Archive for January, 2014
Loud Thinking January 17, 2014 at 04:55PM
January 17th, 2014 | 
Author: Pakistan PAINDABAD
Pakistani youth declared top in world of mathematics
Business Recorder Monday, 13 January 2014 12:01 Posted by Parvez Jabri 1508
ISLAMABAD: Shahzaib Ali Abbasi, 18, has been declared top in the world for mathematics in the Cambridge O-level examinations held by the University of Cambridge, UK. He has also achieved regional distinction in O-Level in computer studies.
His latest achievement is getting the coveted mention in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2013 held in Colombia, South America, and a mention in the Asia Pacific Mathematics Olympiad, among other accolades, The Technology Times reported.
Shahzaib is studying for his A-levels final from FFC Grammar School, Mirpur Mathelo.
“Shahzaib is not a bookworm. In addition to his studies, he makes time for sports. But when it comes to mathematics, he is crazy about it, so much so that while travelling he keeps a diary and pen ready and keeps solving mathematical problems,” said Zulfiqar, the father of Ali.
Ali said that he has received scholarship offers from King’s College, London; Bath University, UK, and the University of Hong Kong but he dreams of a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in USA.
“It was a moment of pride for us when he was honoured in the mathematics Olympiad in Colombia and was handed the Pakistani flag,” said Mohammad Usman who teaches mathematics at Shahzaib’s school.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2014
Loud Thinking January 17, 2014 at 03:36PM
Two Keys to a Successful Virtual Team
Getting team composition right is critical, especially for virtual teams, which are more autonomous than co-located teams. When putting together a virtual team, consider:
Size: The best virtual team is a small one—under 10 people. Four or five is ideal. Relatively minor coordination and communication challenges grow exponentially as a virtual team grows, and few things erode trust faster than being left out of important communication. Rather than creating a big team, consider keeping the core team small, with advisory groups providing input as needed.
Accountability: When virtual teams come together from a range of functions, leaders may lack formal authority over all team members. If team members are evaluated on their performance within the line of business they represent, rather than on their contributions or successful collaboration, members may feel a disincentive to collaborate. Instead, establish clear lines of accountability and uniform performance measures at the outset.
Adapted by HBR from “To Make Virtual Teams Succeed, Pick the Right Players” by Keith Ferrazzi.
Loud Thinking January 16, 2014 at 06:13PM
Get More from Millennials with Mentoring
Gen Y employees are often stereotyped as having unrealistic salary expectations and a poor work ethic, but by understanding how to work with younger employees and creating programs that allow them to network, learn, and feel part of the company, you can help them become your next leaders. Connect Gen Y talent to senior leaders with cross-generational mentoring programs for executive exposure and sponsorship. The young talent pool can support recruiting events, help in product development and marketing initiatives, and discuss new trends and how to leverage the latest technology (most of Gen Y doesn’t know a world without computers). Younger employees will benefit from the training and development, and managers will benefit from an engaged cohort of energetic, driven employees.
Adapted from “You’re Probably Wrong About Millennials” by Dan Schawbel.
Loud Thinking January 16, 2014 at 05:51PM
“Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.”
Jean de La Bruyère (1645-1696);
French philosopher
Loud Thinking January 16, 2014 at 07:47AM
My letter published by the daily “The Nation” today.
Bringing back life
January 16, 2014
After 66 years, Pakistan is a more fragmented society and the schism is so intense that if immediate corrective steps are not taken, God forbid, this country may see even more turbulent times.
The decadence and corruption that is prevalent in all sectors of Pakistan is evident. Maybe, we have one last chance to curtail the rot, to unite the people and to give them a prescription to rise again and rebuild the nation from the ashes; because for the overwhelming majority a time is coming that the masses may be forced to think: ‘no life no nation’.
The current framework, under which the country is being run will not take Pakistan forward, even if it is allowed to continue as such, for another 100 years.
All small and big nations in our region and the world have overtaken us, in the basic fields of health, education, justice, law and order and food security.
All stakeholders must wake up now as the nation is moving towards complete destruction and business as usual can do no good for Pakistan; our survival is directly linked with the existence of our nationhood.
Pakistan needs a turnaround for which the basic need is our adaptation and readiness for change, not in cosmetic but in the real sense. We need a complete change from one era to another, like the one, witnessed by China, under Mao Zedong, or in Turkey by Mustafa Kamal Ataturk.
I would like to suggest that we formulate a new social contract, for the common people of Pakistan, who always pay 100 percent bills and taxes and never default on their bank loans. Let us make a new Pakistan, which is redesigned to practically cater to the needs of the exploited masses.
Changes must be made in the constitution, to make it a presidential form of government. Our election system should also be changed, so that the whole country directly votes for the president. However, before voting, the candidates of all political parties for presidential post, must notify a list of their MPAs, MNAs and Senators, who will be automatically considered elected, according to the percentage of votes cast, in favour of the main candidate for the top post of the country.
The decision for Pakistan’s charter of development for building dams and mega projects for the next 50 years should also be finalized, on which, later on, no politics should be allowed. In other words, the representatives of the nation should decide now, where they would like to see Pakistan, in each and every field of life after 50 years. This plan should be further divided into ten five years plans.
In order to decentralize and empower the maximum number of people, to enjoy the fruits of self-rule, we should convert every division of Pakistan into a province. In fact it will work wonders in the speedy development and unity of Pakistan; and kill instantly any secessionist or separatist activities, currently prevailing in some parts of the country.
SYED NAYYAR UDDIN AHMAD,
Lahore, January12.
Loud Thinking January 15, 2014 at 09:59PM
“Don’t make a decision based solely on popularity. Just because other people are doing it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you.”
— Author Unknown
Loud Thinking January 15, 2014 at 07:24PM
“When you’re trying to motivate yourself, appreciate the fact that you’re even thinking about making a change. And as you move forward, allow yourself to be good enough.”
Alice Domar, PhD –
psychologist, author
Loud Thinking January 15, 2014 at 02:26PM
How to Choose the Right Protégé
Hopeful protégés are hungry for sponsorship. Naturally, good leaders attract a wide field of qualified candidates. How should you decide whom to sponsor?
Limit yourself to a select few. Sponsorship is a high-energy commitment. Most senior leaders can effectively sponsor three to four individuals, maximum.
Pick people you can trust. When a sponsor doesn’t really know the person he or she advocates for, his or her credibility in the organization can take a hit. If your protégé isn’t doing a good job, it reflects badly on you.
Fill in your gaps. Some protégés bolster your brand through their technical expertise or social media savvy; others contribute fluency in another language or culture, or help you with their ability to build teams and coach raw talent. Hire people to complement your strengths by addressing your weaknesses.
Adapted by HBR from “How to Choose the Right Protégé” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett.
Loud Thinking January 15, 2014 at 10:25AM
Joke..!
A milkman, who is dying in the hospital, is surrounded by his two sons, daughter, his wife and a nurse.
He says:
– To you, John, I leave the California Estate.
– To you, my dear daughter, I leave the apartments in the New York Plaza.
– To you, Tom, being my youngest son with a large future, I leave the City Center offices.
– And you, my dear wife, the three residential buildings towers in marketplace.
The nurse, impressed, tells his wife, “Madam, your husband is very rich. He is bequeathing many properties!
You all are so lucky!!!”
And the wife retorts, “Rich??? Lucky??? Are you kidding me!!!??
He is a Milkman!!! Those are his routes where he delivers milk !!!!”
