Welcome to 5 O’Clock Reflections, a daily blog by Hemant Rustogi as he explores lessons learned in life, business, and his quest for wisdom. Each month Hemant invites a person who intrigues him, to join him for a 5 pm interview to share their insights over their favorite cocktail. You can learn more here.

Change is Good

We are all familiar with the notion that the only thing that is constant is change. Then why do we resist change, as we bask in our individual comfort zones? Whether it is changing behavior, relationships, or stepping out to try new ways of thinking … [Continue reading]

The Dignity of Labor

Two days after arriving in America, I got a job bussing dishes in the school cafeteria. I remember the tears in my eyes, as my ego was more than bruised picking up dirty dishes. It taught me, over time, to appreciate the dignity of labor. One of … [Continue reading]

Invite Feedback

Most companies avoid looking at themselves through the eyes of their customers, because they are scared of what they are going to find. Encourage your customers to complain, and provide meaningful feedback. Create mechanisms that facilitate this flow … [Continue reading]

From the Archives – June, 2013

I am starting a new feature, where once a month, I share a blog post from the archives, from a year ago. This first post from the archives resonated with me because of the importance of listening as a critical communication skill. I hope you enjoy … [Continue reading]