Discover the Writer in You

|From a Soldier’s Diary| Having served for more than two decades in one of the finest armies in the world,  I gained tremendous insights into the value system prevalent in the forces and why they do what they do. And I learned some great leadership skills while operating in the line of fire that I would now like to share with my audience. 1. Be a Magician. Your team must know that the buck stops at you - that when they approach you with their problems, they will definitely get a solution. The way you talk to them, the way you listen to them, the gentleness with which you channelize their efforts, your sense of humor especially when the tide is not in your favor, your mere presence as a mature and caring person- in short, your aura as someone who commands their respect and rules their hearts- that's what turns you as a leader into a magician. Remember, you are not there to cox and cajole your team, you are there to inspire and energize. 2. The Invisible Leader. Nelson M

A Romantic Comedy It was a blind date. She had interacted with him over the FB and they decided to meet. As she entered the beach side restaurant on a warm winter afternoon, she stopped for a while to listen to the roar of splashing ocean waves crushing against the rocky shore. She looked stunning in a white skirt and a full sleeve, grey top. Her shiny black curls danced merrily on her shoulders as she strode confidently with her light blue, high heels. She could place him instantly. He was more handsome than his online photographs - fair, tall and masculine. But what she was struck by was his miserable condition. He sat there, at a corner table, holding his head between his hands, unshaven, uncombed, in a pair of crumpled jeans and T-shirt, looking sad, disturbed and disappointed. This certainly did not appeal to her as the correct 'date' stuff but still she strolled towards his table resolutely. 'Hi-I am Shalini,' she extended her hand. 'Aditya,