Picture this: You are at a familygathering, and someone says something that does not sit right.
Maybe it is about a touchy family issue, a strained relationship or an unspoken tension in the room that has been bubbling for years.
You want to address it, but you hesitate, wondering if saying anything will make things worse.
Sounds familiar?
In my recent session on DifficultConversations with one of Dubai‘s largest realestate developers, this scenario struck a chord.
Just like with family, workrelationships sometimes mean handling sensitive topics with care. We all have that one conversation we dodge, maybe with a teammate, a manager, or even a long-time colleague, usually for the following reasons:
1. Lack of SelfEsteem that leaves me crippled with emotions such as fear, ego and anxiety
2. Lack of Skill & Competence not knowing where to start or how to respond to disagreements.
But here is the thing…
Managing difficult conversations well can resolveconflicts and lead to better understanding,
During the session, we focused on tools for respectful dialogue, helping people voice their thoughts without sparking defensiveness or damaging trust.
The lesson?
Often, it is not the conversation that is difficult; it is our fear of the unknown. But with the right approach, these moments can bring people closer rather than push them apart.
When was the last time you had one of these moments?
And how would things change if you handled it with courage, patience and transparency?
admin
Here is the thing about innovation;
It is not always about bigbudgets, cuttingedgetech, or fancytitles…
Sometimes, it is about that wildidea that no one thinks will work…
The one that seems so out there, that people hesitate even to say it out loud….
In my recent session on Innovation, we did not just talk about creating new products or solutions…
We explored what it takes to foster a culture where no idea is too wild, and risk-taking is encouraged.
Because here is the truth: Realinnovation happens when we permit ourselves to challenge the status quo, even if it feels uncomfortable.
The question is…
?
?
?
Are you bold enough to nurture those “crazy” ideas that just might change everything?
Change.
It creeps in unexpectedly, leaving us with that all-too-familiar knot in our stomachs.
Whether it is a newproject at work…
a shiftinmanagement…
or
something as simple as adjusting to a new routine…
The feelings of anxiety and fear often resurface
It is not just the unknown that worries us, it is the sense of losing control.
But here is something we rarely discuss:
Change is only as overwhelming as we let it be….
In my recent ChangeManagement session, we explored how fear and resistance are natural but don’t have to hold us back.
Creating spaces where people feel informed, involved, and prepared can turn anxiety into action and uncertainty into opportunity.
How do you feel about change?
Do you brace for impact or lean into it?




Have you ever noticed how persistent and creative they are?
They ask for five more minutes to play, a little extra dessert, or an extra story before bed, and they do so without any hesitation. They negotiate without fear!
Pushing boundaries, listening, adapting, and building their case with absolute confidence…
It made me think, that as adults, we often lose that forthright courage.
We second-guess, overthink, and often hesitate to ask for what we truly want.
Yet, the basic principles that children follow, curiosity, persistence and adaptability, are exactly what we need in professionalnegotiations.
This hit home during my booksigning at Chennai Airport.
As I sat signing books, I watched a young child negotiate with her parent for a small toy at a nearby store.
The way she reasoned, promising to behave or do her homework without a fuss, was absolutely a mini-masterclass in negotiation. What struck me was how naturally children negotiate, without overthinking or fear. She didn’t give up after the first “no” and was flexible enough to change her approach, convincing her parent in the end.
It reminded me how essential these simple yet powerful negotiationtechniques are, no matter your age.
Whether you are negotiating with a client, a colleague, or even yourself, approaching it with the mindset of a child can change everything. So next time you are about to take on a negotiation, remember the basics
Ask without fear,
Adapt, and
Push the boundaries.
A few days ago, I had the privilege of doing the bookreading of Negotiateor Stagnate, at the legendary NilgiriLibrary in Ooty.
A few days ago, I had the privilege of doing the bookreading of NegotiateorStagnate, at the legendary NilgiriLibrary in Ooty.
Imagine stepping into a place where the air is cool with a highland breeze, being greeted by the scent of oldparchment and polished wood. The walls are lined with shelves that have stood the test of time, holding stories from centuries past.
The light filters in through tall, narrow windows, casting a golden glow that wraps around you like an old friend.
It is a place where words carry weight.
It reminded me of a negotiation I had once, which started off rocky.
We were all in a cold, sterile boardroom, and tensions were high.
But then, by some stroke of luck, we moved to a quieter space, a small, forgotten room in the building, with worn leather chairs and a calming, timeless air.
Everything shifted!
In that room, we started to listenmore, and talkless, and somehow, without force, we came to a resolution that worked for everyone.
Sitting in the Nilgiri Library brought that memory back, showing how the atmosphere can change not just the tone but the outcome of any negotiation.
Sometimes, the environment teaches us more than any strategy ever could.
Have you ever felt a place guide your decisions?
As a tribute to Teacher’sDay, I was recently invited to address the dedicated teachers of Riverside and Hillfort Schools in Kotagiri, TamilNadu, India.
Engaging with educators who are so deeply committed to shaping the next generation was an enriching experience.
While these teachers poured their hearts into guiding students, one important realization stood out, selfcare and personal wellbeing must be their highest priority.
In our sessions, we discussed how essential it is for teachers to remain calm, composed, and balanced, especially when dealing with the pressures of moderneducation.
It is not just the lessons they teach but their actions, behaviour, and demeanour that leave the deepest impression on their students. After all, actions speak louder than words, and students absorb so much from what they see in their role models.
We spoke about the struggles they encounter, the breakthroughs they cherish, and their unwavering passion for nurturing young minds.
To every teacher, you are not just shaping futures, you are shaping possibilities.
What you do, and how you do it, leaves an indelible mark on every child you encounter.
Here’s to you, the silentheroes in the classroom, making a lasting difference, one student at a time.
HappyTeacher’sDay!
Let us keep growing, learning, and changing the world…together!
True Success is not just about hitting targets or meeting deadlines, it is the power of a united team.
At EcubeTrainingandConsulting, we believe that the real magic happens when people come together, connect, and collaborate.
However,TeamBuilding is not just an activity, it is a strategic investment in your company’s future…
Think of it as laying the groundwork for a skyscraper.
Without a strong base of trust, opencommunication, and mutualrespect, even the tallest structures can crumble. But when these elements are present, the sky is the limit.
We had the privilege of facilitating a dynamic team-building session with Larsen & Toubro, UAE.
It was truly inspiring to witness the energy and commitment that comes from a united team. Let us continue to build strong, connected teams that drive us toward a brighter future.
Have you ever found yourself at crossroads, torn between standing firm on your beliefs and going along with the crowd?
We all face this dilemma at some point where we need to decide between prioritising what’s right over chasing the lure of popularity.
Faith is the quiet strength that fuels our convictions!
It is what gives us the courage to stick to our principles, even when the world around us disagrees.
Enthusiasm, on the other hand, is the energy that drives us forward, inspiring others and bringing joy to the journey.
But what happens when these two forces collide with the desire to fit in?
The truth is, seeking validation can sometimes lead us away from our true path.
Popularity may offer temporary satisfaction, but it often comes at the cost of authenticity.
Staying true to your faith might feel lonely at times, but it is a powerful act of selfrespect and integrity.
An epitome of such integrity is witnessed in Chariots on Fire. After 3 years of rigorous practice and Sacrifice, Eric Liddell refuses to run at the Olympics on a Sunday because it’s the Sabbath day-
https://lnkd.in/d4HctEVN
Imagine a cat, poised and confident, walking its path. It does not seek approval but follows its instincts, trusting in its sense of direction.
We can learn a lot from our feline friends too…
Faith in ourselves and enthusiasm for our journey can guide us through the toughest decisions, even when they are not the most popular ones.
So, next time you have to make a choice between being right or being popular, take a pause, access your core self, and let faith and enthusiasm be your guide.
Last week, I found myself in a situation that reminded me just how easily stress can creep into our lives.
I was juggling multiple meetings, trainings, deadlines were looming, and despite my best efforts to stay calm, I could feel the tension building up.
One morning, after barely getting through my to-do list, I realized something had to change…
It was then that I took a step back, observed the variety of thoughts I was engaged with, and applied some of the very techniques I share in my sessions on stressmanagement.
Simple things like breathing exercises, the ‘triple A technique’, reframing, and taking short breaks made a world of difference.
This incident reinforced the importance of not just reacting to stress but actively listening to it.
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In a recent session, I conducted on stressmanagementandprevention, we explored some very crucial strategies in depth.
We discussed how to identifystressors early, implement effective copingmechanisms, and, most importantly, how to preventstress from becoming overwhelming.
If you are feeling the weight of stress, it is time to take action.
Reflect on your daily habits,
Recognize the signs, and
Equip yourself with tools to handlestress better.
Don’t wait for stress to take control, take the first step towards a calmer, better, and more focused you.
So,
How do you manage stress in your daily life?
What strategies have worked for you?
Let us share, discuss, and help each other.
Have you ever found yourself amid a thought that you know, without a doubt, will lead you down an unwanted path?
It could be a moment ofselfdoubt, a flash of negativity, or an instant feeling of overwhelm. The key to overcoming these detrimental thoughts is recognizing them immediately and taking swift action to change course.
Here is how you can turn it around:
Change it as soon as it emerges:
The moment you identify a useless thought, nip it in the bud.
Recognize its potential to derail your progress and consciously decide to let it go.
Create a better thought:
Replace that negative or unproductive thought with one that propels you forward.
Focus on positive, constructive ideas that align with your goals.
Be determined:
Cultivate a strong sense of determination.
Your willpower to stay on track and persist through challenges can make all the difference.
We often talk about personalitytypes and the impact they have on our behaviour and success.
While these categorizations can provide insights, they can also generate wasteful thoughts that limit us.
Pigeonholing ourselves based on personality types can lead to selfimposed restrictions.
Consider the diverse personalities of successful figures like SteveJobs, MarkZuckerberg, JeffBezos, WaltDisney, and RayKroc.
Despite their differing personality types, they all achieved great success.
Therefore, regardless of your personality type, you have the potential to make it big.
Yet, how often do we let ourselves get carried away by personality research and convince ourselves that we are unfit for certain pursuits?
Such wasteful thoughts can paralyze us, preventing us from making full-blown efforts in any direction, ultimately leading to failure.
If you want to achieve something, think positively in that direction.
Create a determined thought and pursue it relentlessly.
Are you ready to stop letting wastefulthoughts hold you back?
What steps will you take today to change the course of your thinking and create a better, more determined path to success?
How do you manage and overcome wasteful thoughts?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.