Life Is Beautiful

I just saw the movie 'Life is Beautiful' and was amazed at the way the movie's protagonist (Guido) looks at life (Disclaimer: Those who have not seen the movie, the above link will reveal the story :-) ) . I am just another addition to the long list of such 'amazed' viewers! It is one of those movies that can bring joy as well as tears at the same time.
The story is indeed, as the narrator says, "Very simple but very difficult to describe". Yet, what glues into our mind at the end is the conviction that life is a beautiful gift no matter what. There are times when we go through tough times; and the 'holocaust' was one of the toughest that any human has gone through. Still, the spirits kept high can see people through tough times. The movie shows how humour is the simplest of the ability to face difficulties and smile through them. Guido also shows how powerful can the virtue of love be to keep our beloved ones happy even during darkest of times. The way he safeguards his son's innocence is exemplary. All this, by going to unbelievable lengths...that's the ultimate human spirit at its best, I can tell.

The movie strongly affirms the proverb 'Every dark cloud has silver lining' .

The movie is the best example for remembering when we are in deep trouble. It will remind that a bit of humour can reset our odds during troubles.

Roberto Benigni, through his remarkable movie, has brought out the importance of love, humour and optimism. He has shown the worth of preserving innocence of child. Though Guido dies in his struggle to protect his family, he leaves an invaluable Gift for his child. With gratitude for that Gift, Joshua (Guido's child) and the narrator of the story - and the winner of the 'Game' (could it be a metaphor for 'Life' ?) - says that "He (Guido) left the Gift for my life though he sacrificed himself". That Gift was the practical lesson that 'Life is Beautiful'.

Long live 'Life is Beautiful'!

The Intense Leader

The other day I was reading about the 'electrifying' presentations by Steve Jobs. It goes on to elaborate on 5 points for good presentations. One of the points is to have enthusiasm about what is being done. I believe that that bubbling enthusiasm can come only with a high level of intensity.
There are many books on management, and much more on leadership. So this post is nothing new. However, there is one thing about leaders that is, surprisingly, neglected. That thing is the intensity of the leader. For, along with the action of a person, what counts is how impactful that action is.
It might look like a flight of the imagination, but I really think there is a kind of intensity in every great leader. The intensity that literally radiates light for others. The intensity that makes others believe that a seemingly impossible task is worth trying.
In this context, along with what a leader does, what is important is how intensely the leader does it. It can be as simple as the way the leader walks. In my office, I do get a bit pumped up when I see our manager moving so confidently.
The intensity that Steve Waugh displayed on the field is exemplary. Not only did the players get inspired by his intensity, but also they had that hope till Waugh was on the field. That is the intense leader.
I don't know where this intensity comes from, but I believe that it is from the way we grow up. It looks like a fantasy, but the experiences that our subconscious mind 'stores' may be the handler of that intensity. Because it is the subconsicious mind that sheds light on our past experiences.
This intensity is the guiding force even after the leader is gone; which builds the legacy left by the leader. Maybe it is as if there is still light coming from the invisible source. The movie Braveheart is the perfect example of this fact, where people win freedom after their leader becomes martyr.
Is this the food for thought for Indian political 'leaders'? Right on track!