LIFESKILLS THROUGH stories PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER

In the last article of the serialised feature 'Life Skills through Games', Dr. Jeyakar described the Seligman's Method of Learning Optimism and showed how this can be applied in families using a brainstorming exercise. In a series of 'storicles' to follow, Dr. Vedamanickam will address each of the habits from Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' and how these habits can be inculcated in children and in families. This storicle, based on the first chapter of the book lays the foundation for the seven habits and highlights the importance of parents being principle-centred for character building in children.

- Dr. Jeyakar Vedamanickam

Dr. Jeyakar Vedamanickam, after a rich career in industry, was the Director of the Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship in Bangalore. He has authored the book 'Sculpting Angels: Parenting Lessons to Foster Creativity in Children' He writes articles in the form of short stories ('storicles') -centred on behavioural science and psychology. Some of these storicles have been published as a book 'Corona Blues and Other Short Stories'. He conducts corporate workshops on 'Creativity and Innovation', 'Behavioural Economics, 'Strategic Management' and 'Risk Management'. It was one of Dr. J’s workshops. ‘Have you heard of Stephen Covey?,’ he asked. ‘He wrote the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,’ responded someone seated in the last row. He was loud and clear. All heads turned to see the voice. He was handsome and smartly turned out. A Mont Blanc pen adorned his shirt pocket. He brimmed with confidence as he continued, ‘I have always wanted to read the book, but haven’t found the time.’ Having said that, Abhishek Saxena, for that was his name, introduced himself as the Vice President (Marketing) of a pharmaceutical company. There was rapt silence as he said a few words about his organisation.