Dr. SMS

The local Borneo Port has cleverly summarised our Malaysian 1st astronaut as DR.SMS a short name for Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. I guess he will have the glamour of it for the rest of his life like Niel Armstrong, the first US astronaut to step foot on the moon. I believe by his return he will be graced a "Datuk" like other athletes who has scored the 1st in their field.

However, my post today is not on Dr. SMS but I would like to share about the responses of SMS (Short Messaging System) whereby we have been using it to text our messages to our loved ones, friends, colleagues and all those who have a handphone.

Many times, I have been sending a lot of SMS-es to my friends/colleagues on certain motivational or life sharing texts and each time, I have only received handfuls of reply...says 20% (for new year/festive messages, it is more at 80-90%). I must say that in sales, that is still a remarkable achievement as normally in bulk mailing sales approach, we are only expecting less that 5% responses. Nevertheless, I am curious to know why the other 80% does not respond, I list down my own reasons;

a) Take such messages for granted
b) Save money as reply need to pay charges
c) Don't like my messages
d) Don't know how to respond
e) I don't know the reason

This morning I have sent another message, 2 out of 13 responded and I observe that normally these are proactive and positive persons.

Whatever the result, I am still happy to send my SMSes to friends/family or acquataince as I believe I could probably able to motivate, light up or give new idea to them when they need most.

What do you think ? If you do not believe, you may want try it and find out yourself.

Take Care of Our Words

In my past 12 years working life (of course not counted my time in primary, secondary or tertiary school), I have learnt, unlearnt and relearn a lot on this simple subject...but still learning to master the effect of this action...I was reminded when I came to learn the following comforting message yesterday and would like to share with you as follow;

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage & anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice" @ Ephesians 4:29-31.

In our competitive job, we are always exposed to a lot of slandering, sarcastic or negative words. It takes a real good person to be able to withstand such temptation of not reacting but responding with kindness and love.

I believe in Jesus' message that repay evil with kindness/love, it will bring more kindness/love. Repay evil with evil will only increase evil. It is definitely tough to be like Jesus...as he has also gone through tremendous sufferings but with His love for us, we could withstand such obstacles and be like all His Disciples/saints/holy men/women.

Jesus also reminded us....It is not important for what goes in to the mouth of a person but what comes out from the mouth from him...thus, we must be careful on what we speak...as the tongue can be sharper than the knife...killing with no blood.

I will always remember this message and may we all be reminded to speak good and righteous...

Handphone versus Annual Leave

When you are on leave, do you still switch off your handphone ? If no, why ? Are the following the possible reasons ?

1. No other handphone or number can be used
2. Afraid customers cannot reach you...so lose business
3. Boss told you not to switch off handphone and must be 24-hours on call (but he himself switch off)
4. Cannot let go of responsibility...
5. A corporate culture that has been embedded in your mind since day one..
6. In case your girlfriend cannot reach you...

Is it wrong to switch off handphone on your leave days ? I do not think is wrong but I myself have been suffering this since the day one I have handphone back in April 1997 (Nokia 232)...

Then, how to manage expectation especially from customer and big boss... TURN into silent mode...:) then screen your calls and call back...or practice..."The number that you have dialed is out of reach at this moment, please do not call back as he will not answer your calls anymore until he is back on work" ....hehehe..try it...

Is A Big Big World...

All these while I have been on and off sending out text messages to my family, friends and colleagues on some meaningful statement of life. Last night, I have received a meaningful reply from one of my staff in Mandarin (however as I do not read Mandarin though can 70-80% understand...so I have to text it to my wife to read it out to me). I am surpised and are appreciative when I learnt on the meaning of it...as I need most of such reminder in my challenging services world these days. It says...(translated by self understanding)....

When your heart is small, your world also become small..
When your heart is weary, many options seems to appear...creating more confusion...
Keep your heart big and light, things shall become smoother and clearer...

Simple words like this does make a lot of difference in our life of action. Therefore, those of you have the opportunity to read this blog...a blessing is also endowed on you to have the opportunity to be reminded of this simple act....Keep your heart big and light, the happiness is yours..

Have nice days ahead.