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Whether it’s an unreasonable client, a hard-nosed colleague or a pesky boss, you encounter unpleasant interactions at work where emotions may run amok. Most often, these difficult conversations don’t happen out of the blue. Often, you dread an upcoming meeting…
First published in The Hindu, 5th April 2025 Though schools may not explicitly announce ranks of all students, very early on, children imbibe the message that they’re competing with one another. We can’t blame students for comparing their grades…
Though your appraisal is largely positive, the last sentence baffles you:“You need to cultivate more of a can-do attitude if you’re aspiring for a leadership role withinthe organsiation.” What the hell, you think to yourself. I’m hardworking, meet all deadlines,…
After his first month at a new job, Rishab still feels like an outsider. He likes the work and gets along with his colleagues but envies Sindhu who also joined the company at the same time as him. Whereas he’s…
That we are the world’s largest democracy is indeed significant. Just as caring for the planet requires an ecological consciousness, a healthy democracy hinges on responsible citizenship. For many, being a good citizen involves being honest in their day-to-day lives…
First published in The Hindu, 1 March 2025 A tendency to categorize people into groups is fairly pervasive. The groupings may be based on a host of factors ranging from gender, ethnicity, religion, class, caste, language, educational levels, political affiliation…
To persevere when the going is tough is a crucial life skill. Parents and educators exhort youngsters to stick it out, hoping that younger generations cultivate the essential quality of grit. Whether it’s a ballet class or tennis coaching or…
Vinay, an eight-year-old, is a sparkly child with an impish grin. Though his class teacher recognizes that he has a keen intellect, she’s often overwhelmed by his behaviour.
First published in The Hindu, 1 Feb 2025 A list of intelligent people who have done foolish things is fairly long. US President, Bill Clinton, having an affair with an intern, former McKinsey MD, Rajat Gupta for engaging in insider…
Mihir, a colleague who definitely falls into the frenemy camp, is making a presentation in front of blue-chip clients. You’re in the conference room along with your boss and the clients. Mihir starts off with a bang, exuding his usual…
Aruna Sankaranarayanan is the author of Zero Limits: Things Every 20 Something Should Know. She was the Founder & Director of PRAYATNA, a centre for children with learning difficulties in Bengaluru & Chennai for 22 years.