Exploring My IDIO Journey

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”- Aristotle. 

I know myself the best, but the question is, have I ever really thought about it 🤔 , or I ever tried to help myself improve? Yes, I have tried that a few times, but in most of the situation I didn't know proper ways to understand things. Viji posed several seemingly simple questions that, surprisingly proved to be quite challenging. The course kicked off by asking us a few basic questions to gather our insights on what organizations expect from their employees. 

I was a person who always avoided watching horrific stuff or anything that is concerned with an attack, war … But I was shown the video of the horrific Taj Attack. When Viji showed this in class, I assumed there might be some good reason for it and watched it thoroughly, but I had a million questions in my head, such as why was hotel people so selfless? When I watched these movies in the past, I used to skip these moments or distract myself. But surprisingly this time my mind was full of questions and patriotism.

Despite the relatively young age of the staff, they consistently prioritized the needs of the customers over their own, offering continuous assistance and ensuring the utmost priority was given to guests' safety. It was evident that the staff members not only enjoyed their work but also integrated it into their daily lives, displaying a total immersion in their tasks. They were all aligned with a common goal, ensuring that everyone worked collaboratively toward its achievement.

The discussions held in class provided me with insight into the genuine beauty of their job. I quickly realized that a team with shared values working toward a common objective is stronger and more effective, capable of creating a significant impact. Being a member of placement committee, I had the opportunity of speaking with HR’s of various organisation. I witnessed firsthand how these large corporations placed considerable importance on selecting candidates whose values aligned with their own. It's no wonder that these companies have achieved such remarkable success.

We were introduced to the phrase "Towards an Outcome of Meaning, Flow, Excellence, and Fulfilment" toward the close of the session. These four terms encapsulate what one must demonstrate in life. Finding meaning in everything you do and having a larger purpose or reason for existing. Striking for excellence in all you do. Trying to fulfil your goals. Being happy with the best you can do. The same is true for every aspect of life, including working in an organisation! In conclusion, I'm motivated to go deep into the materials and analyse IDIO from every angle (Individual dynamics in an organization).

What is My Personality type?

A technique that can identify our personality type among 16 personality types using just 4 letters was introduced to us. I began this activity with the mindset that it is like any other random motivational video in You tube. But after doing the activity and the analysis done in the class I understood the value and outcome of the activity. The first letter represented your energy source, or whether you are more extroverted or introverted. The second describes how we obtain knowledge from the outside world, including whether it is based on facts, data, or intuition (what could be or what ought to be). Their decision-making mindset is shown in the third letter. utilising frameworks and rules versus acting on impulse. The final letter indicates how well-organized or haphazardly one runs their life. I found this to be extremely interesting because over the years, various people have described my personality in diverse manners.

I excelled as a student in both my 12th grade and undergraduate studies, demonstrating academic prowess. Beyond academics, I actively supported my friends in their studies and various aspects of life. With a strong inclination towards socializing, I am known for being an empathetic person. My schoolmates know me as an introvert and repulsive person, and they can irritate me easily by teasing me. I transitioned from being an introverted person to someone who now socializes extensively, and it is my work life that has played a significant role in bringing about this change. Since college, I have been attempting to change myself, and the sincere and content individuals in my life have been encouraging me to become even more outgoing. I too am a bit sensitive person and feel attached to people. I give my cen percent to the people I value. I often feel sympathetic when I hear some people and at times I take the feelings directly into heart where I should use brain. Even though it was shown that I have slight preference of judging over perceiving, I don’t agree to it. 

During the class, students with the highest percentage in each category were selected to participate in a stage activity. Observing these activities, we noticed that some students' behaviour aligned with the given characteristics, while others did not exhibit the expected traits. One activity that stood out to me involved students with extravert and introvert personalities engaging in a debate. This provided valuable insights into the introverted personality and how they express themselves. Overall, it was an enlightening learning experience.

Playing to my Strengths

When I am at my best, I exhibit kindness, generosity, and respect for others' decisions, treating everyone equally and establishing myself as a trustworthy companion. These qualities not only help me attract people but also contribute to my ability to maintain meaningful connections. Interacting with people and engaging in physical activity serves as my preferred method for relieving stress.

I hold a profound interest in assessing individuals comprehensively, which sparks curiosity within me. I refrain from forming opinions about people based on others' perspectives, recognizing that every person forges unique connections in their own special way. Although I am initially guarded with my interests, if someone manages to establish an emotional connection, I become openly affectionate.

Acknowledged by my mentors, I possess exceptional timing in choosing what to say, when to say it, and where to say it—a skill supported by my critical thinking and outspoken attitude. With a keen interest in managing people and accomplishing tasks, my mentors have recognized this aptitude. Despite excelling in the technical field, my equal passion and proficiency in management influenced my decision to pursue a managerial role.

It's all about how you see things, isn't it?

Perception, as defined, refers to how we observe, grasp, or comprehend something based on our senses. It is inherently individualized and beyond control, aligning with its inherent nature. Human nature dictates that neither we nor others can regulate how we are perceived or how we perceive others.

How frequently do we hastily assess individuals solely based on their appearance before truly getting to know them? Altering our initial perceptions proves to be a challenging task. Our perceptions often stem from the information available, and once additional details emerge, changing those impressions becomes a formidable task. However, it is more advantageous to consider all available information before forming initial perceptions, as relying on selective information can distort reality.

We often succumb to these assumptions without recognizing their significant impact on individuals, especially in professional settings. My parents, friends, teachers, and family members have frequently misunderstood me. This is primarily because I exhibit different behaviours with different people, and people selectively absorb information. According to Chris Argyris, misinterpretations are common due to our tendency to subset information and jump to conclusions. Although the ladder of inference seems straightforward and natural to follow, disruptions in subsequent steps can lead to biases, false inferences, and inappropriate actions.

I tend to be cautious when it comes to trusting people, and it takes me some time to build that trust. Yet, once I decide to trust someone, I give it my all. I won't abandon them after I've started to trust them; instead, I'll merely offer my counsel and wait for the right moment to step in and save the day. I'll grow a sense of ownership over them because I want them to be morally pure; if not, I'll do everything in my power to fix them. However, this approach has led to some challenges in my life. I used to take things very personally and let them affect me deeply. There were instances where I ended up getting hurt because I didn't let go when it would have been wiser to do so.

In a significant moment in my life, a friend confided in me, sharing his deepest secret about a traumatic experience with a relative. Concerned for his well-being, I took the initiative to accompany him to a psychiatrist, even traveling from Chennai to Kerala every weekend to offer support. However, due to health issues one week and personal commitments the following week, I couldn't keep up with the routine. Unexpectedly, his attitude towards me changed. He accused me of not caring and even went so far as to suggest I was cheating him. This took a toll on my mental well-being, and I experienced depression.

Reflecting on it now, I understand that his behaviour was likely a manifestation of his sadness and loneliness. Instead of recognizing this, I took it personally. Looking back, I realize I should have ignored his words in that moment and approached the situation with a more understanding and logical mindset. It all boils down to perception.

This experience resonates with instances from my professional life as well. There were times when I faced sudden termination from a job without clear reasons. Instead of taking it professionally, I let it affect me personally. Now, with a different perspective, I recognize the importance of handling such situations with a professional mindset, allowing space for understanding rather than personalizing the circumstances.

In my efforts to change this pattern, I found myself repeatedly facing humiliation. Viji's discussion on perception made me reflect on these situations. I realized that there were times when I could have simply ignored certain things and remained calm. It became clear to me that how I perceived these situations played a crucial role in how they affected me. Understanding this has been a valuable lesson in managing my reactions and emotions in various circumstances.

What I know VS What you know??

Today in our class, Viji ma'am asked us to form groups with people we are familiar with. We were all fascinated because Viji ma'am consistently introduces innovative approaches. As the class began, Viji introduced us to the Johari Window and directed each of us to take the "hot seat" to understand how our classmates perceive us. This intrigued me and turned out to be an eye-opening experience. I had no idea that someone could observe me so closely in just three months!

The Johari Window comprises four quadrants: the open area (known to oneself and others), the blind spot (known to others but not oneself), the hidden area (known to oneself but not others), and the unknown area (unknown to both parties). Being a talkative, everyone in my group quickly identified the open area, and I agreed with almost everything they said. The real surprise came with the blind spot. I always had the perception about myself that I am not that liked by all and is rude to people at times. But surprisingly the responses were exact opposite. People like me a lot and I always take care of them. One surprising comment was that I get zoned out frequently. We shared personal information and ended up offering advice to one another. Some of them offended by the comments and surprisingly some people took it in a positive manner. This class stands out as one of the most memorable experiences to date.

CREATIVITY – A Secret to make life interesting.

Creativity is a widely discussed topic in the realm of management, often deemed a crucial skill in numerous articles on essential management competencies. "Creativity doesn't wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones," as stated by Bruce Garr Brandt. Many of us wait for the opportune moment to act, but does such a moment truly exist? While I previously associated creativity with artists, singers, and dancers, this session enlightened me about the creativity even found in the smallest creatures, such as honeybees. When a honeybee discovers a new food source, it performs a "waggle dance" to communicate its location and quality to others in the colony, showcasing collective creativity in action. This collective creativity empowers a team to solve complex problems that might be challenging or impossible for an individual to tackle alone.

This newfound understanding motivated me, instilling creative confidence and reinforcing the belief that everyone possesses creativity. It inspired me to integrate this belief into my work. Despite being someone who strives to think outside the box and be unique, I often face challenges due to deadlines and time constraints. However, this session taught me that adaptability and creativity are interconnected. Once we embrace creativity, it becomes a habitual part of our thinking process.

During the class, Viji introduced the concept of the "6 thinking hats," piquing my curiosity. Further exploration revealed that these hats serve as a versatile tool for any creative thinking challenge. Each hat, representing a specific thinking pattern and assigned a different colour, minimizes conflicts in group discussions. The white and red hats signify information and emotions, the black and yellow hats represent negative and positive aspects, and the green and blue hats emphasize creativity and focus on the process. Understanding these pairs provides a valuable tool for managerial situations, fostering additional ideas and facilitating prompt and collaborative problem-solving.

Creativity serves as a potent tool for finding solutions in unique ways. It allows us to approach problems from perspectives we may not have considered. This session has enlightened me about the untapped potential within myself and how I can harness it in managerial situations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Empathy: The Pinnacle of Understanding

In the class, we talked about empathy, something we often hear about but might not fully get. Empathy as more than just a topic—it's a powerful force that can change how we solve problems and come up with new ideas. It is about really understanding others. We should try seeing the world from someone else's point of view by putting ourselves in their shoes. This, will helps us truly care about and understand their struggles.

The class made us realize how important empathy is for coming up with creative solutions to problems. When we approach challenges with empathy, we get a better understanding of what people really need, and that leads to creative solutions. This mix of empathy and creativity has the power to make the world fairer and more equal for everyone.

As we go forward in life, we should remember how powerful tool empathy can be. We should try see things from other people's perspectives, really understanding and caring about what they're going through. By doing this, we can come up with creative solutions, build stronger connections, and make a world that's all about empathy and kindness.

Outbound Activity - The World is Your Playground

Viji used to emphasize the importance of waking up in the morning and exploring oneself. She insisted on going out to exercise and appreciate the morning beauty, but I was always lazy. Then came the day for our outbound activity. We were asked to assemble in front of SAC, knowing it would be one of the best experiences ever. The session focused on building trust, communication, and teamwork. As we exchanged nervous glances, a mix of anticipation and occasional nervous laughter filled the air.

The first game was a trust fall, where we blindfolded ourselves and fell backward, relying on our teammates to catch us. There was hesitance and fear initially, unsure of what to expect. However, as we took the leap of faith, we were caught not by the ground but by the unwavering support of our teammates.

Next up was blindfolded football, navigating the field guided only by verbal instructions from our teammates. The field echoed with commands, creating a symphony of coordination and trust. As we stumbled, we learned to rely on our teammates' guidance, heightening our senses to their every word.

One of my favourite activities was where we had to place the cone in the 3x3 square box. The cones had to be arranged so that each team had the same-coloured cones in a straight line inside the box. We had to react fast and work together as a team to win the game. It was a good experience to realize the value of teamwork and coordination.

The outdoor session served as a reminder that we aren't isolated individuals but interconnected beings thriving within a supportive network. It challenged our ingrained sense of individualism, encouraging us to embrace collaboration and recognize the value of everyone’s contribution.

As the session concluded, a sense of unity filled the air. The initial apprehension gave way to a newfound appreciation for the strength found within a united team. We embarked on a journey of unlearning individualism, embracing the collective power that emerges when we work together towards a shared goal.

DECISION MAKING –  Balancing Trade-Offs and Subject Knowledge

 

Decision Making and biases was one of my favourite topics so far in IDIO, mainly because of the fact that we come across decision making scenarios every day and being an overthinker its quite hard for me. I have now grown to be a person who makes quick decisions mostly right or will work so badly to make it right after deciding many times. Yeah I know it’s weird but at the end of the day my decision is right. However, group decision-making is not significantly simpler than individual decision-making because to team disagreements and the work required to persuade others. However, group decision-making produces outcomes that are pool-proof.

Viji gave a different task today, a simulation activity. We were asked to assemble in system lab today and was made into a group of 6. In this exercise we assumed the roles of top management in a health monitoring firm facing a critical situation. The scenario involved one of our flagship devices, integral to many consumers' health routines, being discovered to have a potential fault.

In an instant, we transitioned from being students in a classroom to decision-makers in a corporate boardroom. The weight of responsibility became tangible as we deliberated on the potential consequences of our actions. Should we prioritize immediate customer satisfaction by issuing new, fault-free devices? Or should we focus on cost containment by producing updated instruction manuals to address the issue? Is it wise to involve doctors in the communication process, leveraging their expertise to educate non-medical professionals on the proper use of the device?

Every decision revealed a myriad of potential consequences, presenting us with a complex set of challenges. We wrestled with the ethical considerations, contemplating how our choices could influence customers' well-being, the perception of our brand, and our overall financial standing. The gravity of our responsibility was evident, and the understanding that even seemingly minor decisions could set off a chain reaction of effects proved to be a clear and priceless lesson.

This activity highlighted a significant message: successful decision-making demands a thorough viewpoint. It stressed the importance of examining not only immediate results but also enduring impacts, ethical aspects, and the potential responses of stakeholders. We gained an understanding of the crucial role of gathering all accessible information, considering diverse perspectives, and foreseeing potential obstacles before settling on a conclusive decision. Exiting the simulation, we didn't just carry a score or a "right" answer; we gained a fresh appreciation for the complexities involved in decision-making within a corporate setting.

IDIO Everywhere: Embracing the 

Beauty of Onam

IDIO Everywhere: An Enriching Journey. Our chosen IDIO topic revolved around the vibrant festival of Onam. We explored diverse aspects such as Ona Sadya, Pulikali, Pookalam, Vallam Kali, and Thiruvathira. In this context, Maveli served as our symbolic leader, representing an organization. Each of the other events symbolized different programs and activities within an organizational setting, making it a delightful and insightful experience.

Maveli, also recognized as Mahabali, is a mythical Asura (demon) king celebrated for his generosity, righteousness, and immense popularity among his subjects. Portrayed as a just and benevolent ruler, Maveli was dedicated to the welfare of his people.

Nevertheless, in what seems to be a defeat, Maveli's humility and unwavering commitment to his team leave an indelible mark. Acknowledging Maveli's exemplary values, Vamana is impressed and rewards him with a boon—a yearly opportunity to revisit the organization and its people. This annual homecoming of Maveli evolves into a corporate cultural celebration known as Onam. The narrative resonates with the challenges of leadership, the intricate dynamics of corporate competition, and the enduring spirit of resilience and rejuvenation.

Each event represents one element of IDIO and the value it showcase. 

                                     Vadamvali: Teamwork, Agility & Adaptability

                                 Vallamkali: Motivation & Unity

                                 Thiruvathira: Trust & Dependability

                                 Ona Sadhya: Diversity & Inclusion

                                 Pookkalam: Creativity & Collaboration

Empowering Excellence: A Journey Through Our Coaching Session

I had three coaching sessions, and they were really helpful. The coach Kumar Krishnamoorty was great at understanding how coaching works and made it a safe space for me to thinkand speak about myself. What I liked the most was how he focused on helping me discover things about myself. With his approach to problem and guidance, I discovered what my problems are and how to deal with them. Kumar was friendly and he never judge, so I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts. He made me realise what I was missing in my life. He made me to start working out again. I overcame my fear of losing and helped me gain self-confidence. I learned the art of observation and practical thinking.  The whole activity showed me the path to art of critical thinking. Now it is my duty to take it forward. The whole experience was professional, personalized, and it really stuck with me.

What I gained out the course!

My IDIO journey has been an enriching experience. Our highly engaging teacher, whose sessions were some of the bests I've ever attended, has facilitated my self-discovery. I've gained a deeper understanding of my personality, unearthed my Ikigai, my passion and purpose, and reflected on my strengths. Additionally, I've built meaningful connections and received valuable career coaching. Through games, activities, and discussions, I've learned about teamwork, leadership, ethical decision-making, and the power of storytelling. Exploring Ikigai has been a fascinating journey, and overall, IDIO has been a fun and impactful experience that has taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, open-mindedness, and the power of storytelling.

I am happy to have had the opportunity to take this course. Normally, the learning outcomes would be about knowledge gained on the course. Here, it was different. The knowledge gained was more about self. This was an opportunity to introspect me and retune the path that I would be travelling on in the future. 

Thankyou @Viji ma’am, you kept your word that at the end of the course you would get a feeling that you learned something for future.