Winner Ashutosh Kaushik and Roadies' participant Sonel. Pic/SUBHASH BAROLIA

What does a guy who owned a dhaba in Saharanpur, have to do with all you urban professionals? He won two challenging TV reality shows, taking home Rs 1 crore, thanks to his ability to deal with people politics. Here's how you can too

What differentiates WINNERS from LOSERS:
Losers say: Don't dream!
Winners believe dreaming is impractical. They dream big.

Winners say: "Let's find out."
Losers say: Nobody knows.

Winners go through problems and deal with it.
Losers go around a problem, and never get past it.

Winners make commitments.
Losers make promises.

Winners say: There has to be a better way to do it.
Losers say: That's the way it has always been done.

Case study > he won because he was 'himself'

Who: Ashutosh Kaushik, winner of reality shows Bigg Boss 2 and Roadies 5.0

"Since I was the youngest and probably the least known face in the house, the house mates didn't take me seriously. I respected everyone, never confronted anyone during my stay there. I had acknowledged the seriousness of the game starting with the first round of nominations. I nominated members after understanding the game, independent of emotions. I was transparent. I won because my admirers, fans, family and friends voted for me. I managed to blend patience with intelligence. No one can keep up an act for three months. Being yourself is a necessity, more than a mantra.

ASHUTOSH'S TIPS
To succeed at people politics: I suggest that you be transparent and truthful at work. Do everything that you feel is right, and do it with utmost confidence. Have your own point of view, but know exactly when and where to express it.

TO BE A WINNER
>>Take up challenges and meet them eye-to-eye.
>>Never shirk responsibilities or lose courage in trying times.
>>Be optimistic and look at the brighter side of situations.
>>Chart your own life with kindness, sincerity and respect.
>>Avoid ill feelings towards others.
>>Stand up for your failures and mistakes.
>>Let go of arrogance, and do not force your ideals, values or goals on others.

Quick tips to SURVIVE PEOPLE POLITICS
>>Find a mentor who can offer advice, counsel and act as a sounding board.
>>Take notice of those who perform well. Observe their use of language, tone of voice, confidence level and preparedness. Learn from their behaviour and emulate it.
>>Don't complain, gossip or join in backstabbing conversations. They only drain energy and time.
>>Form strategic alliances. Make yourself valuable to those with power, knowledge or tenure. Go out of your way to offer assistance.
>>Think before you speak or act. One impulsive, off- the-cuff statement or act can significantly damage your reputation.
>>Hone your sense of humour. This can be your ace in the hole. It will get you through trying times and people will seek out your company.
>>Live at peace with everyone. It means being careful about choosing sides during power struggles.
>>Help others. By doing this, you are building political capital and loyalty. It reduces the chances of you turning into a victim of political intrigue.

What they learnt from Ashutosh

Girish Wankhede, AGM - CPR, Cinemax India Ltd.
Ashutosh won because he was the most balanced of the whole lot. He kept his cool and had his head firmly on his shoulders.
Learn to: Mind your own business. Keep a low profile and avoid getting hyper and loud.

Anupam Bagri, Manager - Sales, Newswire 18
Ashutosh won because he was calm and composed. He did not indulge in mindless antics and preferred to stay in the back-ground.
Learn to: Be sincere, and emerge an achiever. Maintain your composure.

Rooshi-kumar Pandya, Executive Mentor, Motivator
To be a winner, you need to be focused and harbour perse-verance. You also need mental strength to accept criticism.
Learn to: Have a healthy psychological defence mechanism and showmanship.

Ravi Sachdev, Proprietor, Polestar Polymers
Ashutosh won because he was the only person in the house who was being himself. Throughout his stay, he was calm, natural and steering clear of politics.
Learn to: Stay focused, be hardworking and disciplined.