Category Archives: Management

1-By Laksh, ET, Management, Music

Unpacking Management Lessons from “Take it Easy”

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Introduction

Today, we embark on a melodic journey to uncover profound management insights hidden within the classic rock anthem, “Take it Easy,” performed by the iconic band, Eagles. Much like a timeless film, this song resonates across time and space, offering us lessons in leadership, teamwork, and navigating the often chaotic road of life.

Setting the Stage

“Well, I’m running down the road Tryin’ to loosen my load”

These opening lines set the scene for the busy, fast-paced world we often find ourselves in, both in life and in the corporate arena. The narrator’s journey mirrors the daily grind of managers tasked with overseeing various responsibilities and projects. It’s a vivid reminder that leaders are, in essence, constantly on the move, handling their own load of tasks.

The Sound of Wisdom

“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels Drive you crazy”

In the corporate landscape, leaders can easily become ensnared by the cacophony of their own thoughts and the day-to-day noise. This line urges us to find equilibrium, to avoid overthinking, and to let go of the stress that often stems from excessive self-reflection. In management, being able to balance reflection and action is key.

Key Takeaways

Let’s delve into the practical management lessons hidden within “Take it Easy”:

1. Delegation is the Key to Success: Learn to delegate effectively to ‘loosen your load’ and ensure you’re not overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks.

2. Keep Perspective: In the corporate whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t let the minutiae of the daily grind drive you ‘crazy’. Maintain perspective to make well-informed decisions.

3. Embrace Flexibility: Just as life’s road can be unpredictable, so too can business. Adaptability and flexibility are essential for success.

4. Build a Strong Team: Much like the song suggests, ‘Take it easy’ but never alone. Foster a cohesive and supportive team, as they can help shoulder the load and make the journey more enjoyable.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Understand that in the world of management, emotional intelligence is a powerful tool. Knowing how to read and respond to your team’s emotions can lead to better outcomes.

Inspirational Quotes

Let’s draw wisdom from both music and cinema:

  • “A wise man can learn more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.” – Rush (2013)
  • “The key to this job is personal relationships.” – Jerry Maguire (1996)

The Harmony of Leadership

In this fusion of music and management, we’ve learned that there’s more to the lyrics than meets the ear. “Take it Easy” not only encourages us to enjoy life’s journey but also provides valuable management lessons on how to navigate it successfully. As Tony Stark wisely said in Avengers: Endgame, “Part of the journey is the end.” Let’s ensure our journey is as harmonious as the melodies we listen to.

1-By Laksh, Leadership, Management

The Invaluable Essence of Time Management: Lessons from Azim Premji

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@Hyderabad Airport- 1999


In our pursuit of progress and success, we often prioritize the accumulation of wealth, inadvertently relegating time to a secondary role. However, it is essential to recognize that while money can be earned or regained, time is an irretrievable asset. This article delves into the significance of effective time management, highlighting a personal encounter with the renowned business tycoon, Azim Premji, and the valuable lessons gleaned from his exemplary approach to handling time.

Most of the times we associate our progress with money and relegate time to background. But the truth of life is, one can earn money at any time, or even make up for lost money, but one cannot earn back time or make up for lost time.

Sometime in 1999, I had the opportunity to meet Sri Azim Premji in the airport. There was some delay in the regular flights, due to some cancellation and Indian Airlines offered a complementary breakfast spread. I spotted him with a couple of his colleagues, in apparent serious discussion, while sampling a few food items. One could immediately guess that there was something important planned ahead and the flights issue, put a dampener on it, and he was doing his best to compensate and most importantly manage time effectively.

Time, the elusive constant that we often take for granted, holds a profound significance in our lives. As I reflect on my interaction with Azim Premji back in 1999, the airport encounter painted a vivid picture of a man who valued time above all else. Amidst flight delays and disrupted schedules, Premji’s unwavering focus on managing time efficiently was palpable. Even as I approached him seeking an autograph, his initial reaction conveyed the urgency and importance he placed on his time. Nevertheless, upon discovering my professional aspirations, his demeanor softened, and he graciously obliged, leaving little room for small talk. It was evident that individuals like Azim Premji regard time management as paramount, proactively taking charge of their schedules instead of allowing time to dictate their lives.

Observing Azim Premji engrossed in earnest discussions with his colleagues, his unwavering commitment to optimizing time became increasingly evident. With every nibble of food and every exchange of ideas, he exuded an aura of purposeful efficiency, unaffected by the curious gazes of onlookers. Premji’s approach to time management exemplified a cardinal rule: by projecting oneself as someone prepared and ready for any challenge, the schedule inevitably becomes packed with meaningful tasks. It was an unspoken lesson in conveying priorities through actions, ensuring that each moment is allocated to the most significant endeavors. The encounter left an indelible impression, emphasizing the importance of proactive time management as a crucial aspect of achieving success.

“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, to draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This quote from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty encapsulates the essence of effective time management discussed in this article. The protagonist embarks on an extraordinary journey, driven by the realization that life is about experiencing moments, connecting with others, and truly feeling. Similarly, Azim Premji’s relentless pursuit of time management reflects a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. By efficiently managing time, we create opportunities to explore, grow, and connect with the world around us. Premji’s dedication to optimizing time serves as a powerful reminder that time is not merely a resource to be consumed but a catalyst for meaningful experiences and personal growth.

In a world often preoccupied with financial gains, it is crucial to reorient our perspective and recognize the true value of time.

1-By Laksh, ET, Leadership, Management, Movies

Three movies and three lessons.

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Three movies and three lessons.

The Magnificent Seven (2016):

  1. Diverse Teams: The seven gunslingers come from different backgrounds and bring unique skills to the table, demonstrating the value of having a diverse team when tackling complex problems.
  2. Leadership: Denzel Washington’s character takes charge and leads the group with integrity, showing the importance of having strong leadership in times of crisis.
  3. Effective Communication: The seven gunslingers learn to work together effectively and communicate with one another, demonstrating the importance of clear communication in teamwork.

The Magnificent Seven (1960):

  1. Adaptability: The seven gunslingers are faced with unexpected challenges and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating the importance of being adaptable in the face of adversity.
  2. Strategic Planning: The seven gunslingers come up with a plan to defend the town, demonstrating the importance of careful and strategic planning.
  3. Collaboration: The seven gunslingers work together and rely on one another to achieve their goal, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Seven Samurai:

  1. Skill Development: The samurai learn and hone their skills over time, demonstrating the importance of continuous skill development in achieving success.
  2. Mentorship: The veteran samurai pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members, demonstrating the value of mentorship in professional growth.
  3. Risk Management: The samurai face many risks and make calculated decisions to minimize them, demonstrating the importance of risk management in decision making.