What makes people TICK

Every Human spirit has a spark that is waiting to be kindled. Some are early bloomers, who discover their source energy early on, others take time and then there are others who may never stumble upon their own Magic in a lifetime! However what’s universal in my view is the presence of an undeniable spark in every human spirit.

 Every individual can look back at their life and pick out periods of time when they have been exceptional. When nothing could stop them , when they did something that took themselves and those who know them by surprise, when they rose above the ordinary. In my profession as an HR Leader, I have seen several such instances when one of the many ‘solid performers’  (those who are not considered stars but work diligently to produce predictable results consistently), break the mould and create something exceptional. Also am sure all of us would remember the time you heard of a nondescript family member or friend turning over a new leaf and suddenly shining brightly.

What is it that ignites the human spirit? Why do people come alive at some points in their life and live extraordinarily ,  which would have been considered totally uncharacteristic of them , at other times? What makes people tick?? 

 This has always intrigued me and through a series of articles that I will share here , I am attempting to explore the idea that all of us have it in us to be exceptional. The Human potential is unlimited . However more often than not it lies just beneath the surface of our daily existence , shrouded in the humdrum of normal living that is largely on an auto pilot mode. Only to be brought to the surface by an extraordinary life situation . Suddenly one is awakened, rudely so,  in most cases , from the trance mode,  to look at life and SEE it differently. And as they say ..seeing is believing. Its impossible to something differently and not change your response towards it.

For instance, we all may know of a someone who has struggled with body weight all their lives but never could bring themselves to do anything about it seriously. Starting a diet and exercise regimes countless times and abandoning it ..eventually coming to believe that they are just made that way and its not in their power to change it. Till a major health scare pops up, leaving them with no choice but to act NOW.

Life throws up these rude alarm bells  occasionally that jolts us from our auto pilot mode of living. This may come in the form of a failed relationship , a job loss etc . Interestingly Life also presents us with pleasant chimes that warmly and lovingly wake us up to SEE it differently. This may be new parenthood,  falling in love, getting admitted to a dream campus or being hired by a sought-after employer. These are beautiful moments when one feels out of depth, but in a good way and experience deep gratitude for life’s offering. Moments of personal growth when one discovers parts of self erstwhile totally unknown and alien .

As we think this through, it may look like these events and circumstances are not in our control and so also how they shape us . But is it really so? Is there a way I can choose to respond to life without being jolted into it.  I believe if we understand this better, we may be able to create an exceptional living by design. Discovering what makes people tick and bring out the best in them is like holding the key to their volt of excellence. As managers, leaders and coaches we are presented with the abundant opportunity to touch lives of those we associate with in ways that will be transformative for them. That I believe will be the biggest contribution we can make and our most cherished accomplishment as we look back at our own careers .

Watch this space for more...