An innovative approach to self development

The AEIOU Framework

Shantanu Paknikar

A

E

I

O

U

1. Why is Self-Development important?

2. What is the AEIOU Framework?

3. How can an individual leverage the AEIOU Framework for self-development?

Session Objectives

Why is self-development important?

1. People Development: A key corporate charter in today’s knowledge society

2. Need to address challenges of scale3. Need to supplement traditional approaches such as training

OUR WORLD TODAY – THE NEED FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT

The story of two archers

Self-Development: The Team Context

In our organization, we are

always a part of a team

Each team is a part of a

larger team, ending with the

organization itself as the

largest team

Therefore, at any given

time, we are a part of not

only the immediate team,

but also the larger team

People Development must

happen in the team context

THE TEAM CONTEXT

HOWEVER,

• Each of us has a different approach to

self-development

• The results could therefore vary

• A structured and systematic approach

is needed!

What is the AEIOU Framework? A ‘Ladder’ based on the vowels of the English alphabet Represents a systematic and methodical approach to self

development Focused efforts towards “climbing” the ladder can ensure self

development Note: It is not a team development approach Used by an

individual as a

personal, 1-1

exercise

Helps figure out

where he/she

stands with respect

to the team

Helps him/her plan

how to increase

his/her stature and

standing

Leveraging the AEIOU Framework

Understanding the AEIOU Framework

Leveraging the framework for self-development

A for: Awareness

As a first step, and at a very minimum,

Awareness of our team is critical EXERCISE: For the chosen team, what is my

level of awareness?

1. What are my team’s objectives?2. Are my objectives connected with my team’s?

How?3. What were my team’s achievements during

the previous year?4. What are the next year targets?5. What are the key offerings of my team?6. Who are the key customers?7. What are the new initiatives planned?8. What are the key focus areas going forward?9. What is the team structure, which are the sub-

groups / teams?10.What are the roles / responsibilities? Who are

the people?

8/10 and more: Move to the Next Block, E

Otherwise: I need to build my Awareness further

E for: Enthusiasm

It is not enough to be aware – we must have the

Enthusiasm to participate in what is going on. It is enthusiasm and excitement that can trigger

us into action EXERCISE: Have I translated my awareness into

Enthusiasm?

1.How many times have I volunteered to conduct a training?

2.How many times have I come forward to mentor/coach?

3.How many times have I volunteered to take a revenue target?

4.How often do I come up with ideas to help my team do better?

5.How often do I share my knowledge / ideas / opinions with the team?

4/5 and more: Move to the Next Block, I

Otherwise: I need to demonstrate more Enthusiasm

I for: Involvement Just awareness and enthusiasm is not enough –

we need to have Involvement in whatever is

going on. Often, we have the awareness and the

enthusiasm – but don’t translate that into actual

involvement EXERCISE: Have I translated Enthusiasm to

Involvement?

1.Am I involved in at least 1 initiative for my team?

2. Is my involvement increasing over time?3.Am I sharing the knowledge that I have with

the rest of the team, on a regular basis? Am I absorbing the knowledge shared by others?

4.Do I respond to requests for help / support made on common forums [e.g. mailing lists]?

5.When somebody else is leading an initiative and asks for participation – how often do I respond and get involved?

4/5 and more: Move to the Next Block, O

Otherwise: I need to increase my Involvement in my team’s activities

O for: Ownership

The next level after Involvement is Ownership Real growth for the team and ourselves

happens when we start taking ownership EXERCISE: Where do I stand with respect to

Ownership?

1. Am I owning at least one initiative / activity for my team? Am I accountable and responsible for the same?

2. Am I leading and showing the way to others?3. Am I reaching out to people and asking them

for help, or do I prefer to work alone?4. Have I created an artifact [e.g. a paper, a

reusable component, a solution, a framework] where I am the primary owner?

5. Is my ownership increasing quarter on quarter and year on year?

4/5 and more: Move to the Next Block, U

Otherwise: I need to increase my Ownership in some of my team’s activities

U for: Ultimate Goal Awareness, Enthusiasm, Involvement

and Ownership – all these are

important provided they result in

achieving the ultimate goal. Unless leveraged constantly and

tirelessly to move towards the

ultimate goal, they lose their

relevance and meaning Therefore - every single thing that we

do in the team must result in a step

[or more] towards achieving the

ultimate goal.

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL?

• A for: Awareness– Of the team’s objectives, and challenges– Of the key focus areas / initiatives going forward

• E for: Enthusiasm– To participate in the team’s initiatives– To demonstrate the same

• I for: Involvement– In terms of actual participation, consistently and over a long period– In terms of supporting the initiative completely

• O for: Ownership– Of at least one initiative in the team– Taking responsibility and accountability for the same

• U for: Ultimate Goal– Focused efforts on A, E, I, and O so as to contribute to U

Recap: The “Steps” of the AEIOU ladder

The ultimate goal for the team is Growth Growth can tangible or intangible What is obvious: “My growth can happen only with the team’s

growth” What may not be so obvious: “My growth depends on how I

contribute to my team’s growth, or how I influence it!” Examples of tangible growth – revenues, headcount, margins, customers,

service lines, market share … essentially, the numbers. This is the usual focus and is of obvious importance

Examples of intangible growth – brand, visibility, mindshare [e.g. analysts, customers, partners], customer references

Intangible growth is important – since it results in long-term tangible growth

The Ultimate Goal: Growth

My Growth My Team’s Growth?

DEPENDS ON

AND - ON HOW I INFLUENCE IT!

1. Awareness, Enthusiasm, Involvement and

Ownership with a focus towards the Ultimate

goal of GROWTH is one way of ensuring

success for self and team.

2. A focus on contributing to and influencing the

team’s growth ensures our own.

3. As we scale up to higher levels of the team, we

may find ourselves at the bottom of the ladder

again and again.

4. Climbing the AEIOU ladder therefore is a

constant process – but will consistently ensure

growth!

Summary

1. My Growth DEPENDS ON my team’s growth, …

2. … AND on how I influence / contribute to / impact the same.

3. AEIOU provides a framework to help me influence and impact my team’s growth

FINAL COMMENT – KEY TAKEAWAY

Thank You!Shantanu Paknikar

Note: The course content and material is original and has been developed based on my experiences, observations and opinions developed over several years. In particular, I would like to acknowledge whatever I have learnt at my previous organization Wipro Technologies and my current organization, Happiest Minds Technologies Private Limited.

Questions / clarifications / comments: shantanu.paknikar@gmail.com | shantanu.paknikar@happiestminds.com

Please check my blog for other Articles, Opinions and Insights. Also coming soon is a PDF (Paper) based on this content.http://www.shantanupaknikar.wordpress.com