Raghuram Rajan has always got a rock star attention. He must be given credit for having spoken succinctly on many issues bothering India and being an economist, he has always given an economic angle to it. He rightly says, for India to unleash its full potential, there has to be fierce competition between different groups. These groups might be students, organizations, states, state-governed-organizations etc. The competition has to be so healthy that we learn from each other's mistakes and successes and strive hard to keep adding value to the society.
RBI governor Raghuram Rajan's speech at IIT Delhi's convocation last week included references to physicists, Indian kings, economists and scientists. Rajan recalled some of their exploits while building a case for diversity of viewpoints in a vibrant organisation and many of his ideas are fitting mantras for modern workplaces.
Here are his viewpoints on modern workplaces, which he says must be open to debate and the top level leadership must be open to accepting questions.
Richard Feynman, physicist
What Rajan said: "Feynman (a Nobel winner) found the atmosphere at the Institute of Advanced Studies at Princeton stultifying. He found the atmosphere sterile because there were no students to ask him questions — questions that would force him to rethink his beliefs and perhaps discover new theories."
In the corporate world, a work environment where debates and discussion are not fostered is not innovative. Sycophancy might help a manager consolidate his or her power but that would be detrimental to the company's interests.
Raja Raja Chola, of the Chola dynasty
What Rajan said: "In building the Brihadeeswara Shaivite temple at Thanjavur, ( Raja Raja Chola) incorporated sculptures of Vishnu as well as the meditating Buddha, thus admitting to alternative viewpoints."
When it comes to matters of diversity at the workplace, men, women, the disabled and those belonging to the LGBT community, among others, all possess a distinct point of view that must be accommodated and valued.
Shahenshah Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, the Mughal king
What Rajan said: "When (Akbar) invited scholars of all manners of persuasion to debate the eternal verities at his court, he was only following older traditions of our Hindu and Buddhist kings, who encouraged and protected the spirit of enquiry."
Beyond simply admitting alternative viewpoints, it's important to accept them. A pool of diverse opinions can help shine a light on the problems being discussed, resolving the issue in an unexpected manner.
Albert Einstein, the theoretical physicist
What Rajan said: "Ideas start with questioning and alternative viewpoints, sometimes seemingly silly ones. Einstein built his theory of relativity pondering the somewhat wacky question, of what someone travelling in a train at the speed of light would experience."
As the governor said, nothing should be excluded, but everything should be subject to debate and constant testing. No one should be allowed to offer unquestioned pronouncements. Conventional wisdom must be challenged on an ongoing basis.
Source: Economic Times
RBI governor Raghuram Rajan's speech at IIT Delhi's convocation last week included references to physicists, Indian kings, economists and scientists. Rajan recalled some of their exploits while building a case for diversity of viewpoints in a vibrant organisation and many of his ideas are fitting mantras for modern workplaces.
Here are his viewpoints on modern workplaces, which he says must be open to debate and the top level leadership must be open to accepting questions.
Richard Feynman, physicist
What Rajan said: "Feynman (a Nobel winner) found the atmosphere at the Institute of Advanced Studies at Princeton stultifying. He found the atmosphere sterile because there were no students to ask him questions — questions that would force him to rethink his beliefs and perhaps discover new theories."
In the corporate world, a work environment where debates and discussion are not fostered is not innovative. Sycophancy might help a manager consolidate his or her power but that would be detrimental to the company's interests.
Raja Raja Chola, of the Chola dynasty
What Rajan said: "In building the Brihadeeswara Shaivite temple at Thanjavur, ( Raja Raja Chola) incorporated sculptures of Vishnu as well as the meditating Buddha, thus admitting to alternative viewpoints."
When it comes to matters of diversity at the workplace, men, women, the disabled and those belonging to the LGBT community, among others, all possess a distinct point of view that must be accommodated and valued.
Shahenshah Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, the Mughal king
What Rajan said: "When (Akbar) invited scholars of all manners of persuasion to debate the eternal verities at his court, he was only following older traditions of our Hindu and Buddhist kings, who encouraged and protected the spirit of enquiry."
Beyond simply admitting alternative viewpoints, it's important to accept them. A pool of diverse opinions can help shine a light on the problems being discussed, resolving the issue in an unexpected manner.
Albert Einstein, the theoretical physicist
What Rajan said: "Ideas start with questioning and alternative viewpoints, sometimes seemingly silly ones. Einstein built his theory of relativity pondering the somewhat wacky question, of what someone travelling in a train at the speed of light would experience."
As the governor said, nothing should be excluded, but everything should be subject to debate and constant testing. No one should be allowed to offer unquestioned pronouncements. Conventional wisdom must be challenged on an ongoing basis.
Source: Economic Times
