Traits of a great ScrumMaster

As I watch the First Presidential Address To Congress I can't help but drive parallels in Obama and a great SCRUMMaster. Yes, perhaps a glorified one...:)

He is inspirational, an excellent communicator, puts the responsibility and decision making back on his team (and a large one for that; his cabinet, congress, the country), has the ability to remove impediments, focuses the team to the vision, a solid listener, finds ways to get the best out of this team; a true servant leader.

A Quick Read

I had heard a lot about One night at the call center. Contrary to the title, its little about how a call center works. It also turned out to be more of a short story than a novel. A bit like a cliche Hindi movie in the form of a book (guy gets girl, drama all along to get there minus the 12 songs to fill the three hours). Not intellectually stimulating if that's what you are looking for, though if you are curious about the younger working generation in India you get some of that.

Having some friends working at call centers; the attitude, behavior, working environment isn't too far off.

I am often taken back by 'western' influences on the Indian youth. I fully support the growth, the job opportunities, the independence though disappointed in the ability of people to pick the best of both worlds. However, the drugs, the drinking, the adultery continue to surprise me. Or perhaps it always existed just more obvious now.

Have you read it?

Time well spent

Recently finished reading 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' and absolutely feel in love with the book and the author. Not only was a page turner and forced me to give up all things social for every evening until I finished it, it was an emotional roller coaster which I feel like I am still on even days after having read the last page. The patience, the endurance, the inhumane torture, the crazy cultural norms...all felt so far away and unreal until I read the piece about 9/11 which is still so current, so real, so close, having moved to NY a few short days before the incident..very moving and humbling.

Did you have the chance to be part of Miriam and Laila's life story? If not, I highly recommend it. Another good read is Kite Runner also by Khaled Hosseini.