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By:

Divyaa Advaani 

2 November 2024 at 3:28:38 am

When agreement kills growth

In the early stages of building a business, growth is often driven by clarity, speed, and conviction. Founders make decisions quickly, rely on their instincts, and push forward with a strong sense of belief in their methods. This decisiveness is not only necessary, it is often the very reason the business begins to grow. However, as businesses cross certain thresholds, particularly beyond the Rs 5 crore mark, the nature of growth begins to change. What once created momentum can quietly begin...

When agreement kills growth

In the early stages of building a business, growth is often driven by clarity, speed, and conviction. Founders make decisions quickly, rely on their instincts, and push forward with a strong sense of belief in their methods. This decisiveness is not only necessary, it is often the very reason the business begins to grow. However, as businesses cross certain thresholds, particularly beyond the Rs 5 crore mark, the nature of growth begins to change. What once created momentum can quietly begin to create limitations. In many professional environments, it is not uncommon to encounter business owners who are deeply convinced of their approach. Their methods have delivered results, their experience reinforces their judgment, and their confidence becomes a defining trait. Yet, in this very confidence lies a subtle risk that is often overlooked. When conviction turns into certainty without space for dialogue, conversations begin to narrow. Suggestions are heard, but not always considered. Perspectives are offered, but not always encouraged. Decisions are made, but not always explained. From the outside, this may still appear as strong leadership. Internally, however, a different dynamic begins to take shape. People start to agree more than they contribute. This is where many businesses unknowingly enter a critical phase. When teams, partners, or stakeholders begin to hold back their perspective, the quality of thinking around the business reduces. What appears as alignment is often silent disengagement. What looks like efficiency is sometimes the absence of challenge. Over time, this directly affects the decisions being made. At a Rs 5 crore level, this may not be immediately visible. Operations continue, revenue flows, and the business appears stable. But as the organisation attempts to grow further, this lack of diverse thinking begins to surface as a constraint. Growth slows, not because of lack of effort, but because of limited perspective. On the other side of this equation are individuals who consistently find themselves accommodating such dynamics. They recognise when their voice is not being fully heard, yet choose not to assert it. The intention is often to preserve relationships, avoid friction, or maintain a sense of professional ease. Initially, this approach appears collaborative. Over time, however, it begins to shape perception. When individuals do not express their perspective, they are gradually seen as agreeable rather than essential. Their presence is valued, but their input is not actively sought. In many cases, they become part of the process, but not part of the decision. This is where personal branding begins to influence business outcomes in ways that are not immediately obvious. A personal brand is not built only through visibility or achievement. It is built through how consistently one demonstrates clarity, confidence, and openness in moments that require it. It is shaped by whether people feel encouraged to think around you, or restricted in your presence. At higher levels of business, this distinction becomes critical. If people agree with you more than they challenge you, it may not be a sign of strong leadership. It may be an indication that your environment is no longer enabling better thinking. Similarly, if you find yourself constantly adjusting to others without expressing your own perspective, your contribution may be diminishing in ways that affect both your influence and your growth. Both situations carry a cost. They affect decision quality, limit innovation, and over time, restrict the scalability of the business itself. What makes this particularly challenging is that these patterns develop gradually, often going unnoticed until the impact becomes difficult to ignore. The most effective leaders recognise this early. They create space for dialogue without losing direction. They express conviction without dismissing perspective. They build environments where contribution is expected, not avoided. In doing so, they strengthen not only their business, but also their personal brand. For entrepreneurs operating at a stage where growth is no longer just about execution but about expanding thinking, this becomes an important point of reflection. If there is even a possibility that your current interactions are limiting the quality of thinking around you, it is worth addressing before it begins to affect outcomes. I work with a select group of founders and professionals to help them refine how they are perceived, communicate with greater impact, and build personal brands that support sustained growth. You may explore this further here: https://sprect.com/pro/divyaaadvaani In the long run, it is not only the decisions you make, but the thinking you allow around those decisions, that determines how far your business can truly grow. (The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

Welcoming Ramzan, the Holy Month of Fasting, Reflection, and Devotion

Updated: Mar 6, 2025

Ramzan

The holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) is a period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and devotion observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time when believers fast from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayer, and reflect on their faith. More than just abstaining from food and drink, Ramzan serves as a month of self-purification, fostering empathy for the less fortunate and strengthening one’s connection with Allah.


The Significance of Ramzan in Islam

Ramzan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental principles guiding a Muslim’s faith and practice. Fasting, or sawm, is an obligatory act during this month for all adult Muslims who are physically able. The Quran emphasizes the importance of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain righteousness.” (Quran 2:183)


This verse highlights that fasting is not a new practice but has been a means of spiritual purification for previous religious communities as well. The primary goal is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), encouraging believers to reflect on their actions and grow closer to Allah.


The Revelation of the Quran

Ramzan is particularly sacred because it marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Quran itself confirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“The month of Ramzan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185)


Due to this divine connection, Muslims increase their recitation of the Quran during Ramzan. Many strive to complete its entire reading within the month, either individually or by attending Taraweeh prayers, special night prayers where long passages of the Quran are recited.


Fasting: A Test of Patience and Faith

Fasting during Ramzan extends beyond abstaining from food, drink, and physical desires. It requires Muslims to control their thoughts, words, and actions, refraining from anger, gossip, and unethical behavior. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this in a well-known Hadith:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)


This Hadith underscores that the essence of fasting lies in self-restraint and moral integrity, not just physical deprivation. The ability to endure hunger and thirst fosters empathy for those less fortunate, reminding believers of the value of charity and kindness.


Acts of Worship and Charity

Ramzan is a time of intensified worship and charity. Muslims engage in extra prayers, supplications, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification. The last ten nights of the month are especially sacred, as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3). It is believed that prayers and good deeds performed on this night are rewarded abundantly.


Charity, or Zakat, is another fundamental aspect of Ramzan. Islam mandates that able Muslims donate a portion of their wealth to those in need, known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is given before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. This ensures that even the less fortunate can partake in the celebrations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramzan.” (Tirmidhi)


Many Muslims also engage in Sadaqah (voluntary charity), distributing food, clothing, and financial aid to the poor, further reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion.


The Breaking of Fast: Iftar and Suhoor

Each day of fasting ends with Iftar, the evening meal traditionally started with dates and water, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Hadith states:

“When one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dates, for they are blessed. If he does not find dates, then with water, for it is pure.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)


Before dawn, Muslims partake in Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal that provides nourishment for the day ahead. This meal is also encouraged in Islamic teachings:

“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) These meals not only provide sustenance but also create a sense of community, as families and friends gather to eat and pray together.


Eid-ul-Fitr: The Celebration After Fasting

The conclusion of Ramzan is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous festival celebrating the completion of a month of devotion. Muslims begin the day with a special congregational prayer and express gratitude to Allah for granting them the strength to fast. It is a time of feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting loved ones. Importantly, Muslims must give Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayers to ensure that even the less fortunate can join in the celebrations.


The Lasting Impact of Ramzan

While Ramzan lasts for a month, its lessons extend beyond its days. The discipline, self-control, and spiritual growth cultivated during this time serve as a foundation for a righteous life. Muslims are encouraged to carry forward the values of patience, generosity, and devotion throughout the year.


Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever fasts in Ramzan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)


This promise of spiritual renewal serves as a motivation for Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramzan, not just in fasting, but in their daily actions, making it a transformative experience every year.


Ramzan is more than a ritual—it is a journey of self-improvement, devotion, and community spirit. By fasting, engaging in prayer, giving in charity, and reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, Muslims draw closer to their faith and develop a heightened sense of empathy and discipline. As believers worldwide observe this sacred month, they are reminded that the essence of Ramzan lies in purifying the heart and striving to be a better person, both spiritually and morally.


(The author is a journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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