Category: business

The Progress Principle


In the tapestry of our professional lives, it’s often the smallest threads that weave the most significant patterns. This concept, known as the ‘Progress Principle,’ posits that the most profound source of motivation in the workplace stems from making meaningful progress in our tasks, however small. Like a gardener nurturing a seedling into a blooming plant, recognizing and celebrating small wins can lead to significant growth and fulfillment.

The Progress Principle
  1. Understanding the Progress Principle:
    Imagine you’re building a mosaic, where each tiny piece of tile is a small accomplishment. Individually, these pieces might seem insignificant, but when assembled, they create a masterpiece of progress. This principle isn’t about grand achievements; it’s about valuing the minor, yet crucial steps that lead to major milestones.
  2. Analogies to Illuminate the Concept:
  • Cooking a Gourmet Meal: Just as a chef relishes the perfect chop of an onion or the simmer of a sauce, celebrate the small tasks in your project. Each task completed is like an ingredient added, bringing you closer to the delightful final dish.
  • Running a Marathon: Every step taken is a victory in itself, a testament to endurance and will. Similarly, in your work, cherish each stride, no matter how small, as it brings you closer to the finish line.
  1. Practical Ways to Make it a Habit:
  • Daily Reflections: At the end of each day, jot down at least one small win. This could be as simple as a positive interaction with a colleague or as complex as solving a persistent problem.
  • Setting Micro-Goals: Break down large projects into bite-sized tasks. Each completed task is a small win, propelling you forward.
  • Visual Progress Trackers: Use a visual aid, like a progress bar or a checklist, to make your advancements tangible and gratifying.
  • Team Celebrations: In a team setting, acknowledge individual and collective small wins. This can be through shout-outs in meetings or a dedicated space on a communal board.


The journey towards our goals is often dotted with many small steps. By embracing the Progress Principle, we turn our focus to these steps, finding joy and motivation in each one. Like a series of brushstrokes completing a beautiful painting, it’s these small, consistent actions that lead to a masterpiece of achievements.

Call to Action
Start today by acknowledging your first small win – even reading this blog and contemplating the Progress Principle is a step forward. Remember, every great journey begins with a single, albeit small, step.

The Two-Arrows Concept

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl

Life often presents us with scenarios that feel like a double-edged sword. This brings us to the ‘Two-Arrow Concept,’ a philosophy that suggests we have two types of challenges to face: the initial problem itself (the first arrow) and our emotional reaction to it (the second arrow). In this blog, we’ll explore how understanding and applying this concept can offer profound insights into navigating life’s challenges.

Two-arrows Concept

Imagine you’ve been working diligently on a project at work, only to have it criticized publicly by your boss. The first arrow is the criticism. It’s external and beyond your control. The second arrow is your emotional reaction, which could range from humiliation to anger. This arrow is something you can control.

The Tale of Two Friends:

Two friends, Sarah and Emily, faced the same scenario. Sarah’s second arrow was aimed inward, resulting in feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Emily, on the other hand, chose to see the criticism as an opportunity for improvement. The difference in their outcomes was staggering. Sarah’s productivity dipped, while Emily went on to receive commendations for her work.

“Don’t Shoot the Second Arrow”

Buddhist philosophy advises us not to shoot the second arrow, meaning, don’t add suffering to an already challenging situation. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.” When we stop fueling the emotional fire, we empower ourselves to find rational, constructive responses to the first arrow.

The CEO’s Choice:

Consider a CEO faced with plummeting sales figures. The first arrow is the decline itself—hard, factual, and external. The second arrow could be panic or despair, but the seasoned CEO knows better. Instead, they initiate a detailed analysis, identify gaps, and reformulate strategies.

Mastering the Second Arrow

“Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension,” said Joshua L. Liebman. Accepting that the first arrow will hit is half the battle. The mastery lies in how you deal with the second one.

Understanding the Two-Arrow Concept is akin to acquiring a life skill. It teaches us to separate the controllable from the uncontrollable, to act rather than react, and to turn challenges into stepping stones for growth. It’s not the absence of problems but your ability to deal with them that defines your journey.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” Albert Einstein once said. So the next time life shoots an arrow at you, remember, you have the power to decide whether or not to shoot the second one.

The Two-Arrow Concept is not just a philosophy; it’s a framework for emotional intelligence and rational decision-making. By mastering this concept, you open doors to resilience, wisdom, and an enriched life experience.

The Power of Character

Leadership is a fundamental aspect of every successful organization. However, there is one significant aspect of leadership that often gets overlooked – character. Character is more than ethics, it’s a crucial element that influences decision-making processes, overall performance, and the culture of an organization. When adequately fostered, character can become a competitive edge leading to better decisions and outcomes.

The Misunderstanding of Character

MIT research, sparked by the 2008 global economic crisis, involved interviewing over 300 business leaders across the globe. The consensus was clear – the character of leaders had significantly contributed to the crisis. However, the definition of character and whether it could be developed remained topics of contention.

Many leaders underestimate the concept of character, reducing it to ethics alone. This narrow perception is a significant oversight. Character forms the bedrock of judgment, impacting the choices made by individuals every minute, every day. It’s the micro-moments between stimulus and response where character-driven judgment comes into play.

The Impact of Character on Performance

Character-based judgment is a potent tool for superior performance, and its absence can explain instances of misconduct and poor decision-making. This was evident in high-profile cases like the global financial crisis, the Volkswagen emissions scandal, and the Boeing 737 Max tragedies. In these instances, there was ample technical competence, but character was noticeably missing. The fallout from these events underscores the impact of compromised character, showing how it can lead to a slippery slope of poor judgment and decision-making.

The Broader Influence of Character

While character undeniably supports ethical decision-making, its reach extends far beyond being “good.” Character influences individual well-being, fosters sustained excellence, and contributes to the overall health of an organization. It matters at all levels of the organization, not just in leadership. When we broaden our understanding of character, we can begin to see its influence in every aspect of our organizations.

In an era where organizations are constantly seeking competitive advantages, character offers a largely untapped resource. It’s time we recognized the significant role of character in shaping our organizational cultures and driving superior performance. After all, character is not just about being “good” – it’s about making good decisions, fostering positive relationships, and leading successful organizations. By nurturing character in our leaders and employees, we can build stronger, more resilient organizations that are not only successful but also contribute positively to society.