Happiness = Innovation at work
‘Corporate Doctor’ and acclaimed writer Rekha Shetty shares her insight on creativity in management.
KARACHI:
“Each new day holds out a chance to create a whole new beginning, a sparkling new field of possibilities. Explore and celebrate this possibility,” insists innovation guru Dr Rekha Shetty, popularly known as the Corporate Doctor.
Having trained and motivated corporate (managers) for two decades, Shetty has become a household name in India as she consults with some of the region’s major companies on long-term ‘innovation initiatives’. She is the founder of Mindspower, an organisation that has been involved in helping people to think by using powerful thinking tools. “These tools are formulae, the mathematics of creativity and innovation. The use of thinking tools enables participants to deliver consistent innovation,” says the author and entrepreneur whose thoughts come from a deep study of disciplines like Management, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, History and Spirituality.
On happiness
A proponent of the notion that inner happiness of each employee contributes to the overall growth of a company, Shetty believes, “Happy employees can do double the work compared to their unhappy colleagues. Therefore, our ‘innovation initiative’ starts by creating a positive field in the company, full of positive emotions like love, wonder, laughter and compassion.”
Hence, her latest book Innovate Happily, which is set to hit bookstores in April 2012, seeks to help one understand even more deeply, the principles of sustained happiness. In Innovate Happily, Junie, a bright young executive, meets Rags, a wise, hi-tech coach. Together they discover the secrets that create progressive and happy communities during a visit to Bhutan, the modern-day Shangri-La, a land that actually measures its Gross National Happiness.
Considering the global gloom and doom, this is certainly a timely venture which will help many a companies in raising the motivation levels of their employees.
Training your thoughts
Shetty, who is consulted in successful turnarounds, new product development and increasing profitability, believes that employees should make a conscious effort in staying optimistic. “One must train his/her mind by filling it mind with positive emotions and uprooting negative thoughts,” she states while adding that one must also proactively invest in serving, loving and caring for others.
What’s next?
Shetty, who has conducted Mindspower programmes in Siberia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the US, says she would love to visit Pakistan sometime in the future. “I would love to as I have many beautiful Pakistani friends in Rotary.”
Meanwhile, the year is a busy one for the author as she has two more books in the pipeline — Innovation Secrets of Indian CEOs as well as a book of poems.
Happiness mantras
• Too much television is ‘Tele-visham’ — (Tele poison). Too much stimulation, a mindspace crowded by fantasy people and events, distracts you from focusing on your own mindspace, your home, your backyard.
• Physical fitness is the most important thing in life. Have a regular exercise schedule.
• Service to others, music, prayer — forms of meditation — make the blood flow with serotonins — the happiness chemical.
• Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. If you are hungry, eat. If you are lonely, communicate, ask for a hug. If you are angry, deal with your anger constructively.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2012.
“Each new day holds out a chance to create a whole new beginning, a sparkling new field of possibilities. Explore and celebrate this possibility,” insists innovation guru Dr Rekha Shetty, popularly known as the Corporate Doctor.
Having trained and motivated corporate (managers) for two decades, Shetty has become a household name in India as she consults with some of the region’s major companies on long-term ‘innovation initiatives’. She is the founder of Mindspower, an organisation that has been involved in helping people to think by using powerful thinking tools. “These tools are formulae, the mathematics of creativity and innovation. The use of thinking tools enables participants to deliver consistent innovation,” says the author and entrepreneur whose thoughts come from a deep study of disciplines like Management, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, History and Spirituality.
On happiness
A proponent of the notion that inner happiness of each employee contributes to the overall growth of a company, Shetty believes, “Happy employees can do double the work compared to their unhappy colleagues. Therefore, our ‘innovation initiative’ starts by creating a positive field in the company, full of positive emotions like love, wonder, laughter and compassion.”
Hence, her latest book Innovate Happily, which is set to hit bookstores in April 2012, seeks to help one understand even more deeply, the principles of sustained happiness. In Innovate Happily, Junie, a bright young executive, meets Rags, a wise, hi-tech coach. Together they discover the secrets that create progressive and happy communities during a visit to Bhutan, the modern-day Shangri-La, a land that actually measures its Gross National Happiness.
Considering the global gloom and doom, this is certainly a timely venture which will help many a companies in raising the motivation levels of their employees.
Training your thoughts
Shetty, who is consulted in successful turnarounds, new product development and increasing profitability, believes that employees should make a conscious effort in staying optimistic. “One must train his/her mind by filling it mind with positive emotions and uprooting negative thoughts,” she states while adding that one must also proactively invest in serving, loving and caring for others.
What’s next?
Shetty, who has conducted Mindspower programmes in Siberia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the US, says she would love to visit Pakistan sometime in the future. “I would love to as I have many beautiful Pakistani friends in Rotary.”
Meanwhile, the year is a busy one for the author as she has two more books in the pipeline — Innovation Secrets of Indian CEOs as well as a book of poems.
Happiness mantras
• Too much television is ‘Tele-visham’ — (Tele poison). Too much stimulation, a mindspace crowded by fantasy people and events, distracts you from focusing on your own mindspace, your home, your backyard.
• Physical fitness is the most important thing in life. Have a regular exercise schedule.
• Service to others, music, prayer — forms of meditation — make the blood flow with serotonins — the happiness chemical.
• Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. If you are hungry, eat. If you are lonely, communicate, ask for a hug. If you are angry, deal with your anger constructively.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2012.