Swami Vivekananda

Contributor Personality Program

An Group Initiative

UNIT 1:

Who is a Contributor?
...Values + Effectiveness
JULY 2012 EDITION

for students and faculty of Gujarat Technological University

by
University Services

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Developing a Contributor Personality

UNIT 1:

Who is a Contributor?
Who are Contributors? How are they fundamentally different from Non-contributors in their overall approach to work, to other human beings, to society as a whole? Discover what this means for your career.
1.1 Exploring who is a Contributor 1.2 The Contributors Checklist 1.3 Workplace application 1 1.4 Workplace application 2 1.5 Workplace application 3 1.6 Project work What you can do next Swami Vivekananda speaks to you: What is personality? pg. 2-3 pg. 4-5 pg. 6-7 pg. 8-9 pg. 10-11 pg. 12 pg. 13 pg. 14-17

UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.1 Exploring who is a Contributor

[CONCEPT EXPLORATION]

Some Examples
1. The Contributor Teacher The Non-contributor Teacher
blah blah

Payal, do you feel confident to do the sums?

The Contributor Teacher is concerned about bringing out the best in each student. Such a teacher cares about the future of every student, and whether they have built confidence in the subject.

The Non-contributor Teacher is unconcerned whether students are paying attention or have understood what is being taught. Such teachers run through the syllabus, but are disengaged from their students. Result students find these classes boring.

2.

The Contributor Government Official

The Non-contributor Government Official

Sir, my file ...

Dont worry sir, when your payments are released, I will . send it to you

I am very busy right now. Please check again in 2 weeks time .

The Contributor Government Official ensures that a common citizen is able to get his work done. She goes all out to find a solution for the person and does everything within her power to accomplish it.

The Non-contributor Government Official is indifferent and does not bother to find a solution to the common citizens problem. Such officials may do their duty and follow rules, but they make a common citizen run . around from pillar to post. They dont care whether the work gets delayed and people find the interaction painful.

3.

The Contributor Sweeper

The Non-contributor Sweeper

Only if the area is kept clean the people will be able to lead a disease-free life

My duty time is over Im off for the day! Let the other sweeper worry about the remaining kachra .

The Contributor Sweeper cares enough to ensure that the living environment is clean for people in the locality! She has a wider view of her work and doesnt just see herself as sweeping kachra she takes pride in her work of creating a clean and hygienic environment for the people who live there.

The Non-contributor Sweeper sees her work in a narrow way and does it only for her Dal Roti. She has no pride or interest in her job and works like a robot without any feeling. Thus she becomes careless and chalta hai in her work.

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

... continued

4.

The Contributor Team Member

The Non-contributor Team Member

The Contributor Team Member always puts the teams success before personal success. Such team members are committed to the larger purpose and dont let personal egos come in the way.

The Non-contributor Team Member pursues personal goals even if it is at the cost of team goals. Such people may be talented as individual stars, but are unable to contribute in a team environment.

Group Worksheet 1.1:

Similarly, imagine how the following contributors and non-contributors behave. Discuss to fill in.
5. The Contributor Senior The Non-contributor Senior
There are too many mistakes in the presentation Make sure you correct them and send it to me by tonight .

Lets sit and see how to improve the presentation.

6.

The Contributor Salesperson

The Non-contributor Salesperson

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.2 The Contributors Checklist

[CONCEPT EXPLORATION]

Study the following

Contributors constantly strive to combine both

effectiveness + human values in any situation. The Contributors Checklist

In every situation, the contributor
EFFECTIVENESS

Accomplishes the goals Does the work well with a spirit of excellence Acts with integrity and in the best interests of those involved Demonstrates human concern
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HUMAN VALUES

Contributor? Foundation

[For a media presentation exploring the Contributors Checklist, vist Concept Exploration]

Unit 1: Who is a

Group Worksheet 1.2:

Share the story of a person you have met / heard of, who you believe is a contributor in his / her own work.
PART A

Name of the person: Profession / work: Share 1-2 incidents from the persons work life, where you believe he / she acted as a contributor:

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

... continued

PART B

For your story, answer the following

How was the goal accomplished?

How did the person try to go about doing an excellent job?

How was integrity ensured? Were the best interests of all parties involved, considered? How?

How did he / she demonstrate human concern through his / her actions?

Were any of these 4 aspects missing? Why?

Explore more stories of contributors at work on the

Concept Applications]

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Foundation

A1: STEVE JOBS

A2: NARAYANA MURTHY

A3: JONAS SALK

A4: KIRAN BEDI

A5: DHARNIDHAR BORO

AND MORE ...

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.3 Workplace application 1

[CONCEPT APPLICATION]

Shylesh and Vikas are two team leaders who have successfully completed a project
[SCENARIO]

Shylesh and Vikas are project leaders with the responsibility of completing two important assignments. After the successful completion of the projects, the following is how they think

SHYLESHS TEAM I have done a great job here! I must ensure I get noticed by the management - it is a chance for a promotion. SHYLESH

VIKAS TEAM

We have done a great job! Each persons contribution was important without that we wouldnt have achieved success. In the next presentation to the management, I must mention how valuable each ones contribution was. VIKAS

What about all that we did?!!

TEAM

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

Group Worksheet 1.3:

When you are part of any team, to be able to perform well and be highly productive, why is it important to focus on we not I? Discuss to answer.

Compare the 2 teams

TEAM 1 Team members are focused only on I and dont really care about the teams goals (Look at Shyleshs team as an example) Which teams members will be more willing to volunteer for responsibility in the team? Why? How will this lead to higher team performance?

TEAM 2 Team members are focused on we not I (Look at Vikas team as an example)

What will be the motivation levels in each team? How will this affect their ability to deliver results?

Which of the two teams will work more harmoniously together? Why will this make them more productive?

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.4 Workplace application 2

[CONCEPT APPLICATION]

An urgent report is needed just when leaving office to go home

[SCENARIO]

Sunil and Nalin work for a telecom company. Their office timing is 9.30 to 5.30. Late one day, their headquarters asks for an urgent report. Their team-mate Rupesh comes to tell them about it

This report is needed urgently for a sudden strategy meeting that has been called in the headquarters SUNIL NALIN

It is already 5.30! Why do they come up with work so late in the day? I am going home!

Lets get down to it immediately! If we work together, we can accomplish this soon and send it off on time. The meeting must be important if they have called for it so suddenly.

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

Group Worksheet 1.4:

When taking up any task, why is it important to recognize its value and the larger purpose it is serving? Discuss to answer.

Compare the 2 approaches to any task

APPROACH 1 I care only about my own convenience (no thought of the companys goals and purpose / value of the work) (Look at Sunils approach as an example) How would the quality of my work get affected? Why?

APPROACH 2 I realize the value and purpose of this work thus I am committed to the responsibility of getting the work done (Look at Nalins approach as an example)

How would my capability development get affected? Why?

Which approach would make me more valued by my team members? Why?

How will it affect my career in the long run? Why?

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.5 Workplace application 3

[CONCEPT APPLICATION]

While the boss is away

[SCENARIO]

SOHAN IN COLLEGE Sohan was bright but mischievous. When teachers were looking, he would pretend to be attentive. When they were not around, he played the fool, wasted time, and distracted others, making them laugh

WHEN SOHAN STARTED WORKING Sohan continued in this way when the boss was monitoring his work, he sat at his desk doing work; but when the boss was away, he chilled out, distracted others, went out for tea and snacks

this made him popular amongst his classmates. They thought he was cool.

his organization thought he was wasteful and frivolous.

3 YEARS LATER

Sohan finds that he is lagging far behind his peers. His performance reviews were poor, and even his colleagues had begun avoiding him. Sohan doesnt know what went wrong, after all he was just being cool

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

Group Worksheet 1.5:

There was a mis-match between what Sohan assumed was cool and what was really acceptable behavior in the workplace. Sohan did not realize that some behaviors may be acceptable in student-life, but are out of place in work-life. When you enter work-life, you are expected to grow up and act with a sense of responsibility towards your work. What is the cost / damage of not growing up and acting with a sense of responsibility at work? How does it damage your future career prospects? Discuss to answer.
Imagine What if the following happens, then what will be the cost / damage to your future career?

Tick one option and explain why you selected it

Not much damage done to my future career Short-term damage is done, but I can set it right if I put in some extra effort Long-term damage to my future career

Your boss and senior management have the impression that you need to be constantly monitored, without which you cant be trusted to get any work done properly

Your colleagues dont take you seriously. When they are fooling around they include you in their group. But when it comes to serious matters no one values your opinion.

Even after several years of working, your capability remains whatever you had trained for. You have not learnt anything new or developed any expertise in any area of work.

Explore more stories of contributors at work on the

Concept Applications]

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Foundation

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

1.6 Project Work

Field Work
Project 1:
Project Goal: To recognize contributor qualities in action, and understand why contributors are valued so much in the workplace. STEP 1: Talk to 2-3 working professionals you know. Ask them for stories of people working in their office, who they feel are really valued by the people in the organization. (Identify at least 3 good stories). STEP 2: For each story, find out why the person is valued so much. Ask them for concrete examples talking about these people in action. STEP 3: Identify the key contributor qualities that are coming out of each of these stories. STEP 4: Present each of these stories in the class. Also highlight what appealed most to you in these stories and what you learnt from them.

Project 2:
Project Goal: To recognize contributor qualities in action, and understand why contributors are wanted / sought after by all who work with them. STEP 1: Interview someone you know in some leadership position (such as a Head of Department in your college, or Principal, or some business leader or person in a senior position who is known to you or your parents). STEP 2: You can use the following questions as a guideline for conducting your interview For any important project / assignment, what are the qualities you look for in the people you want on your team? Can you give concrete examples that demonstrate these qualities? If you had an important assignment to get done, is there any one person you would definitely want on the team? Why do you want this person on the team? What is the unique value you think this person would bring in?

STEP 3: Present the results of your interview to explain What an employer / leader looks for in his/her people.

Project 3:
Project Goal: To recognize contributor qualities in action, and understand why contributors are wanted / sought after by all who work with them. STEP 1: Talk with your friends who have been involved in some team projects / organizing some events / initiatives (eg: college festival). STEP 2: Discuss What qualities would they look for in the different team members, so as to make the event / project / initiative a success. Ask for concrete examples that demonstrate these qualities. Why are these qualities important? What is the value of these in the success of the team?

STEP 3: Present the results of your discussion to explain The qualities of a contributor team member and the value they bring to their team.
You could do any of the above projects and present in the class

OR ask your faculty for the IN-CLASS PROJECT based on the guideline from
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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM

What you can do next:

Attend the Contributor Classroom for Unit 1 (on Facebook

2 online discussion sessions will be conducted for Unit 1, in the Contributor Classroom. One will be focused on clarifying concepts and doubts. The other will discuss workplace examples and career guides.

Join students and faculty from across GTU as we discuss this topic. To participate Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/CPP .July2012/ Log in with your own Facebook account (if you dont have one already, create new) Click on join group button to join the Contributor Classroom Once the group moderator approves, you can attend these discussions Make sure you register early enough so that you dont miss these sessions To know the schedules for this, check your email / the i-become Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ibecomeInitiative

Practice for Examinations on

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Do the quizzes and practice tests to get an idea of what to expect in the examination.

To access these Log into your ActivGuide account on http://gtu.ibecome.in/ Select Unit 1: Who is a Contributor? Exam Revision

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

Swami Vivekananda speaks to you

What is personality?

Life Snapshot 1 The young Narendranath Dutta (later Swami Vivekananda)

A man comes; you know he is very learned, his language is beautiful, and he speaks to you by the hour; but he does not make any impression. Another man comes, and he speaks a few words, not well arranged, ungrammatical perhaps; all the same, he makes an immense impression. Many of you have seen that. So it is evident that words alone cannot always produce an impression. Words, even thoughts contribute only one-third of the influence in making an impression, the man, twothirds. What you call the personal magnetism of the man that is what goes out and impresses you.

Ancestral home of Swami Vivekananda in North Kolkata

Life Snapshot 2 Meeting his Guru, Sri Ramakrishna

Narendranath, was known for his keen intellect and prodigious memory. He acquired a thorough grasp of various subjects during his school and college years, especially Western logic, philosophy and history. He questioned the validity of superstitious customs and discrimination based on caste and refused to accept anything without rational proof and pragmatic test.

Dakshineshwar Temple, Kolkata

In his college years, Narendra went about asking many religious leaders of the time whether they had a direct experience of God, but could not get answers which satisfied him. His quest brought him finally to Sri Ramakrishna. Thus began a guru-disciple relationship which is quite unique in the history of spiritual masters.

In our families there are the heads; some of them are successful, others are not. Why? We complain of others in our failures. The moment I am unsuccessful, I say, so-and-so is the cause of the failure. In failure, one does not like to confess ones own faults and weaknesses. Each person tries to hold himself faultless and lay the blame upon somebody or something else, or even on bad luck. When heads of families fail, they should ask themselves, why it is that some persons manage a family so well and others do not. Then you will find that the difference is owing to the man his presence, his personality.

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM Life Snapshot 3 Wandering Years

Coming to great leaders of mankind, we always find that it was the personality of the man that counted. Now, take all the great authors of the past, the great thinkers. Really speaking, how many thoughts have they thought? Take all the writings that have been left to us by the past leaders of mankind; take each one of their books and appraise them. The real thoughts, new and genuine, that have been thought in this world up to this time, amount to only a handful.

In 1891, the Swami embarked on a 2-year long journey of exploration and discovery of India. During these years, a mission grew in him. He said, I have travelled all over India. But alas, it was agony to me, my brothers, to see with my own eyes the terrible poverty and misery of the masses, and I could not restrain my tears! It is now my firm conviction that it is futile to preach religion amongst them without first trying to remove their poverty and their suffering...

Life Snapshot 4 At the Parliament of Religions, Chicago

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda made his debut on the world stage when he opened his first short speech at the Parliament. His first five words Sisters and Brothers of America ... resulted in a standing ovation of several minutes by nearly six thousand present there. From being a wandering monk with no credentials to speak at the Parliament, the Swami was lionized by the press as an Orator by divine right at the end of his lectures.

Read in their books the thoughts they have left to us. The authors do not appear to be giants to us, and yet we know that they were great giants in their days. What made them so? Not simply the thoughts they thought, neither the books they wrote, nor the speeches they made, it was something else that is now gone, that is their personality. As I have already remarked, the personality of the man is two-thirds, and his intellect, his words, are but one-third. It is the real man, the personality of the man, that runs through us. Our actions are but effects. Actions must come when the man is there; the effect is bound to follow the cause.

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UNIT 1: WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

Life Snapshot 5 Travels in America & England

The ideal of all education, all training, should be this man-making. But, instead of that, we are always trying to polish up the outside. What use in polishing up the outside when there is no inside? The end and aim of all training is to make the man grow. The man who influences, who throws his magic, as it were, upon his fellow-beings, is a dynamo of power, and when that man is ready, he can do anything and everything he likes; that personality put upon anything will make it work.

The Swamis lectures took the West by storm. Between 1893 to 1896, Swami Vivekananda laid the foundations of Vedanta in America and England. England contributed to him very valuable friends and disciples who were to play a very important role in his work in India.

Life Snapshot 6 Rousing Reception in India

The home-coming of the Swami was a great event in the history of Modern India, for a united India rose to do him honour. For about 4 years the Indian public had been made aware that the Swami was doing the great work of presenting and interpreting the glories of the Eternal Religion and to carry her banner throughout the Western nations.

Now, we see that though this is a fact, no physical laws that we know of will explain this. How can we explain it by chemical and physical knowledge? How much of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, how many molecules in different positions, and how many cells, etc., etc. can explain this mysterious personality? And we still see, it is a fact, and not only that, it is the real man; and it is that man that lives and moves and works, it is that man that influences, moves his fellow-beings, and passes out, and his intellect and books and works are but traces left behind ...

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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CONTRIBUTOR PERSONALITY PROGRAM Life Snapshot 7

... Think of this. Compare the great teachers of religion with the great philosophers. The philosophers scarcely influenced anybodys inner man, and yet they wrote most marvellous books. The religious teachers, on the other hand, moved countries in their lifetime. The difference was made by personality. In the philosopher it is a faint personality that influences; in the great prophets it is tremendous. In the former we touch the intellect, in the latter we touch life. In the one case, it is simply a chemical process, putting certain chemical ingredients together which may gradually combine and under proper circumstances bring out a flash of light or may fail. In the other, it is like a torch that goes round quickly, lighting others.

Lectures from Colombo to Almora

Life Snapshot 8

Impact on Indias Leaders I have gone through his works very thoroughly, and after having gone through them, the love that I had for my country became a thousand-fold. Mahatma Gandhi Swami Vivekananda harmonized the East and the West, religion and science, past and present. And that is why he is great. Our countrymen have gained unprecedented self-respect, selfreliance and self-assertion from his teachings. Subhash Chandra Bose Where can you find a man like him? Study what he wrote, and learn from his teachings, for if you do, you will gain immense strength. Take advantage of the fountain of wisdom, of Spirit, and of fire that flowed through Vivekananda! Jawaharlal Nehru

Swami Vivekananda once again crossed the land of India from the South to the North, as he had done formerly as a wandering monk. His lectures in Madras, about half a dozen in number, form the core of his message to India. He exhorted Indians not to condemn their social past and take to a life of imitation of the West. Nor should they merely exhalt the past and refuse to move forward. A society which combines Indian spirituality with the Western technical advancement is the ideal held forth before his countrymen.

Each one can grow and strengthen his personality. This is one of the great practical things, and this is the secret of all education. This has a universal application. In the life of the householder, in the life of the poor, the rich, the man of business, the spiritual man, in every ones life, it is a great thing, the strengthening of this personality
Excerpt from a talk The Powers of the Mind delivered at Los Angeles, California, January 8, 1900

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