforward style, New Zealand mountaineering legend Hillary recollects the bravery and frustration, the agony and glory that marked his Everest odyssey. The memoirs are so inspiring, engaging and indeed insightful. Hillary describes the thrill of expedition, and succinctly conveys his admiration of the human drive to explore, to understand, to risk, and to conquer.
Istanbul - Orhan Pamukh pays homage to his home city and literally encourages you to visit Istanbul during your next holidays.
Politics:
If Management literature is abound by Ram Charan then political and sports books are governed by Ramchandra Guha.
India After Gandhi – Ramchandra Guha’s books are simply irrestible and this book does not disappoint you either.
Imagining India – Nandan Nilekani – book provides a road map that defines the strategies required to build the future of India.
Films:
Something like an autobiography – Akiro Kurosawa – If you love Kurosawa films, then you shouldn’t miss this wonderful literature. The book is a treat for all those who wish to learn about film making.
Cricket & Sports Books:
Indian Summers -Well nothing can match the cricket books written by Sir Neville Cardus, C.L.R. James and Jack Fingleton. I wish some day my friend in Australia and UK would get me the volumes written by these three greats. Its time I request my school buddy Alwyn to help me. John Wright’s Indian Summers is more than one man's story. The book is an account of the dramas and disappointments of a coach and his team who worked and played in an environment where keeping your head is as vital as keeping your wicket. It also lifts the covers on modern Indian cricket, as phenomenon and passion, and explains why coaching India is like no other job in the game.
Pundits From Pakistan is a book on cricket by Rahul Bhattacharya. It covers the Indian cricket team’s tour of Pakistan in the year 2004. While the book is largely about cricket, it also tells of how the tour had an impact that went far beyond sub-continental cricket in terms of the goodwill and sense of bonhomie it created between the people of the two countries, thereby encouraging peaceful relations.
Travelogues:
The Great Railway Bazaar is a travelogue written by Paul Theroux. It recounts Theroux's four-month journey across Asia by train, travelling through Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, before finally returning via the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The Kingdom by the Sea (1983) is a written account of a three month long journey taken by Paul Theroux round the United Kingdom in the summer of 1982.
Science:
The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris is truly a best seller and incisive. No wonder translated into 23 languages and still in demand.
Novels/ Light reading:
You cannot keep a John Grisham away but last year; I was overwhelmed by two famous women writers. The Grass Is Singing by Dorris Lessings is a remarkable novel that provides a bleak analysis of a failed marriage, the neurosis of white sexuality, and the fear of black power that Lessing saw as underlying the white colonial experience of Africa.
‘July's People’ is a 1981 novel by my another favourite Nobel laureate author Nadine Gordimer. Nadine Gordimer wrote this book before the end of apartheid as her prediction of how it would end.
Play:
Tughlaq – A Kannada Play intelligently translated in English by Girish Karnad. In its canvas and treatment, Tughlaq is both huge and contemporary. It is a tale of the crumbling to ashes of the dreams and aspirations of an over-ambitious, yet considerably virtuous king.
Gourmet Books:
Rude Food by Vir Sanghvi is interesting but no where closer to gourmet columns by ‘Busybee’ a.k.a Late Behram Contractor. You can read ‘Rude Food’ from any chapter since it is a compendium of Sanghvi’s various articles.
Eating in India by Chitrita Banerji very appetizing. This book is a fascinating tour through the culinary and cultural landscape of India, with mouthwatering descriptions of local delicacies and brief historical side-tours that provide context and background for the reader.
Recipe Books: I have yet to enjoy Sanjeev Kapoor and Tarla Dalal’s recipe books. But Jeroo Mehta’s ‘101 Parsee dishes’ and India’s famous chef Arvind Sarswat’s book ‘Masala cooking' unravels several authentic delectable recipes. Don’t forget to experiment, Jeroo’s famous Parsi Lamb Dhansak recipe and wash it down with some good beer on Sunday afternoon. Well unless you do not experiment in the kitchen, you will never enjoy these recipes.
Management:
Often, it is a drudgery to read management books especially when there is nothing new. However the books that still manage to enthrall me:
We are like that only: Rama Bijapurkar unravels Indian consumers and presents insights to business who wishes to capture Indian markets.
The Long Tail by Chris Anderson is an important manual for the new economics of the Internet and digital culture. As well as demystifying the numbers it provides an essential guide to how to navigate a world where everything is available, all the time. Although The Long Tail is a business book, it is also about culture in general and how it’s changing.
I have yet to finish reading Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s The Black Swan and Fooled by randomness. Somehow was unable to concentrate on these books, despite knowing how radically different and best sellers these books have been.
Books read again:
Marathi books written by P.L. Deshpande and an inspiring biography of Dada Kondke. Someday must explore if there any books about these phenomenal thespians – Mehmood, Pran and Nilu Phule.
Read again:
A corner of foreign field – Ramchandra Guha.- A must read to understand Indian cricket. Glimpses of World History – Jawaharlal Nehru – I still love reading this epic and you can never keep a P.G. Wodehouse away, can you?
Now I must stop because I have painfully realized that its time to remedy the lamentable state of affairs.
2011 - Time to read the books that have been neglected by me and also savour the pleasures of reading again - Sartre, Bertrand Russell, G.B. Shaw, Aldous Huxley, Ayn Rand and J Krishnamurthy to gain some new perspective and learning. The last time I read them was 20 years ago.
Until then, Belated Happy New Year !!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
‘Jogo Bonito’ - The Beautiful Game !
The Vuvuzelas have fallen silent, and their swarming buzz has finally stopped. The gigantic stadiums stand lonely and the lush green meadows are waiting for “cricket” to take over. (Pun intended). The Bafana boys have disappeared, the carnival and the fireworks are over, but thankfully Shakira’s Waka Waka remains immortal. Just couple of weeks ago, the world closely followed the bizarre trajectory of the lightweight Jabulani and life moved with it.
Goldman Sacs predictions for semi-finalist contenders have been proved wrong barring Spain. In hindsight, guess they should have trusted animal instincts and consulted Oracle Paul- the Octopus rather than rely on analysts, economists and investment bankers!
As it became clear that Spain a.k.a La Furia Roja (The Red Furry) would face the Netherlands (Oranje) in the Finals, I referred back to Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic book ‘Glimpses of World History’. The book presents glorious and riveting history of world including that connects Spain and Netherlands.
Netherlands, the very name suggests that it is a low land and many parts are below sea - level. In the 16th century, the Netherlands which included both Holland and Belgium became part of the vast empire ruled by Spain's King Philip II. Spain was a mighty Power, in the full pride of her greatness; the Netherlands were just a few provinces of merchant folks, sailors and extravagant nobles. There was no comparison between the two. Yet Spain found it difficult to crush them.
The Eighty Years War, or Dutch War of Independence, (1568–1648) began as a revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against Philip II of Spain, the overlord of the Habsburg Netherlands and it engulfed whole of Europe.
When many Dutch joined the Reformation and became Protestant, the aggressively Catholic Spanish crown tried to put them down, executing hundreds as heretics and imposing the inquisition on the rebellious population. The Spanish also used tax revenues from the wealthy Dutch provinces to finance its religious wars elsewhere. There were massacres repeatedly with whole population exterminated.
Like Scotland which managed to gain its independence under the leadership of a Brave heart - Sir William Wallace, Netherlands had their own ‘William’ of Orange, and established the republic of the Seven United Netherlands. No wonder the Dutch soccer team vociferously sang their national anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" which talks about this war and describes the atrocities committed by Spanish.
All this of course was long, long ago and yet it seems, the consequences of these historical events could have played on the minds of the Dutch players during the finals.
It was clearly not the best of the finals, with as many as 13 bookings enacted by English referee Howard Webb. While the Dutch were the main culprits with 9 cards, including defender John Heitinga earning a double yellow and being sent off in the Extra-Time., the Spanish also earned 4 yellow cards.
“YO SOY ESPANOL, ESPANOL, ESPANOL…” The Spanish World Cup win also tells a compelling tale about nationalism. In a country where the provinces of Catalonia and the Basque country, each with its own language and heritage strive for even greater autonomy from the central government in Madrid, soccer has long been an arena for symbolic politics. The vicious rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid derives in large part from the fact that support for Barcelona team was one of the few means that Catalans had during the 40 years of Franco’s dictatorship to express their regional identify. Many Catalans, who dream of one day fielding their own team at the World Cup, have been loath to support any team bearing the name of Spain.
But this year was different. The national team included seven Barca members and, by promoting itself as La Furia Roja, garnered a broader embrace than it normally might have. The Spanish also had the best team work cleverly guided by the philosophy of “Tiqui Taka” or “Pass and Move”. Iniesta latched on to Fabregas' pass to smash home a goal to break Holland's hearts. The Spanish scored lesser goals and also committed lesser fouls, in the process winning the Fair Play award. David Villa along with Sneijder, Mueller and Forlan finished as joint top-scorer of the tournament.
Instead of playing Total Football, the Dutch in contrast played an ugly game. Players like Nigel De Jong and Von Bommel were involved in rough tackles; Robin van Persie stood aloof, whilst Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben blossomed in the tournament.
Apart from the finals, there were umpteen dramatic highs and crushing lows during the tournament.
Lionel Messi’s artistry mesmerized, his stop -and -go moves coupled with his left foot strikes enthralled millions. Meanwhile on the sidelines, ‘El – Diego’ stood forlorned, scratched his beard, attacked Pele, violently kicked the Jabulani and consistently attracted media attention. But it was another Latino, Diego – ‘Forlan’, from Uruguay who shined and won the FIFA official award.
"Os ingleses o inventaram, os brasileiros o aperfeiçoaram" which translates as "The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it". Unfortunately Brazil and its Selecao failed to generate the Samba rhythm. Kaka tried, Maicon strived, Elano and Fabiano shined but Robinho was more obsessed with individual glory. Under Dunga’s coaching and with Lucio and Gilberto Silva shoring up defense, Brazil locked away their traditional attacking style.
The "Nike curse" took hold and cashed-up football stars failed to shine at the World Cup. Big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery, Samuel Eto’o, Gerard and Lampard failed miserably. The referees and Luis Suarez were the tournament's biggest villains while Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, Mexico’s Javier Hernandez, Landon Donovan from US, along with Germany’s - Klose, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Mueller and Podolski emerged as genuine stars on the world stage. With vibrant multi-cultural approach, Germany displayed their supremacy and skills by having players of various descent: Tunisian, Turkish, Ghanaian, Brazilian, Polish, and Spanish. Japan and South Korea were impressive and carried the Asian hopes high.
The World Cup conveyed a strong message to those who were stubborn. Perhaps there is a business lesson for all of us. Those who refused to budge even slightly tweak game -plans and are unwilling to modify, adapt and or change suffered losses. No wonder, the English under their Italian manager, Fabio Cappello failed to reach the quarter finals.
Terms like Vuvuzela, Jabulani and Zakumi have become popular lexicons in all languages and FIFA must quickly learn from ICC and other sports and adapt technology.
A Ball and 22 bodies running behind it is just a mirage….when the ball rolls in World Cup, the entire world runs behind it, eyes riveting towards the goal mouth. ‘Jogo Bonito’ or the Beautiful Game may be a Brazilian axiom, but its connotations are global in nature today, as it creates new meanings and adages and unites the world. As Spain joined the club of World Cup winners, the game has once again turned to be winner. The reverberations and echoes are still alive of the past one month in its entirety. Life has returned to being normal; the World has turned from ‘Round’ to ‘Flat’. But somewhere, deep down in the heart, there is emptiness and there is a lump in the throat. Already, the wait has started for Brazil 2014.
Until then, as they say in Spain - Muchas Gracias or Many Thanks - FIFA, South Africa and ESPN and Viva Espania …for the Golden memories!!
Goldman Sacs predictions for semi-finalist contenders have been proved wrong barring Spain. In hindsight, guess they should have trusted animal instincts and consulted Oracle Paul- the Octopus rather than rely on analysts, economists and investment bankers!
As it became clear that Spain a.k.a La Furia Roja (The Red Furry) would face the Netherlands (Oranje) in the Finals, I referred back to Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic book ‘Glimpses of World History’. The book presents glorious and riveting history of world including that connects Spain and Netherlands.
Netherlands, the very name suggests that it is a low land and many parts are below sea - level. In the 16th century, the Netherlands which included both Holland and Belgium became part of the vast empire ruled by Spain's King Philip II. Spain was a mighty Power, in the full pride of her greatness; the Netherlands were just a few provinces of merchant folks, sailors and extravagant nobles. There was no comparison between the two. Yet Spain found it difficult to crush them.
The Eighty Years War, or Dutch War of Independence, (1568–1648) began as a revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against Philip II of Spain, the overlord of the Habsburg Netherlands and it engulfed whole of Europe.
When many Dutch joined the Reformation and became Protestant, the aggressively Catholic Spanish crown tried to put them down, executing hundreds as heretics and imposing the inquisition on the rebellious population. The Spanish also used tax revenues from the wealthy Dutch provinces to finance its religious wars elsewhere. There were massacres repeatedly with whole population exterminated.
Like Scotland which managed to gain its independence under the leadership of a Brave heart - Sir William Wallace, Netherlands had their own ‘William’ of Orange, and established the republic of the Seven United Netherlands. No wonder the Dutch soccer team vociferously sang their national anthem, "Het Wilhelmus" which talks about this war and describes the atrocities committed by Spanish.
All this of course was long, long ago and yet it seems, the consequences of these historical events could have played on the minds of the Dutch players during the finals.
It was clearly not the best of the finals, with as many as 13 bookings enacted by English referee Howard Webb. While the Dutch were the main culprits with 9 cards, including defender John Heitinga earning a double yellow and being sent off in the Extra-Time., the Spanish also earned 4 yellow cards.
“YO SOY ESPANOL, ESPANOL, ESPANOL…” The Spanish World Cup win also tells a compelling tale about nationalism. In a country where the provinces of Catalonia and the Basque country, each with its own language and heritage strive for even greater autonomy from the central government in Madrid, soccer has long been an arena for symbolic politics. The vicious rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid derives in large part from the fact that support for Barcelona team was one of the few means that Catalans had during the 40 years of Franco’s dictatorship to express their regional identify. Many Catalans, who dream of one day fielding their own team at the World Cup, have been loath to support any team bearing the name of Spain.
But this year was different. The national team included seven Barca members and, by promoting itself as La Furia Roja, garnered a broader embrace than it normally might have. The Spanish also had the best team work cleverly guided by the philosophy of “Tiqui Taka” or “Pass and Move”. Iniesta latched on to Fabregas' pass to smash home a goal to break Holland's hearts. The Spanish scored lesser goals and also committed lesser fouls, in the process winning the Fair Play award. David Villa along with Sneijder, Mueller and Forlan finished as joint top-scorer of the tournament.
Instead of playing Total Football, the Dutch in contrast played an ugly game. Players like Nigel De Jong and Von Bommel were involved in rough tackles; Robin van Persie stood aloof, whilst Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben blossomed in the tournament.
Apart from the finals, there were umpteen dramatic highs and crushing lows during the tournament.
Lionel Messi’s artistry mesmerized, his stop -and -go moves coupled with his left foot strikes enthralled millions. Meanwhile on the sidelines, ‘El – Diego’ stood forlorned, scratched his beard, attacked Pele, violently kicked the Jabulani and consistently attracted media attention. But it was another Latino, Diego – ‘Forlan’, from Uruguay who shined and won the FIFA official award.
"Os ingleses o inventaram, os brasileiros o aperfeiçoaram" which translates as "The English invented it, the Brazilians perfected it". Unfortunately Brazil and its Selecao failed to generate the Samba rhythm. Kaka tried, Maicon strived, Elano and Fabiano shined but Robinho was more obsessed with individual glory. Under Dunga’s coaching and with Lucio and Gilberto Silva shoring up defense, Brazil locked away their traditional attacking style.
The "Nike curse" took hold and cashed-up football stars failed to shine at the World Cup. Big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery, Samuel Eto’o, Gerard and Lampard failed miserably. The referees and Luis Suarez were the tournament's biggest villains while Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, Mexico’s Javier Hernandez, Landon Donovan from US, along with Germany’s - Klose, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Mueller and Podolski emerged as genuine stars on the world stage. With vibrant multi-cultural approach, Germany displayed their supremacy and skills by having players of various descent: Tunisian, Turkish, Ghanaian, Brazilian, Polish, and Spanish. Japan and South Korea were impressive and carried the Asian hopes high.
The World Cup conveyed a strong message to those who were stubborn. Perhaps there is a business lesson for all of us. Those who refused to budge even slightly tweak game -plans and are unwilling to modify, adapt and or change suffered losses. No wonder, the English under their Italian manager, Fabio Cappello failed to reach the quarter finals.
Terms like Vuvuzela, Jabulani and Zakumi have become popular lexicons in all languages and FIFA must quickly learn from ICC and other sports and adapt technology.
A Ball and 22 bodies running behind it is just a mirage….when the ball rolls in World Cup, the entire world runs behind it, eyes riveting towards the goal mouth. ‘Jogo Bonito’ or the Beautiful Game may be a Brazilian axiom, but its connotations are global in nature today, as it creates new meanings and adages and unites the world. As Spain joined the club of World Cup winners, the game has once again turned to be winner. The reverberations and echoes are still alive of the past one month in its entirety. Life has returned to being normal; the World has turned from ‘Round’ to ‘Flat’. But somewhere, deep down in the heart, there is emptiness and there is a lump in the throat. Already, the wait has started for Brazil 2014.
Until then, as they say in Spain - Muchas Gracias or Many Thanks - FIFA, South Africa and ESPN and Viva Espania …for the Golden memories!!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Poetry in Motion !!!
Few minutes into Novy’s radio commentary and I was already running down the memory lane, dribbling as fast as I could, through days… years… decades… till I reached the magnificent Shastri Nagar play ground…a ground which helped me learn that “Sports builds character”.
I stood on the ground; my small hands playfully caressing the magic wand ….I slowly bend down, started running and hopping as fast as I could…. The magic wand at 45 degrees, woven with beautiful navy blue strip, the hockey stick ruthlessly began combing the lush grass in zigzag manner.
It majestically rotated with speed in clockwise and anticlockwise direction, the ball sometimes bouncing on the rough terrain, gliding gently down the slopes, and yet within my reach …..I quickly dribbled one opponent, gazed around and looked for Sunil in the left flank, who wouldn’t miss a single opportunity to emulate the magic of Zafar Iqbal and hit a GOOOAAAALLLL!!!...
I jumped with joy and for a fleeting moment imagined myself transported in an era when Indian hockey symbolized poetry in motion.
Circa 1979
Mellivel D’mello and Jasdev Singh’s suave voice blared from the transistor. “Indian skipper Surjit Singh with the ball. Surjit passes the ball to the magician, Zafar Iqbal”, the best left out India has ever produced.
“Zafar Iqbal moves from left flank, like a cheetah, dribbles, and makes a short cross pass to Indian center forward Mohammad Shahid. Shahid jumps away from Tahir, the Pakistani forward and moves forward with the ball.”
In early 80’s Zafar Iqbal and Mohammad Shahid formed a deadly combination which no defenders in the world could stop. Pakistan had the great Hasan Sardar, Tahir Zaman and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Mellivel continues “Meanwhile the Pakistani sensation Shahbaz Ahmed attempts to tackle Mohd Shahid. Shahid avoids another rough tackle. Shahid still in possession of the ball moves rapidly and makes a quick diagonal pass to Zafar. Zafar meanwhile has rushed from his position and is standing on the edge of the D.”
“Zafar stops the short pass from Shahid, turns, dribbles two more opponents and cross passes to Shahid. Shahid pulls the ball and runs towards the unmarked left flank. Shahid zigzags into the corner, beats one opponent and turns. The ball is still glued to the stick. Shahid uses his wrist and gently scoops over the Pakistani defender. The ball moves from left to right, parallel to the goal post.”
Meanwhile Mellivel screams, “Zafar moves onto his right, quickly intercepts, and is in the center, almost near the 10 meter mark. The Pakistani goal keeper sees Zafar, rushes and lunges forward to stop Zafar. The goal keeper falls down.”
“Zafar quickly traps the ball and cleverly deflects to the right of the goal keeper. Zafar quickly leaps over the fallen goal keeper and even before the keeper gets up and turns behind…. Zafar pulls it sideways on the left and …a reverse flick and BANG …GOOOAAALLLLL….. A MAJESTIC GOAALLLL !!!…Zafar has done it again for India…”
Alas, it’s been ages since we have witnessed such magnificent wizardry from any Indian hockey team. The last time we saw such display was from Pargat Singh in 1985.
India was down 5-1 to Germany in Australia. There were still 15 minutes left to close of play. Somewhere in Melbourne, the Cricket Champions trophy was being played at the same time which had Shastri winning a shining Audi. Meanwhile on the hockey field, Pargat was single handedly changing the course of game. At the end of the game, the scores read Germany 5, India 5. Despite this win India stood sixth…
As Indians, we love and glorify individual brilliance more than team sports. No wonder we enjoy the exploits of individual cricketers, boxers, tennis players and blatantly denounce hockey, soccer, volleyball and even Kabbadi. Over the years, there have been some remarkable performances and individual brilliance from Dhanraj, Dileep Tirkey, and Prabhjot but on the whole, India has struggled since 1984 in our national game!
The problem with our hockey is that our players do manage to leave the crowd spellbound. The pace, precision and finesse often touch our emotional chords. But the end game, for all the nerve wracking moments, has unfortunately been defeat.
To add to our woes, our hockey is bereft of professional administrators and remains deprived of good infrastructure, sponsorship, dexterity, and glamour and supply chain. A small village in Punjab called Sansarpur and hockey are inseparable, if not synonymous. Remember the outstanding and talented forward Baljit Dhillon from Sansarpur, who along with the media savvy Dhanraj Pillai recreated the magic of Zafar and Shahid.
Unlike cricket, Hockey’s players hail from remote societies and are a motley collection of minorities: the Sikhs, the Muslims from Uttar Pradesh, the Coorgis, the Catholic boys from Orlem ( Malad) and Bandra, the tribals of Jharkhand and Orissa, the Manipuris, and, previously, Anglo-Indians.
Perhaps S.Thayagirajan inarguably the best known hockey scribe of India sums up well, “Competitive hockey is not about how well you play but how tactically you play for a decisive result.”
Isn’t it true? For those who watched the final last month, it must have been a revelation as to what modern hockey is all about. Forget those grass fields, pretty skills and supple wrists that Indians and Pakistanis were once known for and the attributes that had helped them rule the hockey kingdom in the distant past. Rather, today, it is all about astro -turf, fitness, speed and power besides tactical acumen of the players who can execute the plans on the pitch.
Come to think of, Indian hockey authorities would be kicking themselves for not hiring Ric Charlesworth, the legendary Aussie former captain and champion coach back in 2008 when he had offered to train the National side. Rather, Charlesworth was humiliated before he became a victim to vicious whispering campaign. Australia won the 2010 world championship defeating Germany, and don’t be surprised if Ric Charlesworth is still having the last laugh!
Perhaps one of the best ways to revive hockey is by creating interest among kids. About time parents gift young kids with hockey stick instead of only a cricket bat. So what if they play on road or on clay. At least we might be able to create some spectators if not make them a player. Unless there is a conscious effort from administrators to empower foreign coaches, tap talent at grass root level, start clubs in colonies, and explore avenues for sponsorship and entertainment, hockey will not survive. No wonder, Aslam Sher Khan’s autobiography titled “To Hell with Hockey” - continues to reverberate on Indian hockey lover’s lips.
“GOOOAAALLLLL, Well done Rajpal, India has equalized”….. Novy Kapadia’s sonorous voice kept blaring loudly in the car. That evening our Indian hockey team was playing against England, and invariably trying hard to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. By the time I reached home, India had lost …3-2 to England…. and I had lost my appetite.
Its strange but true….A world cup loss in T20 might fail to generate tears but a hockey match has the ability to choke and bring out the tears. In those 70 minutes, it generates tremendous patriotic fervor, and allows you to selflessly immerse in the experience, energy, enthusiasm and the excitement of the players and crowd.
Today the hockey stick has become a metaphor and with age perhaps replaced with an expensive golf club!…But the hands still yearns to grip the wooden magic wand….
Hopefully.. one day.. some day… like in Cricket, we will be able to find some Tendulkar and Lalit Modi who will be able to revive Indian Hockey!.
I stood on the ground; my small hands playfully caressing the magic wand ….I slowly bend down, started running and hopping as fast as I could…. The magic wand at 45 degrees, woven with beautiful navy blue strip, the hockey stick ruthlessly began combing the lush grass in zigzag manner.
It majestically rotated with speed in clockwise and anticlockwise direction, the ball sometimes bouncing on the rough terrain, gliding gently down the slopes, and yet within my reach …..I quickly dribbled one opponent, gazed around and looked for Sunil in the left flank, who wouldn’t miss a single opportunity to emulate the magic of Zafar Iqbal and hit a GOOOAAAALLLL!!!...
I jumped with joy and for a fleeting moment imagined myself transported in an era when Indian hockey symbolized poetry in motion.
Circa 1979
Mellivel D’mello and Jasdev Singh’s suave voice blared from the transistor. “Indian skipper Surjit Singh with the ball. Surjit passes the ball to the magician, Zafar Iqbal”, the best left out India has ever produced.
“Zafar Iqbal moves from left flank, like a cheetah, dribbles, and makes a short cross pass to Indian center forward Mohammad Shahid. Shahid jumps away from Tahir, the Pakistani forward and moves forward with the ball.”
In early 80’s Zafar Iqbal and Mohammad Shahid formed a deadly combination which no defenders in the world could stop. Pakistan had the great Hasan Sardar, Tahir Zaman and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Mellivel continues “Meanwhile the Pakistani sensation Shahbaz Ahmed attempts to tackle Mohd Shahid. Shahid avoids another rough tackle. Shahid still in possession of the ball moves rapidly and makes a quick diagonal pass to Zafar. Zafar meanwhile has rushed from his position and is standing on the edge of the D.”
“Zafar stops the short pass from Shahid, turns, dribbles two more opponents and cross passes to Shahid. Shahid pulls the ball and runs towards the unmarked left flank. Shahid zigzags into the corner, beats one opponent and turns. The ball is still glued to the stick. Shahid uses his wrist and gently scoops over the Pakistani defender. The ball moves from left to right, parallel to the goal post.”
Meanwhile Mellivel screams, “Zafar moves onto his right, quickly intercepts, and is in the center, almost near the 10 meter mark. The Pakistani goal keeper sees Zafar, rushes and lunges forward to stop Zafar. The goal keeper falls down.”
“Zafar quickly traps the ball and cleverly deflects to the right of the goal keeper. Zafar quickly leaps over the fallen goal keeper and even before the keeper gets up and turns behind…. Zafar pulls it sideways on the left and …a reverse flick and BANG …GOOOAAALLLLL….. A MAJESTIC GOAALLLL !!!…Zafar has done it again for India…”
Alas, it’s been ages since we have witnessed such magnificent wizardry from any Indian hockey team. The last time we saw such display was from Pargat Singh in 1985.
India was down 5-1 to Germany in Australia. There were still 15 minutes left to close of play. Somewhere in Melbourne, the Cricket Champions trophy was being played at the same time which had Shastri winning a shining Audi. Meanwhile on the hockey field, Pargat was single handedly changing the course of game. At the end of the game, the scores read Germany 5, India 5. Despite this win India stood sixth…
As Indians, we love and glorify individual brilliance more than team sports. No wonder we enjoy the exploits of individual cricketers, boxers, tennis players and blatantly denounce hockey, soccer, volleyball and even Kabbadi. Over the years, there have been some remarkable performances and individual brilliance from Dhanraj, Dileep Tirkey, and Prabhjot but on the whole, India has struggled since 1984 in our national game!
The problem with our hockey is that our players do manage to leave the crowd spellbound. The pace, precision and finesse often touch our emotional chords. But the end game, for all the nerve wracking moments, has unfortunately been defeat.
To add to our woes, our hockey is bereft of professional administrators and remains deprived of good infrastructure, sponsorship, dexterity, and glamour and supply chain. A small village in Punjab called Sansarpur and hockey are inseparable, if not synonymous. Remember the outstanding and talented forward Baljit Dhillon from Sansarpur, who along with the media savvy Dhanraj Pillai recreated the magic of Zafar and Shahid.
Unlike cricket, Hockey’s players hail from remote societies and are a motley collection of minorities: the Sikhs, the Muslims from Uttar Pradesh, the Coorgis, the Catholic boys from Orlem ( Malad) and Bandra, the tribals of Jharkhand and Orissa, the Manipuris, and, previously, Anglo-Indians.
Perhaps S.Thayagirajan inarguably the best known hockey scribe of India sums up well, “Competitive hockey is not about how well you play but how tactically you play for a decisive result.”
Isn’t it true? For those who watched the final last month, it must have been a revelation as to what modern hockey is all about. Forget those grass fields, pretty skills and supple wrists that Indians and Pakistanis were once known for and the attributes that had helped them rule the hockey kingdom in the distant past. Rather, today, it is all about astro -turf, fitness, speed and power besides tactical acumen of the players who can execute the plans on the pitch.
Come to think of, Indian hockey authorities would be kicking themselves for not hiring Ric Charlesworth, the legendary Aussie former captain and champion coach back in 2008 when he had offered to train the National side. Rather, Charlesworth was humiliated before he became a victim to vicious whispering campaign. Australia won the 2010 world championship defeating Germany, and don’t be surprised if Ric Charlesworth is still having the last laugh!
Perhaps one of the best ways to revive hockey is by creating interest among kids. About time parents gift young kids with hockey stick instead of only a cricket bat. So what if they play on road or on clay. At least we might be able to create some spectators if not make them a player. Unless there is a conscious effort from administrators to empower foreign coaches, tap talent at grass root level, start clubs in colonies, and explore avenues for sponsorship and entertainment, hockey will not survive. No wonder, Aslam Sher Khan’s autobiography titled “To Hell with Hockey” - continues to reverberate on Indian hockey lover’s lips.
“GOOOAAALLLLL, Well done Rajpal, India has equalized”….. Novy Kapadia’s sonorous voice kept blaring loudly in the car. That evening our Indian hockey team was playing against England, and invariably trying hard to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. By the time I reached home, India had lost …3-2 to England…. and I had lost my appetite.
Its strange but true….A world cup loss in T20 might fail to generate tears but a hockey match has the ability to choke and bring out the tears. In those 70 minutes, it generates tremendous patriotic fervor, and allows you to selflessly immerse in the experience, energy, enthusiasm and the excitement of the players and crowd.
Today the hockey stick has become a metaphor and with age perhaps replaced with an expensive golf club!…But the hands still yearns to grip the wooden magic wand….
Hopefully.. one day.. some day… like in Cricket, we will be able to find some Tendulkar and Lalit Modi who will be able to revive Indian Hockey!.
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