Self Management is an integral part of Management Curriculum, Says Priny Thomas, AVP Godrej Industries Limited

In a conversation with Prof Anuja Roy, Campus to Corporate Trainer at Thakur Global Business School, Priny Thomas, AVP at Godrej Industries Limited talks at length about the institute's curriculum design in detail. She goes at length discussing about the self-management that revolves around developing one’s own ability to pause, think and respond instead of reacting.

Read the complete interview in detail. 

Q: In present times, what do you think is the relevance and importance of Self Management as a subject in Management Education?

A: Happy to note TGBS despite being in the post-graduation space has taken the initiative to transfer to budding leaders of today, one of the most fundamental aspects of education. I am pleasantly surprised to see Self Management as a subject in TGBS’s curriculum. The content is relevant, well-curated and will play an integral role in nurturing mindful leaders in Volatile Uncertain Complex & Ambiguous (VUCA) workplaces of present day.  It all begins with a deeper understanding of oneself. Clarity of oneself will surely make the journey of budding leaders powerful & impactful.

Q: If you could talk about few chapters from the Curriculum which will help enhance student’s employability skills.

A: Yes, will highlight few relatable aspects. We all experience a lot of different situations in our work life. Each time it is our understanding of self which helps us to manage the situation as the strength to deal with problems is from within. The whole aspect of self-management revolves around developing one’s own ability to pause, think and respond instead of reacting. For example, in the current workplace one would experience that collaboration or working together is a sought-after skill. But how many times do we consider this as part of our own priorities. Right from childhood, we hold onto things we have, like our toys and refuse to share. When we start building the discipline around self-management one would need to start thinking of own current reactions and how can that be enhanced for better response to the need at workplace. One would need to spend time developing a giver mindset for teams and groups to flourish. Another example in this area, which is again very relevant, is practicing the art of detachment. Being too attached to our ways of thinking does not set our minds free to think creatively. Like these there are so many situations where better self-management leads to deep introspection of self and will result in mindful decision-making in professional and personal spaces. Regular self-reflection will go a long way in understanding the consequences of our behavioral patterns on oneself and others, thereby enhancing employability skills. The Self Management subject delivered at Thakur Global Business School shall surely awaken the titan within to face the VUCA world.

Q: Do you think the curriculum is applied and practical in nature?

A: Yes it is. The course explores various scenarios based on role plays and situation-based questions. This will help students relate practically to the course. Hence beyond knowledge sharing, it will become more experiential and practical making it applied in nature.

TGBS is inspired and committed to nurture students in leading whole self, making students better equipped to manage situations at the workplace and Organizations. The course will lay the foundation for budding leaders to flourish in this VUCA world. But like most skills personal discipline in practicing will be the only mantra for success.