Pitfalls of overconfidence

THIS refers to the article: "In strictest overconfidence" by David Stauffer (October 10). Most of our bosses/leaders have a natural tendency to seek out people who agree with them. That explains why we are facing a crisis of leadership. Our leaders/bosses can not do away with their deep-rooted urge to hear: "Yes sir, from their subordinates. Most of the subordinates strain to get clues about their boss’ position on an issue and then rush to say: "yes, sir" in a bid to toe their leader’s line. Our leaders/bosses will do well to study and grasp the several ways which may enable them to guage and adjust for the "yes-man factor".

ONKAR CHOPRA
Ludhiana

II

It is said that the contribution of an industry depends not on its machinery, capital or sales, but on the calibre of its men. A boss must first learn to manage himself. He must acquire the art of kindliness and persuasion. Kindness is an attribute of the strong. He should get rid of double standards of behaviour. Proper words inspire confidence. He should not be overconfident and must learn to listen. He should be tough but fair with people. Being tough means setting standards and demanding performances.

O.P. SHARMA
Faridabad

Courtsey as a habit

"Courtesy as a habit" by Taru Bahl (October 10) made very delightful reading. ‘Thank you,’ ‘please’, or ‘excuse me’ are little words. But they can mean a lot in our day-to-day life. Nothing is more becoming in a great man than courtesy and forbearance, pines Cicero. Courtesies can make alll the difference in a man’s career. The modern generation finds these courtesies out of date, old fashioned and perhaps obstacles to progress. Emerson however says that "Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy".

Little courtesies or little acts of kindness can cheer your friends, colleagues and even your boss. Therefore, when you have something nice to say or do be prompt. A poet has aptly said:

Little acts of kindness,
Nothing do they cost,
Yet when they are wanting,
Life’s best charm is lost.
Little acts of kindness,
Richest gems of earth,
Though they seem but trifles
Priceless is their worth !"

VIJAY SHEEL JAIN
Ludhiana

II

A courteous and pleasant manner always creates a favourable impression. There are persons who are extremely polite to their equals and seniors, but are very haughty towards their juniors. It is hard to describe such persons as courteous. A rude, mannerless boss seldom commands the respect of his junior colleagues.

Old or young, rich or poor, all women deserve the same polite and courteous attention. Real courtesy can’t be a surface matter. It springs from the heart. A man who only assumes courtesy to gain certain ends, cannot keep up the pretence for long.

It is a common experience that we cannot display good manners without exercising good deal of self control. True courtesy cannot be practised without exercising patience, self-denial, unselfishness, and many other similar virtues. You cannot be chivalrous towards a lady unless you respect women. You cannot be kind and considerate towards your servant unless you control your irritability and selfishness.

A courteous person possesses a keen sense of honour and consideration for the feelings of others. How many such men do we have among ourselves? Where do we stand when measured by the above standards? These questions call for serious introspection.

K.M. VASHISHT
Mansa

Masrur Temples

This refers to Tirath Singh Jamwal’s letter (October 10) pertaining to my article ‘A Neglected Heritage’ (September 12).

I am surprised at his observation that there are 13 and not 15 temples at Masrur. Discovered in 1913 by H.L. Shuttleworth (a British administrative officer) and analysed by H. Hargreaves’ Archaeological Survey of India Annual Report, 1915-16, it is certain that there are 15 temples at Masrur. Its main shrine is known as Thakurdwara. It is cut and carved from inside too, while the other 14 temples are cut and carved from outside only. These are nine big and six small temples which cover an area of 150’x150’.

The features of late Gupta sculptures relate this work to the second half of the 8th century. It has been discovered that the Khajuraho temples, cut and carved between 950-1050 AD, could be an imitation of the Kangra stone art, as an image of Lord Vishnu kept at Khajuraho had been received from the then king of Kangra Sahi, who in turn had got it from the "Lord of Tibet".

D.C. SHARMA
Kangra

Daydreams

"Theme for a daydream" by Amarjit (October 3) was very interesting. Actually, we all are daydreamers and try to escape the realities and tensions of our lives through daydreams. Daydreaming plays an important role in personality development of any individual. There are positive and negative day-dreamers and we can definitely make our daydreams come true with certain essential and wise efforts.

SONIA KAPOOR
Patiala