THE CRITICAL DIALOGUE - LIFE AT WORK: Recent Episodes
Sree Kumar
TCD (The Critical Dialogue) LIFE AT WORK podcast aims to discover the contradictions in the attempted definition of universals. It’s an attempt to find answers to universal questions which lie dormant in one’s mind. It is also an attempt to help people develop skills for engaging in critical dialogue, both to learn from people with different beliefs and so that all voices are heard. We use the term dialogue to describe engaging in collaborative and generative consideration of how we want to live and grow together. This skill is vital for your ‘Life’ and at ‘Work’. In addition to helping achie
The Gift of Self-Care is a poetic journey that helps you reclaim the power that lies within you.As children ww grew up listening to our parents and teachers read poems that became our gateway to understand ourselves and the world around us.These collection of poems and self reflections promise to help learn more about yourself and rediscover the spark in you.
If you’re going to get ahead and be happy with your career, you need to be in the driver’s seat, constantly seeking out opportunities and being persistent. When you do, your manager, your coworkers, and the executives will view you as a valuable asset, and you’ll get those raises and promotions that you’ve been killing yourself to get.
In the TCD Live Weekend Lounge today we are engaged in The Critical Dialogue on how you can use your current job as a springboard to success and use thinking-inside-the-box skill rather than outside-the-box skills to realize your potential, maximize your success, and take your career to a whole new level.
You likely know someone who seems as if they can take what seems like a punch in the face over and over but still get back on their feet and try again? Their resilience is powerful and inspiring and something you should be focused on too if you want to succeed in life. Discover a few of the reasons you want to enhance your resilience on this show of the TCDLive Weekend Lounge with me your host Sree Kumar and Nyn Riffat as we try to shed light on the journey and the long road to building resilience. It is our attempt to go beyond the cliche and bring our attention to the need for a holistic approach towards resilience – Mind, Body, and Soul.
This meditation is called breathe energy. Breathing the Yin and Yang and is designed to help us harness our fierce strength and tender self compassion.
Today many the world over are dealing with devastating losses of both the personal and the professional kind. From losing dear ones to the loss of jobs and relationships to accumulating huge business losses. People still seem to be reeling under the after-effects of a calamity of proportions they would have never ever imagined they would face in their lifetime.
In this episode of The Critical Dialogue I ask Karl to tell me about what he thinks is the way forward, the steps one can take to ‘recover’, ‘reignite’ and ‘rejuvenate’ one’s life when faced with such physical and emotional upheaval.
Welcome to another edition of The Critical Dialogue on the TCDLive weekend lounge where we bring to the table crucial conversations that matter.
S1:E4 of the show is about Recovery and resilience in the aftermath of domestic violence.
Practically every aspect of a domestic abuser survivor’s life is altered in the aftermath of domestic violence.
Leaving an abusive relationship involves transitioning from being controlled to being in control while coping with the costs of a domestic life filled with fear, terror, and devastation.
This change takes tremendous strength as one’s energy shifts from survival mode to starting a new life.
Because the effects of domestic violence and abuse often last long after the violence has ended, leading to deep physical and emotional trauma.
Most organizations feel satisfied that they are meeting the bare minimum needs of diversity and inclusion numbers. People at the receiving end of micro-aggressive behavior start to feel increasingly alienated and are constantly reminded that they are different and don’t belong.
He said “As a man of color, I had to work harder, just to get equal respect all the while suppressing my personality to dispel the stereotype of a rebellious, non-conformist.
In The Critical Dialogue TCDLiveWeekendLounge show this weekend, we will talk to Torrey to shed light on his journey and how he not just saved his skin but saved his sanity to be successful in life? We will ask him how to identify the signs of micro-aggression at work and ways to deal with it.
In a workplace, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to identify bullying as is often the case the boss is the perpetrator from which arose the cliché “people leave their bosses and not companies”.
It does not mean that there are only bosses to worry about, even co-workers may turn into bullies usually when there exists an underlying conflict or some sort of jealousy or when they jostle for recognition and rewards.
And if you are a Black Woman, the bullying not just gets intense but even so subtle that it becomes very difficult for one to even realize before it takes a toll on your #mentalhealth #careergrowthgoals
Femi had her fair share, what with not just being a woman in the competitive corporate world but also because of being Black.
Her #story is incredibly insightful and inspirational, as she not just navigated her way through these obstacles, but went on to conquer them successfully as well.
THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN DOESN'T MATTER - All it takes is a mindset reboot to TRANSFORM your LIFE!
Throughout our corporate history, we have witnessed bullying and harassment, particularly on women and especially those of color. It’s an evil mindset that exists that has destroyed many innocent lives, shredding their hopes of reaching the top echelons of corporations into oblivion.
Now imagine, not just being a woman of color but an immigrant and being a single mom in a land with few friends – it cannot get more daunting than that.
To be able to overcome all these challenges but going on to build a successful career and business, takes a lot of doing.
Nageen says it required a complete mindset reboot.
In today’s TCDLive Weekend Lounge” join us for an invigorating conversation with Nyn, #herrhythm, and listen to her story.
Mullah Naseeruddin tells us how our desire for more is a trap and no matter what, the thirst will not be quenched!
Apologizing doesn't always mean you are wrong and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego.
In this episode of #thecriticaldialogue, stories that change life - Mullah Naseeruddin takes us on a visit to the Art Museum and tells us how marvelous the nails have been.
You cannot learn until you are in a state in which you can perceive what you are learning, and what it means.
In this episode of the Stories Than Change Life - Mullah Naseeruddin uses a bottomless pitcher to explain this point to his disciple.
Where is your attention?
We are constantly in search of the KEY - to happiness, bliss, freedom, inner-peace and tranquility, love, and more importantly the key to GOD!
The only problem seems to be that we are searching in the wrong places.
In #thecriticaldialogue of 'Stories that change life' I bring you my favorite Mullah Naseeruddin story - The Lost Key!
It is a hidden gem! It might help you find your LOST KEY!
In my quest to understand the answers to this question "What is meditation?" and "How to meditate?", I searched far and wide. Looked around for different techniques taught by many masters; up until a time when I struck gold. This story will give you an understanding of what is meditation, how to meditate, and what will it lead to?
It is our limiting beliefs that hold us back from achieving anything in life. Some of carry these an entire lifetime. In this episode of the stories that change your life, I will share the story of "Elephant and the Ankush". Enjoy!
Truth is often hard for people to comprehend. Infact Truth often is not apparent. It can be hard to arrive at or defend. In this episode from the Mullah Naseeruddin stable of #thecriticaldialogue is the story of his Tryst With the Truth!
The story of the King and his procurator, Mullah Naseeruddin teaches us some important lessons of Leadership.
Enjoy listening to the story as much as the lessons you would possibly learn from it.
I was told that each one of us is born with a life purpose.
Nothing is farther from the truth than this.
If I was already born with a purpose code embedded in myself, where is there a need for me to find it?
People spend countless hours of their cognitive, emotional, and physical resources in their pursuit to find purpose in their life. It is a misdirection that you could well do without.
In this episode of "An IDIOTS Guide To Success", I talk about the need to be wary of the malware called "find your life purpose"
It could well save you precious resources in doing what you have been programmed to do - Enjoy Living!
Your results don’t lie, and the easiest way to get demoralized or get stuck is to pay attention to the outcome!
It is for me the easiest and fastest way to NOT enjoy your journey and get all tangled up with the weight of your failures or success. When you fail you wallow in pain and when you succeed you get drunk into slumber.
In episode four of “An IDIOTS Guide To Success” , I am going to tell you how paying attention to the outcome is a sure way towards a stressful life.
"What do you want to accomplish?", "What would you like to acquire?", "Where do you see yourself 5 years, 10 years from now?". Trying to find answers to these questions with no guarantees on offer whatsoever, your IDIOTS Guide To Success tells you in this episode as to why it is futile to find answers to these questions.
Listen up or you might have to wait for 248 years before your next chance!
In this episode of "An IDIOTS Guide To Success," I am going to talk about the 3 most powerful tools in your arsenal Justifying, Blaming and Whining.
God! Imagine how you would have survived in this chaotic world without the power of these 3 tools!
For me, they have been always a life-saving companion on road to success.
In this episode we explore how NOT taking responsibility and blaming is the IDIOTS way to Success!
Many organizations and business leaders would not be willing to acknowledge that their workplace could potentially be toxic, just so that they can present a clean image to the outside world.
In todays episode I talk about the "Signs of a toxic workplace environment"
Majority of domestic abuse is of the psychological type which typically goes unnoticed and unreported. In this episode , i am going to talk about 'toxic families' and how to know if you are a victim of such an environment?
The foundation of any relationship, whether it be with a business associate, spouse, parent, client or, friend, is trust.
In todays episode of #thecriticaldialogue I am going to talk about the 5 keys to build trust in your relationship.
There is something like 'Cycle of Change', which all of us go through in our life. Acknowledging where we are in this cycle and having the belief that the wheel of life keeps revolving all the time should give us the confidence of moving ahead. In todays episode of #thecriticaldialogue I am going to help you identify the stage of change you are in - right now.
Why compare yourself to others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.
In today's talk I talk about how "Comparison is the death of joy!"
Even in the most horrible of circumstances human beings have a choice and with choice comes the power to control a situation even when everything seems out of your control you can choose your own attitude and thereby establish meaning in every situation even when things seem hopeless and full of despair.
Today I am going to talk about that one freedom which can never be taken away from you - The Freedom and Power of Making A Choice!
We often shy away from difficult conversations – the critical dialogue as I call them. We must however realize that they are some of the most important conversations in our life and we just need the right approach to make them productive.
Today I am going to talk about "How To Have A Difficult Conversation? - The 5 P's
When was the last time you walked up to someone and said a few words of appreciation? When was it that someone walked up to you providing you with words of appreciation?
In #thecriticaldialogue today, I am going to talk about the positive effects of 'appreciation' and how a daily dose could do a world of good to those you care for.
Have been trying hard to be normal? Have you been forced to behave so called 'normally'? Are you happy with the so called normal? In today's #thecriticaldialogue I am trying to explore how our attempts at being normal is taking us away from our true essence. Let me know what you think?
How do you think? What do you use to process or comprehend what you see? What skills do you use to think and contemplate? Did you know that your ability to think and contemplate could be limited by your vocabulary? In today's episode of #thecriticaldialogue I talk about how we can be limited in our thinking based on our limited vocabulary.
Movies and Media would make us believe that romance is about the grand gestures like spending an exorbitant amount of money on surprise gifts, trips or dates. However, that’s not what keeps a marriage intact. Today in #thecriticaldialogue I am talking about how building your emotional bank account can go a long way in your marital or romantic relationship
Initiating deliberate 'compelling actions' in life can radically upgrade your motivation to succeed. In today's #thecriticaldialogue I am going to talk about "How You Can Harness The Power Of A Compelling Action?'"
Deliberate Ignorance is something you must practice if you want to avoid all the distractions of the universe which come in the way of your success. It helps in overcoming the fatigue from the decision making process. In today's talk I explore how decisions can be made effectively with the practice of deliberate ignorance.
People react to conflicts differently, some calmly and others with explosive response. Some people flee from the conflict, and others go back fighting.
In today's episode I explore "How we musn't respond to the position people take but learn to understand their underlying interests?"
What if you start leading your life as if it is a ‘practice’?
There is a mindset during 'practice' which is not only positive but also acts as a great confidence booster. Tapping into that mindset can help you accomplish much more in life than what you do now. In today's episode I talk about "how you must lead your life as a practice?"
Your trauma could be in any area of your life – failure in math, a lost business deal, interpersonal conflicts, financial loss, being at the receiving end of deceit or loss of a dear one. In this episode I talk about how you shouldn't allow your past traumatic experience to define your future identity.
“Who you want to be” is much more important than who you are right now. Your ‘Goals’ should direct all your current identity and being far more than your past identity. In todays episode I talk about how you shouldn't be basing your identity on your past.
Don't resign - Design instead!
Are you caught up in finding “who you really are”?
It’s a trap best avoided. Instead focus your energies towards “What you want to be” – because that’s what matters. In this episode on Time Mastery, I talk about how your journey if self-discovery can at times be limiting your life
The two words i.e., loneliness and isolation point towards issues which people at the top have to deal with and address. There could be common grounds and differences as well. I today's episode i talk about how people at the top suffer from depression and anxiety due to increased isolation.
It's not how much we do, but what we get done that counts most. Therefore, top time masters develop clear goals, and then focus on the activities that will achieve them. In today's episode i talk about the importance of goals and how window shopping cannot help you achieve work-life harmony
Time is a paradox. We never seem to have enough time, yet we have all the time there is. The problem is not a shortage of time, but how we choose to use the time available to us. The key is to concentrate on the essentials, and ignore the non-essentials. In today's episode i talk about how your 'attitude is the key to achieving work-life harmony.
No want can force you to master your time. The "want to" must come from within. Some habits are relatively easy to change; others can be extremely difficult. In todays episode I talk about how changing habits can help us on our way to time mastery and a better work-life harmony.
People spend countless hours trying to find their ‘true-self’. They scourge the internet, run behind self-help gurus, buy books, join communes; all in search of finding that elusive ‘self’ which purportedly will lead them to ‘contentment’ and ‘happiness’ in life – A life of harmony. In today's episode on #thecriticaldialogue of Time Mastery, episode I explore "How Our Pursuit Of Finding The Elusive True-Self Can Adversely Impact The Harmony In Life?"
The pressure to fit-in and be liked can turn anyone into a 'social chameleon'. You try hard to be the person you should be and try to bend backwards to accommodate and align with what others expect of you. In this episode i talk about the negative effects of peer-pressure and comparisons on your work-life balance
While carrying unreal expectations are part of human existence and everyone carries one or the other, it dient mean they are healthy. In today's episode I talk about the negative impact of untwal expectations in achieving work-life balance or harmony.
‘Social conditioning’ which has a deep impact on the way we lead our life. It constantly puts pressure on us to follow certain set patterns laid out by the society on all dimensions of our life; money, work, family, social relationships, health, leisure, self-development and spiritual. In today's episode I talk about "how social conditioning negatively impacts harmony in life"
People with low self-esteem tend to see themselves as victims of a hostile world. As a result, they are reluctant to express and assert themselves, miss out on experiences and opportunities, and feel powerless to change things.
It takes them to a downward spiral of lowered self-esteem.
In today's episode of Time Mastery, I talk about 10 things which you can do to boost your self-esteem.
While there are several factors which contribute negatively towards bringing in a sense of harmony in your life, the one factor which for me has a great influence is your level of ‘Self-Esteem’.
In today's episode let's explore “how our self-esteem could influence our time mastery which in turn would affect ‘harmony’ in life?”
People like to convince themselves that they are fine even if they are not, and that’s dangerous. You end up with a series of lies which becomes so big that you get so far that you lose your identity – your core.
In today's show i talk about "How people deny themselves a chance to ‘harmonious living"
Having a perfect work-life balance has been touted as an effective action oriented approach towards managing stress. I say that putting a lot of effort towards work-life balance puts additional burden and stress in your life. In this episode of the 'TIME MASTERY' series I will talk about how 'harmony' in life is the way to go and why work-lofe balance is a myth.
The past couple of months caught everyone by surprise; businesses and employees alike. While most large businesses had their ‘business contingency plans’ in place: no one would have ever imagined that the shift to remote work from home will be so sudden and swift. In today's show i talk about the need for increased trust while WFH and 5 ways in which you can help build and sustain trust.
Anger, Blaming, Denial, Excessive worry, long recuperation period, Reticence, Excessive problem focus and Social withdrawal can be your typical emotional response towards stressor in life. In today's episode I talk about the emotion oriented approach in coping with stress.
Regardless of the degree of suffering you go through because of stress, it is worth taking s measured approach to stress management rather than reaching out to the first available and most obvious solution. Coping with stress requires a multi-pronged approach and may differ for each individuals. In todays episode I talk about the Action Oriented Approach towards coping with Stress.
Your personality plays an important role in almost every aspect of stress and the cooing process. It has been linked to the likelihood of engaging in certain coping mechanism and the effectiveness or outcomes of these coping strategies. In todays episode i am going to talk about how your personality influences your ability to cope with stress. I am going to use the Big Five Personality traits as a base to explore stress and coping.
If you are a person who tends to get stressed frequently, like many in today's VUCA ( volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, your body may exist in a heightened state of stress most of the time. This can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. In today's episode on stress I am talking about 'what triggers stress, types of stress and its effect on your health.
How stressed someone feels depends on how much damage they think the situation can do to them, and how closely their resources meet the demands of the situation. In today's episode on the Stress, I talk about 3 types of stress response as your first step in understanding stress and its management.
Most of us receive feedback on a daily basis. In fact there is so much that it becomes difficult at times to separate the chaff from the grain. We grapple with the problems of not just finding out what we need to work on but how to change as well. In today's episode I talk about 'What' should you change and 'How' you should go about change after you receive feedback.
Every once in a while feedback comes as a big surprise, but most of the time, people are aware of their weaknesses, often carrying them for years. In today's show I am going to talk about why people resist change after receiving feedback? And a few steps which can help you on your way to get the maximum benefit from the feedback you receive.
In this episode I talk about how important is "Getting Feedback" for your leadership growth and development. Great leaders often spend time to understand how others see them!
In today's show I talk about the factors which influence our feedback behavior. What makes it difficult for us to give feedback and how you can overcome the fear of giving feedback. I will also talk about the 4 Steps of Feedback Giving which will work for you 100%. Both at home and at work.
On today's show we talk about the ways to receive feedback and How to make it safe for the giver?
In this episode of "The Critical Dialogue" - Life at Work, I invite you to explore with me the critical do's and don'ts of Feedback Giving and Receiving and how it can help you improve the quality of your interpersonal relationships.