My Mom My Guru

The world of Management has in the past and current century given an iconic status to the Drucker’s, the Peters, the Welch’s, the Prahalad’s etc – business guru’s who have been a great source of inspiration and immense encouragement to students of the industry. However, whilst one can’t deny the contribution of these gentlemen, there are the lucky ones like me who owe my career graph rise entirely to my old lady.

Born Evelyn D’souza in Bajpe, Mangalore almost 8 decades ago, mum has always been our tower of strength and seat of wisdom in the family. She like many mothers built the foundation by injecting the right values and principles in her own simple way.

So mum inspired by an email I had read some years ago, and on behalf of your famous five, I have penned down the teachings received at your management school.

My mom taught me Vision and Goal setting, if you want those soccer boots for the next season you better get those A grades this year.

My mom taught me Mission, you better finish that spinach on your plate if you want the strawberry dessert you have been eyeing.

My mom taught me Leadership ‘You are in charge of your younger siblings when playing in the backyard. I will hold you responsible if anything happens to them’

My mom taught me Planning and Preparation ‘Your cousins are coming home this summer, chart out their schedule and see to it, they have an enjoyable time’

My mom taught me Execution ‘Here’s how you keep your bed in order after you wake up’

My Mom taught me Creativity ‘We want to surprise dad for his birthday, why don’t you think of something that he’d like and be really surprised with.

My mom taught me Ethics, ‘I see you have your friend’s pencil in your box, I want that returned tomorrow, no questions asked’.

My mom taught me Financial Management ‘Here’s your pocket money for the month, I know you have a million things you want, go figure it out’.

My mom taught me to there’s a Time and Place for everything ‘If you want to fight with your brother, do it outside my house, I have just finished cleaning it’.

My mom taught me Resilience and Spirituality ‘Don’t lose heart that you didn’t win this time, if you have worked hard and given it your best, your time will come ? there is a God, keep trying’

My mom taught me to Respect everyone ‘Don’t you dare talk to anyone like that ? Treat people the way you would like to be treated’

My mom taught me Control and Discipline ‘You will not play those finals of the cricket match with the temperature you are running and that’s not changing’

My mother taught me Honesty and Integrity ‘No matter what happens always tell the truth, you won’t have to remember what you said and to whom’ .

Thank you  Mum. May you continue to age gracefully. May the Gods of Health and Wellness constantly hover around you.  May you continue living your life knowing that your deeds and your teachings are always remembered and cherished as we go through the challenges in our lives.  May you live another million years.

There really ain’t no teacher like you. God Bless You.. Love you Mum.

Author: Irwin Rego- Bahrain