Commitment To Respond

Blue Ocean Strategy Seminar

2010-10-15T16:26:00.000-07:00

I am glad that I have just attended two days of this great programme. It is an opportunity to structure our thinking. I was push to do right brain thinking more than my left brain thinking. It was a great birthday gift for me.

I am know eager to share with my team as I hope they could learn it the same and start doing the right brain thinking, helping them in your tasks and approaches. This will be a survival tool for them in our competitive market. We need to create new opportunities, bringing the competition to the next level.

The thinking process of the future in the team is limited. We are more of fire fighting team rather than developer of new avenue. We are more towards a maintenance acts rather than developing new business. To survive in our competition, we must do more attacks rather than defensing.

Scenario thinking is another tool which is critical for high power management today. We need to be able to think various scenarios for consideration to take the best approach.

Again and again, leadership is the centre of good management. As leader, the direction and example are crucial in leading the team to pratice all the available thinking tools to move the organisation and business.

Last but not the least, I have decided to buy the book for my more detailed study and perfected my thinking. I always believe a seminar is just a catalyst act for one to learn up new skills and they need to enhance their learning through practice and soon it will be come an acquired talent.

2 days into last quarter of 2010

2010-10-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Time really flies and does wait for us. Today is already the 2nd day. It has been a challenging quarter and I have gone few patches of difficulties. Overall, the team and I managed to put in our best effort. Though we may be trailing against our budget but our spirit seems to be stronger than ever. I am glad to have few strong ladies with me pulling through such feats. Of course, Jesus has been nice to us. I need to put my strong faith though the temptation of devil is there.

Soon, I will be presenting my review report on last quarter and provide estimation how we are going to fare in the last quarter. Yes, the projection for the year end results.

The important lession that I have in my career is that "never lose your faith no matter how tempting is the other side. Give your faith stronger, live with it truely to the love of Christ, Jesus will not forsake us and He will keep us always by His side and we will come out victorious!"

Indeed, I will continue to walk with my saviour Jesus Christ, to complete this journey strongly.

My team and I will move in tandem and unitedly to achieve our goal !

Yes we will !

15 years as Insurance Player

2010-09-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Time indeed flies as I have just crossed my 15th anniversary few days back as an general insurance practioner. I have started my journey back in 1995 with Hong Leong Assurance (HLA) as a management trainee. On the first day of work, I was told by Lim Sze Yeen, the then HR executive I was one of the eight candidates selected out of nearly 120 applicants for the opportunity. Hmm, felt proud and honour of such feat. It is at HLA, I build up my foundation in my corporate career. It was shaping strongly to be a honourable entrepreneur through its 8 corporate values. Till today, I could still remember the values deep in my root.

Quality, Entrepreneurship, Integrity, Honour, Human Resource, Unity, Progress, Social Responsibility

Before securing the job in HLA, I had actually took up a two months temporary job as a production executive at the leading Taiwanese textiles factory operating in Nilai, Seremban. The main objective at Hualon Textiles is to earn my fund reserves so that I could secure a better opportunity in my career.

Graduated as the first batch of molecular microbiology, I was supposed to take up a job in the lab or pharmaceutical lines of selling. I did try to apply for those jobs but the requirement was to have own transport by way of car as it involves sales. I have only cub chai and I am not prepared to invest in car in West Malaysia. I was only focusing on getting a job that I could later continue back to Kuching or Sibu. I was waiting for my girl friend to graduate and that wait is at least two years.

I went for few interviews and one interesting interview was that the GM and Directors were trying to bash me up mentally and accusing me of prejudice. We argued on the definition and finally I left the interview more informed of corporate approach. The very next day, I received a call from the Sales Director offering my the job. I declined the offer nicely if not I will be in Boreinger Manheim, a pharmaceutical firm (May be I should have tried and probably I will be in Germany for free training...kekeke)

I have been travelling on my cub cai to KL/PJ almost every week for nearly a month. I study the road map carefully before riding my faithful to interview place. It is a good experience.

Then came, the opportunity in HLA, an opportunity informed by my girlfriend who spotted the advertisement. The first interview that I had with HLA was over the phone. An English communication test and I passed the test and was advised for interview the following week. Arriving at 18th floor of Wisma HLA at Jalan Raja Chulan, I was guided to a room and was given 3 essay questions for a pick to write only one. (I remember that in the room there were 3 other candidates). I chose to share the best experience that I have in the last 3 years. I wrote about my deep learning as resourceful and resilience (never die attitude) of a final year student when I was challenged to the max in completing my honours project. I think it took me 1 hour to write the 3 pages and I guess about 600 words. Ideas was flowing easily as it was my personal experience.

After I submitted the essay to a lady (I could not remember the name), I was advised to wait for my turn for actual interview. As an innnocent young man, I entered the interview room and there Sze Yeen and a small fella with a moustache by the rank of GM were ready to interview me.

...to be continued...

My Own 2010 KRAs

2010-02-27T06:39:00.000-08:00

Top line - RM19.9m

Bottom line - RM1.0m

Teambuilding 2009

2009-12-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

It is another accomplishment for this year. This event has definitely melt down the "I" among the team members and I hope the "WE" is budding strongly.

This one and a half day session which is divided into 3 main activities beside lunches, dinners and sleeping sessions has really nurtured team members to breakdown their defensive walls and nurtures their understanding as team members and friendship.

The 3 main activities are as follow;
a) Dry Session, where sharings were done in classroom style
b) Jungle Trekking, walking, climbing and crossing a 2km jungle trail
c) Building sand castle or designs at the beach

The group of us totalling 17 was divided into 3 groups namely "Kuat Makan", "Not Yet" & 'MPIB Boleh". Throughout the activities, team members have been working very closely in the name of TEAM WORK...(it really alive)...

The minor shortfall of this event would be...
a) We missed two of the team members who was unable to make it due to personal commitments.
b) We could have engaged a professional coordination for "full blast" effect (will make a difference in 2010).

Above all, I am personally satisfied that this team building event has achieved all the three objectives;
a) Deleting "I"
b) Budding "WE" values
c) Enjoy & Have Fun

I am looking forward to the maturing of "WE" values and growing in our personal values among all team members in facing the new challenges in 2010.

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

2009-08-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

I have learnt about this indicator eversince I joined the corporate world way back in 1995. It is a must in corporate organisation where results of the work is utmost upheld. Each employee is given a set of indicators to track their performance throughout the financial year. This indicator will be reviewed and discussed during the annual performance appraisal where the bonus, increment and promotion are considered.

Nevertheless, that is on the individual level and when all the indicators are combined, it must support the overall company's goals and objectives for the financial year. The CEO will be having the overall responsibility to ensure the KPI of the company is achieved through the implementation of various individual units.

Today, the government under the leadership of our PM had openly declared the KPIs must be in place and is to be achieved for good governance. Agreeable, this is a good approach to lead a good governance. However, a good declaration and the success of this implementation is very much depending the real performance review and follow up actions periodically. Any of the minister who perform below average must be identified and replaced whilst those perform well, must be appreciated and entrusted for bigger roles. Likewise it goes down the hierarchy to the respective ministries, departmental, unit heads.

Quarterly result must be disclosed and reviewed to ensure the progress is tracked and if any of the actions need to replaced or enhanced, it can be identified and acted upon.

In company, the internal and external customers will be providing feedbacks, constructive complaints or even mere dissatisfaction or grouses over the services or implementation of programmes not effectively meet the needs of the users. In the same manner, NGOs, oppositions or rakyat could air through proper channels to provide feedbacks to the government on the non-performance.

It is also encouraged that if any of the good performance delivered, an appreciation of support should be made unselfishly as to spur the performers to continue with their good action rather than just highlighting the weaknesses which could be counter productive.

I believe if everyone subscribe truely to the goodness of KPIs, we will be building a great company, supporting in our effort to support a progressive nation leading to greater respect by others.

Cash Before Trial

2009-07-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

In corporate environment especially in the financial industry, it is a very sacred understanding of having highest integrity. One may always be hearing a lot hidden doings but true enough many were caught not charged. It may also due to long delay of authority investigation or probably the softer part of Malaysian culture or tidak apa attitude of us locally which may have encourage more became bolder in their action.

One may escape the charges but will not escape the punishment of life. Easy come and easy go. Time will prove if one has the patience.

Setinggi-tinggi tupai melompat, akhirnya jatuh ke tanah juga. One may thought that the community may be forgiving or forgetful but when one is caught, he or she may just have to count their days....praying for understanding and consideration but it will be definitely a disgrace to oneself, family & friends. So better do not cash before trial...it is never worth to be part of this evil acts...

Defining Performance Bonus

2009-01-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

From company or employer's point of view, bonus is clearly defined as follow;

1. Compensation paid to an employee or employees for achieving a particular sales goal or organizational objective. This is above and beyond either a Commission or a Salary. A corporation achieving a 10% increase in profits may distribute part of the earnings as a bonus to its employees.

From employees' view, a hope from employee that his or her employer or supervisor appreciates their contribution. More directly as expectation to have bonus to support their needs or wants;

1. Buying special gifts for family and self,
2. Having extra to enjoy the hard labour for the whole year,
3. Going for overseas holiday with loved ones,
4. Buying new clothes, watch, car, TV etc
5. Giving angpow to parents, children and loved ones....
and never ending....list of requirements.

From the feedbacks received from people around, newspapers, blogs, internet news and directly from various friends, many companies have forgo this bonus in this year of global financial crisis. Some big ones even cut the salary between 15-20%. Employers seem to be more concern and fear of the impact of this crisis than facing unhappy employees. If business could not survive due to deep constraint of cash, what is employees' threat ? They may just need to terminate the employees.

Since the end of last year...when few of the super big global companies announced the collapse of their cash flow and locally few insurance companies had announced bad investment income beside deteriorating direct underwriting results, I have working smartly to prepare the mindset of my fellow team members of not to expect high bonuses or increment beside be more vigilant in their spending through my weekly and monthly meetings. I myself had even pycho myself to prepare the situation when comes to remunerations although the whole last year, we have achieved surplus in both top and bottom lines results, achieving the budget.

Finally, the D-day came...thank God, my Senior Management had managed to secure their promise to have the bonus paid before the Ox New Year celebration (though the amount is much less than expected) but my heart is happy as the pycho did have the effect nicely...(but it did not go well with few and sadly these few are those who are performing to the expectation but they have high expected and high headed thinking that they have done their part (could not see their undelivery though it was highlighted to them for which they had silently agreed). What a situation...

My mind went spinning..to ask, are they mindless ? not ashame ? what the hack, ah hia had not complained, sa kia cry first !

Those positive ones have stay calmly and even appreciated the gesture though the amount is lesser than previous bull run year as they have expected this would be the best as the management is still generous to give when others bigger names in the same industry had freeze the bonus...

It is during this diffcult time, we can see who is capable and can stay together as an united team. It is not a new subject but you would agree very much where we can also see who is loyal or not, who is a friend or not...I know a leader we must stay calm and always open to hear people out. After all, we must be caring and understanding. They are sensitive and if we could help them in this difficult moments, they may become better supporters of us. Thus, we must triply strengthen ourself to face this internal fractions before external demands.

New Year 2009 - I resolute corporately...

2009-01-05T04:49:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I had carried out my first sales meeting of the year. I put forth my resolutions for the branch and provide the expectation for my team members to work upon and at the same time, invited them to share their views and aspiration for the year.

Change is inevitable and is essence to achieve my 2009 resolutions as I stressed out to each one of my team member. With financial crunch continues to hit the headlines, I have remind my members of these iminent threats which everyone must be well prepared individually or as a dynamic team.

It will be a hostile if not dangerous at the forefront for us to sail through profitably and productively.

I need everyone's contribution to ensure the journey will be much cushioned off from the challenges ahead. In two weeks time, I will be presenting again upfront in the congregation of leaders to show how I am going to do what I did last year with a BANG ! Achieved what I have set out to do ! Oh Yes !

Last but not least, I resolute for positiveness ! to sail through rough patches with resilence.

The financial rippling effects has reached our doorstep

2008-12-21T03:39:00.000-08:00

Western Digital announced that Kuching plant will be closed down by March 2009 leaving 1500 workers laid off.

The Timber is suffering worst effect and fear 100,000 workers may be laid off if situation worsen after Chinese New Year. Many of the timber camps have closed since November 2008 for festival till March 2009. Demand is very low from usual Japan market and many companies even cancelled orders.

Petrol/Diesel dropped another 10 cents since the famous 80 cents hike in August but kampua/kolok mee or other coffee shop increase had not reduced a cent. I think the operators will not move until no customers willing to patronise their premises.

Are we prepared for worst as we prepared to close the year and welcome the new year in 10 days time ?

Recruitment & Succession Planning

2008-11-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

Some 10 years ago, this topic is not so a concern to me but now it is becoming more critical as we grow bigger and faster. As I have learnt from one of my favourite speakers, as manager, we need to consciously identify potential team members and not during when we need one. Thus, averagely every other month, I will engage in interviewing potential members though I may not have any vacancy. And every 6 months, I will put up an advertisement in the paper to encourage wider application for picking. This is to enable creation of a potential pools to select and also to provide training ground for us to select the right people.

Having good pools of right staff will help in picking right successors to succeed eventual team leader though mentorship is importance to ensure their learning is in right direction. The one who could work together tirelessly and supportively moving towards goals together is a diamond to any great leader.

It is true that people will come and go during the process or at any time, thus we must always be prepared and accept the fact that this is natural although at times, we must reflect on what have gone wrong in trying to improve our team weaknesses or environment weaknesses. Yes, some of the members are good but due to dissatisfaction of certain situation, it leads to breakups but there are many who just have attitude problems to work.

As leader, beside challenges and obstacles, we will face with a lot of learnings and improvement through encounters of human issues. If we could manage this aspect well, as in any professions, we will be able to move "mountains". Every great organisation, human assets are backbone to them.

Spending time with our good people is a must so that we could lead and mould them beside opening the door of open discussion and two ways motivation approach. Every week, I am trying to sit down with my key people sharing with them the crux of our business beside giving them my personal sharings and hearing their challenges and successes. Many are still quite closeup but I believe the strong one will start the ball rolling.

Therefore, to build company, we must build people. Recruit the right one, mould them and lead them to success and they shall attract more successes and when the chain reaction goes smoothly, the organisation will growing strongly continuously.

Brain Seems Better Than Physique

2008-11-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

It seems that what you know is more appreciate or valued that what you can do ? Right...no ?
Well, try the following;

Usually people salary is paid based on what you can think of or your better brain thinking rather than physical extensive works. Look at the leader who think, plan and lead is paid better than follower who just follow what the leader instructs.

Of course there is exception if you are the best of your field and specialist when everyone needs your expertise...with little brain to bargain, you will get the better pay than those who just think.

That is why may be our parents or teachers always encourage us to study well in order to build up our brain. But the smarter of all are not the smartest kids in class as when we leave school, usually those grade A students are working for those grade B or C (of course not the grade D or E). Don't you agree ? Well, that is the fact !

I believe that this group B & C sutdents are those who are smart in using their brain in balance with higher EQ than the smartest kids.

It is not too late to discover than the requirement to have both IQ & EQ in balance and utilise wisely. Exposure @ Experience would help the balancing acts. Be alert and move with great confident that we are all equally good and the difference is only on whether we do use our intelligent to best of opportunities.

Brainstorming Session

2008-10-27T06:46:00.002-07:00

After 10 days, I back again to KL to have my brain squeezed further. Tomorrow, my top management had organised a day brainstorming session in coming out with new business plan for the next 3 years.

We had a similar session last year at Dorsett Regency and guess what...we are coming back to the same venue...why ? May be to ride on the good fortune this year as we had been doing quite well on the directions that we set last year at the same venue.

However, this year...we shall have tougher challenge with global financial woes and Malaysia market will not be spare. We need to be very careful and chart out extra dynamic plans to sail through this financial waves.

I look forward to this session to draft a strong plans for continuous growth and profitability in this challenging situation in 2009-2011.

In fact, at personal...it is also about time to do some reflection to ensure our personal objectives can be achieved or on track...good luck !

Q3 Performance Review

2008-10-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

To be frank, I am very tired at the moment after two days gruelling presentations from morning till evening plus after hours activity till early hours before waking up 3 hours later to updates my notes before attending the following sessions.

Quality Productivity and Preparing for worst have been the main topic with the global economic turmoil and local sentiment. Everyone is asked to stay focus on their business plans, never give up and work extra mile to deliver real results. Writing the strategies is quite easy but the real action will come in execution. Discipline, determined mindset with flexibility will lead surer progress.

Coming out from this meeting is very motivating whilst moving forward to run the final lap of the year 2008 whilst getting ready to start 2009.

In the next 3 months, a lot of expectation has been set up namely Budget & Business Plan 2009, Performance Appraisal 2008, Quality Transformation follow through and Nailing the Q4 budget.

Travellings is also expected to move faster as I need to run longer and consistent to cover wider and deeper network.

However for now, unwinding myself at coffee bean writing down my thoughts before proceeding for my dinner and also a spa session later in the night. Have a nice weekend.

Last Quarter

2008-10-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Time is flying passed us without waiting although we do wait for time to pass at times.

We are now in the last quarter of the year and I am now doing my review on my performance for the past 3 quarters. The budget management session shall be held sometime this month as to have thorough review and create the last push for the year end closing.

This is also a time for budgetting for next year performance beside staff appraisal evaluating the performance for each staff.

On the economic front - globally or locally, the reports are not rosy as compared to previous year around this time. You may have heard about the bailouts running into hundreds of billions USD. Tough challenges is ahead of us and we need to dig deep to prepare for the worst as we chart out our new blue print for next year whilst squeezing the last drops to close the year beautifully.

For me, I know...this month I will have few sleepless nights ahead in meeting the benchmarks set in order to deliver the goals. Whatever it is, I and the team will need to work out smartly together to meet the benchmarks/deadlines.

Management Trainees

2008-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was a product of a thorough management trainee programme and till today, I am thankful that I have gone through this programme for the first 24 months of my corporate life. The first 6 months was most of the time about lectures/theory all round with mental setting by various department heads and also peers. A lot of sarcasism learned and unlearned as my mental was mould over and over again in the corporate living. Every evening I will need to sit down with my manager to have 30 minutes chat on what I have learned through the day. Then, on every Saturday (those day, we still have half day), both the manager and myself will sit in a sharing session headed by the GM on a very open manner in discussing the progress of my learning and weaknesses or problems I have discovered in the particular department. A monthly report will also need to be produced and submitted to the department head (like a thesis with recommendation on improvement)

Actually, together in the programme, there are 8 of us and we have actually assigned in pairs and then we were scheduled to attach with 6 department in 6 months. Sharing of information and learning is crucial in our group. We go breakfast, lunch and dinner (minus sleeping) together almost everyday (As our mentor had also gave us a challenge to form up a common identity for our group). In between training sessions, we were also entrusted to organise or lead the whole company on grouping activities like sport day, family day etc. We have laughters, angers, frustration, sad or belacan taste throughout the programme. However,...two of us left the company after 6 months, after they found that they do not belong to this industry (today they are successful practising lawyers). Another one, two months after that. After a year, there are only 3 left in the group.

From day one, we were also "forced" to take up professional course or get fired. Oh yes...that is the challenge. So, I took up and graduated with another degree (An Associate) after 2.5 years. (For infors...out of the 8...none except the writer) Hmmm now, I was recognised as a Chartered last year...(satisfied...)...that is probably why I was the last of the "Rising Sun" (our group's name) to move on from the company after 8.5 years, and I remembered on the advice of one of my managers (who is very well qualified), within 3 years..."you have to learn more than you can adsorb in order for you to root strongly in the career you want..."

Looking back now, it was the initial mental conditioning (foundation) that is the crux of the learning. It does make a different !

Petrol Savings

2008-08-08T07:34:00.001-07:00

In a commitment to respond to petrol savings, I have recently re-calculated my petrol consumption and found that my Matrix 1.6 Auto is a big user, gulping a lot...and average it has only able to bring me 9.9km per litre at town driving (can you believe it ?...is my computation wrong ?...my mileage is 368 for RM100 = 37 litre...this has only last average 5-6 days. May because of hot days for the last one week...normally consumption is higher when we are going through hot condition). It is a wake up call indeed !

This is in addition that I am using special additive supposedly to increase efficiency by 25%. Today, I have decided and installed a magnetic fuel saver which is alleged to be able to increase efficiency by 10% and up 30% on long run...

"The magnetic saver is clipped at the fuel pipe before the entry to the engine. It is supposed to magnetize the petrol molecules so that the injection is more stable and equal to enable complete burning. Through this process, the car will also experience more power and engine is also smoother. It has a warranty of 15 years and it is a German's product. It was proven over in Germany, the fuel efficiency can be improved by 30% after the vehicle was installed with this fuel saver"

I hope it works ! (then I can start introducing and selling !) Hooha !

Reap What You Sow

2008-08-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is an universal principle and known to farmers worldwide. In fact this becoming a knowledge to all who had go through life.

In farm...
1. When you plant durian seed, you will get durian tree..
2. When you nurture the fruit trees well, they will bear much fruits..
3. Whe nyou take care of the farm well, you will reap more fruits...

In life...
1. When you give a smile to another, you will receive a smile back
2. When you give a frown, you will receive a frown/surprise look back or even a scolding..
3. When you are lazy, you will not achieve success
4. When you are careless, you will lose out more
5. When you offer love, you will receive them back (may be not from the person but from others)

You may not get immediate results of what you sow but definitely, the principle will not just miss the linkage, it will let you enjoy your fruit in time to come...

In Chinese culture, this is probably people called wealth creation for future. Whatever we enjoy probably owned to what we have done in the past ?? Malay saying...bersusah-susah ke hulu, bersenang-senang ke hilir.. ???

Therefore, we must always careful on what we sow as eventually we will reap the fruits of it.

Structure Tree

2008-07-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Structure tree method has became my integral basis of business planning. This method has been taught to me when I first started my insurance career as management trainee. It is very useful in tracking down and thinking out of the action plans.

Every action begins with end in mind, our objective in achieving at the end of the day. From there, we have planned each and every step. We rationalise the challenges along the way and come up with solution or alternative to move up the trunk, branch and towards the leaves and flowers.

In summary, we are looking at from starting point to the end.

Example;
End in Mind : Achieve RM10m production...
- what are the sources available : Agency / Direct / Brokers / FI / Franchise / Coinsurance
- who are the supporter under each branch ? list them down...
- what are their business volume for each of the leaves...said under Agent A - how much is he doing annually ? type of business whether is preferred or declined...
- what are the action plans to attract those business or build up the support ?
- what are the challenges along the way ?
- timeframe for doing it ?
the questioning will go on and on until we are satisfied every leaves are accounted for...it shall become our structure tree...in engineering term is a blue print for a new building to be constructed.

The success will come with how detailed our plans are and our discipline in keeping this structure tree updated over the time.

Try it and you will see the difference and from here you can also track your subordinates in their work planning and thinking.

Quality Transformation

2008-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Officially on 13th June 2008, my company has launched the Quality Transformation programme, a programme which I have shared and indicated in my previous blog. Through embarkation of this programme, we aim to improve our service delivery to our customers. A total mental shakeup is necessary to make this programme a success as we have identified all key action plans to implement immediately.

Last Friday, we have our soft launch in our Kuching Branch whereby my CEO had personally given his important message on how best we could lead the Quality Transformation in our branch operations especially highlighting each of the 6 core values;

* INTEGRITY
* TEAMWORK
* ENTREPRENEURSHIP
* ACCOUNTABILITY
* CUSTOMER CENTRIC
* CARING

We have been given 2 pieces of t-Shirt (to be worn on every Friday...suka..nya saya...), a Quality Service handbook and a lanyard to keep reminding ourself of the importance on this programme as we want to achieve quantum leap in our service.

(A Photo showing my CEO was handing out the Quality Service handbook to my staff)

Thinking Big

2008-05-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

First of all, the level of our success or achievement depends on how big is our thinking on dreams. The chance of success depends on how deep is our thinking to materialise the dreams. Every now and then, I heard about success stories, how insignificant people achieve their dreams through their thinking, determination, sacrifices and never ending belief in their thinking.

The methodology to success is simple and straightforward and that is why many simple men and women have been able to achieve success by simply believing in their dreams. If we have failed in our quest to materialise our dream, we must be prepared to get up and continue the quest. Success does not come with one try but many tries. The one try may be just because of luck but when the dream come true through many actions, sacrifices and efforts, it shall be a lasting achievement to enjoy.

Medical Leave

2008-05-19T22:21:00.001-07:00

A friend asked me about my company's guideline on medical leave...how many days available for a staff a year ? Before answering, I asked why ?

He obediently shared with me on his difficult encounter with one of his lady staff who is a frequent taker on medical leave...all in all for this month alone, she has taken 3 days. I told him that we have a mximum 30 days per staff but of course it must be genuine with doctor's certification and normally when a person taken such a long leave, they are usually having a serious illness. however, for normal flu or cold..it is unlikely to be such a long time. If it is then, we will need to sit down with the staff to find out whether it is a habitual issue.

From my corporate encounters, my bosses will always discourage a staff from taking medical leave especially after going for a few days annual leave. Staff will be strongly advised to take good care of their health whilst resting as usually few will go overboard by over exerting themself during their earned leave and then exposing their health to sickness. Of course, if a person is sick, she or he can still obtain medical leave as long as the doctor certified them. But then, in this scenario of MC after leave may not look good as a good responsible staff.....what do you think ?

BTW, my friend's staff also taken MC leave after two days annual leave...what a difficult task to address people's habitual issue.

Responsibility

2008-05-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Responsibility is the unity of two words: Response's Ability. So, do we have the ability to response when we are entrusted with the responsibility ?

I would like to share a classic example of Responsibility of what I have experienced last week with my house moving contractor whom I have asked to assist to move my big household item; Master bedroom set, Book cupboards, Refrigerator, Washine Machine and 7 seaters sofa. On the day of moving, he came with his two assistance and they easily move out the cupboards and one queen bed (without the matress) in two trips. It took them about 3 hours though (do not know why so slow but nevermind so long we could finish). It was then about 1pm and we still have the king size bed, two matresses and 7 seaters sofa to move. My sister-in-law was curious on why the contractor is yet to be seen after the 2nd trip, hence she called me to inform. I had assumed that they had gone for lunch and given sometime they will continue to move my things. Somehow, my six sense also told me that something is not right, as such, I quickly phoned the contractor and to my surprise, he apologised to me that he is now at his factory rushing for another customer's furniture as the customer is having an opening tomorrow. He is not sure whether he would be able to complete the moving today as it was already 2pm. I practically seek for his understanding to help as I do not have any lorry to move and it is quite difficult to get one at that hour. He promised to call back...or at least will continue tomorrow.

Today is already 7 days after we had last spoken and I am still waiting for his call. When reflected, he also did not informed me when he just went to his factory to work on his other commitment while leaving me in the dark. Really irresponsible acts ! If fact earlier as I told my dad, I was prepared to pay RM500 for his assistance to complete the moving !

BTW, we did managed to move the rest of the furniture by ourself and completed on that day itself, thanks to my brother who managed to contact his previous renovation contractor. Luckily, we had moved the fridge and washine machine a day earlier using my brother's double cabins as my dad advised that we cannot use the fridge without giving it at least a day to settle down.

If you could imagine this irresponsible action by the part of the contractor, you could understand why trust and integrity play an important role in the first action of our relationship. I am dissappointed with this contractor who do not appreciate the commitment to respond and his undertakings.

We are Who We Think ?

2008-04-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

We are who we think ? Seriously, it is going to be real when we think of it. When the conscius brain is set to portray the future self it seeps down to the subconscius mind and that is where it slowly transform our self into the future self that we think we are.

How fast ? depends on how strong is our repetitive signal to this change. Though I have not read a thousand books as yet but at least I have gone through as many as 30 management/self help books and generally, all of them reminded me that the powerful subconscius mind will change and transform us (it does not know negative or positive) based on the feedbacks from our own self. Therefore, we must be careful of what we feed to the subconscius....through reading, watching or living in the conducive environment whereby our friends, colleagues or people around us may influence our thinking.

Beware of what you think the next moment you want to your self . It is really up to you !

Six Honest Helpers

2008-03-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone must appreciate these six honest helpers as they shall be able to resolve a lot of challenges ahead. They are always around if one care to ask them for assistance. They are;

a) Who
b) Where
c) Why
d) When
e) What
f) How

Now you know them right ? from very young age. So how many times have you neglected them in approaching your challenges in life. Don't worry, many including myself have also neglected them at times.

If one could seek their assistance to the fullest, they shall be alright and the force shall be with them. The winners will always rely on them to lead their decision.

So, the next time you need them, just call up them and seek their assistance (you must know how to ask to ensure they are able to respond effectively).

Thoughts To Ponder

2008-03-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

This passage was in The Sunday Post yesterday and I felt it is worthwhile to share with all;

a) The most destructive habit : Worry

b) The greatest joy : Giving

c) The greatest loss : Loss of self respect

d) The most satisfying work : Helping others

e) The ugliest personality trait : Selfishness

f) The most endangered species : Dedicated leaders

g) Our greatest natural resource : Our youth

h) The greatest "shot in the arm" : Encouragement

i) The greatest problem to overcome: Fear

j) The most effective sleeping pill : Peace of mind

k) The most crippling failure disease: Excuses

l) The most powerful force in life : Love

m) The most dangerous pariah : A Gossiper

n) The world's most incredible computer : The brain

o) The worst thing to be without : Hope

p) The deadliest weapon : The tougue

q) The two most power-filled words : I can

r) The greatest asset : Faith

s) The most worthless emotion : Self pity

t) The most beautiful attire : Smile

u) The most prized possession : Integrity

Have a wonderful week ahead.

M-Election 2008

2008-02-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

The heat is definitely up as 4 days had passed since the nomination day on 24th Feb and yet I have not had the time to attend any of the political rallies. Ten more days to go before all Malaysians cast their votes to determine the next 5 years of governmentship. Frankly, I have not attended any of the rallies since my school time. Why ? I would probably say, " no time for 2 hours hearing" as I have already received a lot of feedbacks from "kopi talk"....However, these kopi-o talks may not give the true presentation of the facts. Therefore, I have other sources to verify..leh....hehehe.

It is definitely very important to make the wise decision to ensure the real voice of rakyat is received and implemented. Making a wrong move will lead to suffering of development.

My hope and wish for this Election is that the new elected representatives will sincerely discharge their true duty without fear and favour. We need a progressive government who would take care of the people and willing to catch those big fishes who committed all types of corruption under the nose of the government. Do not protect these crooked leaders, expose them (the bad apples) and ensure they are put to justice so that our countries development plans can be implemented smoothly and fairly to all. Be transparent and sincere to ensure a new wave of development can really bring forth the progress to the people.

Do not just compare with the poorer countries but always look forward to compete with progressive countries like Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand or Australia so that Malaysia could stand at the forefront of these countries in the advancement of good economy and lifestyle. Do not just play defensive approaches but need a bold leadership to acknowledge the weaknesses that we have as Malaysian and lead to transform us to a better community in this part of the world.

On unity, I will continue to pray for real Malaysian for Malaysia with equality to all races as a progressive Malaysian with no longer differenciation of races (though this is a long shot but I can see this is achievable sooner than 50 years ago...agreed ?). May be should set a target to have total equality by 2020, huh...as what our beloved Tun Dr. M aspired of Malaysia to become an truly industrialised nation by then.

So, on this 8th of March, I will cast my vote wisely to ensure a voice is fruitfully heard ! Yes, Malaysia Mesti Boleh..lah !

Positive Minds

2008-02-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I read an article by one local writer named Dunstan Chan in Borneo Post. Dunstan is a public cum motivational speaker and I have met him in person on few occasions when I was organising charity events probably 6-7 years back. Well, I am not going to talk about him but on his article where it strikes me yet again.

He had mentioned about "being grateful and make full use of what we have and not keep longing on what we do not have". It is a mind reflecting statement, why ?

He had shared one experience truely by himself when he met with one guy in USA named by John. As when his friend introduced him to John, he naturally extend his hand for handshake but there is no response from John ?? A careful look, he realised that John does not have any hands/arms. He is embarassed and shock but John responded with a big smile and said it is okay and he gets it all the time. For the next two hours, he spent his most memorable time with John observing him, the way he took his lunch with his foots and also learnt that John can drive with his foots.

Well, this is really extraordinary...isnt't it? ! So, from the statement, if John is negative, he would not be able to be successful as what he is now. For your information, John is a successful public speaker in US. One may be handicapped by his or her physical body but he or she can still achieve their dreams if they really want to. However, if one is handicapped by his mind, nothing can be achievable even if they have perfect body.

Be careful of your mind...

Everyday is a new beginning

2008-02-07T15:47:00.001-08:00

No matter how bad was yesterday, it has passed and today is a new beginning and we have the opportunity to make good of what we have failed to achieve yesterday, so that we could achieve a better result in the future.

Yes, if we are negative in mind, we always felt the above statement is a fluke. If this is so, then we will continue to suffer such a negative state of mind and be left behind.

Yes, it is tough whenever we fell down and try to stand up as fast as possible. But if we have fell down and do not wish to stand up and pick up the experience, we will always be at that position and never progress.

Yes, it takes an extraordinary courage to believe and keep believing so that we could stand up strong and move forward to discipline achieve what we set out to achieve.

Ask any of the successful person, had he/she not faced with the negativities and how they overcame them ?

I believe that everyone is given opportunity to progress and be successful in what they endeavour. God is fair and loving...however, we decide whether we want to take this opportunity or not and even the single task, we will always face with challenges and temptation to stop moving forward. This negativity may link to evil temptation.

So, my friends, always remember to pray strongly and discipline though you may have strong mental but the odds at times are stronger than what you can imagine...have a heart to invite the divine grace to bless you with the wisdom to lead your determination to success.

Quality Service Transformation

2008-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

We have just launched our Customer Service Charter during our first QSBM 2008 and this year, my company is embarking on the total Quality Service Transformation in facing the new wave of business challenges.

Over the past 5 years, we have grown from a small company of RM50m to today an average size insurance firm commanding RM283m as at 31/12/2007. This is a 466% growth !

A lot of sacrifices, commitment and determination plus sweats and tears in putting up this record breaking effort year after year.

The new target for this year is RM320m and 2009 is RM360m. As the figure speaks for itself, we are indeed of total retransformation to ensure the team could progress further to achieve another record breaking year. Thus, the QS transformation is very aptly good for our company to deliver highest level of service and not in purely competing in pricing. Staff will be inculcated with the highest understanding of quality service (before and after sales services). There will a lot of reengineering of service flow and benchmarking monitoring process to ensure quality is always on the check.

The biggest challenges is not on servicing the customers but getting staff to be on a good customer mindset and always be professional in their quests of delivery.

In service industry, quality service is the key factor for customer to appreciate the service on long term though price factor may influence the decision of a new customer but not in the long run as customer would normally appreciate the quality of the service. I am for one would choose for quality service when it comes to my decision even when buying the China DVDs :) where I have also being avoiding from buying those DVDs as the quality for newer movies normally is not worth of considering.

What is your choice ? Quality or Price ?

100 Years of Celebration

2008-01-18T06:56:00.001-08:00

My wife is going to walk 20km this Sunday joining her colleagues in celebrating their 100th year Anniversary in business. No joke ! It is 12.5 miles !

This is a commitment from the management of the company to celebrate life together as the company grows together with their policyholders and staff.

I am actually very concern of the long distance and are worried about her as she had never walk so far. However, I am proud of her commitment and determination to achieve this participation and I do pray for God's blessing and protection on her throughout the journey together with her colleagues.

Multitasking, is it real ?

2008-01-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

Often in management, we have use this great word..MULTI-TASKING especially when management wishes their star employees to deliver all tasks promptly meeting the deadlines or benchmarks set.

What is actual multi-tasking in real senses ? From the wikipedia...it defines as the ability to execute more than one task at the same time.

So, does this happen to anyone of us or will it actually be achieveable ? By strict meaning, YES it is possible and it depends on what sort of tasks involved.

Example of multi-tasking : Reading newspaper whilst having breakfast or foods or easing youself in the toilet.

For computer CPU, it can deliver more tasks at the same time and speed of completion would depend on the size of the RAM memory. I believe it would be quite similar to us, human...if we want to move faster and accurate we must increase the usage of our brains so that it could manage the tasks assigned in a systematic manner.

Yesterday, I am quite dissapointed with one of my staff when she admitted that she could not be multitasked. She can only do one task at a time and at a very slow pace. Therefore her compliance for the month is only 9% when comparing to her colleague who can achieve 60% with double loads and variety of products.

To help her, I have advised her to work out her To-Do List whilst put extra focus on sharpening her skills to speed up her learning process. The To-Do List will help her in planning her work rather than just processing one tasks for the whole day.

Interest and commitment may also play the part of whether multi-tasking skills can be acquired or not ?

Indeed There Is Right & Wrong

2008-01-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

Many times we may have heard people saying there is no right or wrong when commenting on a cirscumstance, an event or a happening that is considering deep understanding. I myself at times also been influenced by such statement as it seems that this statement give a leeway or on the fence opinion or consolation to the receiving party.

In my deeper self, I believe there is right and wrong in every circumstances though at times we are not able to differentiate it between right or wrong as the situation is in very thin line of decision or we may not have the knowledge or we would not want to acknowledge the result unless it is to our favour.

If there is no right or wrong then the appointed Judges all over the world would not be able to pass judgement fairly (discard all the unfair judges or those that are under political influenced or other forces). They are a special group of people that is given the trust to judge what is right and fair to a right party and set out punishment to the wrong party. It is definitely tough but still there is a right or wrong.

In the eyes of our Almighty, there is always righteous or wrongdoers and He has all the power to understand all circumstances no matter how complicate the situation is.

****
Many would argue especially in business approaches such situation of no right or wrong will appear quite often especially when emotion is taken into play. In fact, if we do it with fairness and integrity we are doing it for our own bright future though we may not get the business. If we secure the business in unfair manners or illegal ways, we would need to compensate back on our future encounters. It is a definitely very challenging situation especially when the surrounding people or supporters pressing hard on the results.

I have a friend who is a good Christian and had shared of his experience of how he had struggle to maintain his integrity, honesty and faithfulness of not giving any undertable money or commissions to one of the strong contacts and at the end, he lost the tender worth RM5m though his tender price is the lowest.

In another case, they would said...it is the person's intellingence to secure such feat. Imagine such bribery action is been praised ?? or others justified that they are only working for a living @ just like to prostitute, GROs etc also a profession to earn a living.

That is probably "why" those in business are always harder to pass through the gate of heaven...as they have a lot of cleaning up to do. ***
Temptation is great in this material world. We need to seek for God's wisdom to overcome such situation as using our human's thinking will only get things worst.

***

A wrong is a wrong even if it is a good lie...we must sincerely seek for forgiveness and not to start pointing fingers on others too. This is very much similar of a leader who recently confessed of his wrong doings but also declared that his action is similar to other leaders who may have been worst but they are lucky as they have not caught in the act. Isn't he is not a sore loser ?

Who are we to judge but ourself. We must therefore constantly remind ourself that there is always right and wrong in our action. We must try to do with our sincere conscience, faith, integrity and honesty.

***

So how to breed good values ? It starts from us being individual. Clean up ourself (from head to toe) to be a truly better person upholding integrity (remember nobody is sinless). Sharing with younger ones the fruits of being honest, sincere and faithful to righteous.

I have learnt one sharing from my Church's friend when she went to a newly baptised Catholic...."In our life time on earth, we are working hard to live a wonderful life and hope to own a proper house and we must also prepare our new house in heaven in this life time as there will be no time for us to work hard after death for our future house."

Hence, we may not be able to prosper in our life time when doing good deeds (so far...many have been richer in faith and receive a lot of blessings, whereby God will never fail us) but for sure, we are definitely building the future house in Heaven.

Have nice weekend.

Twelve Motivation Messages

2008-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

I have put up a new desk top calendar of 2008...but before I discard away my old 2007 desktop calendar, I would like to share the twelve motivation messages (on the calendar) that had been giving reflection throughout the year;

STRENGTH : Conquering others requires force; conquering
oneself requires strength.
UNSAFE : Playing safe is unsafe. Standing still is risky. You
must go forward.
RAINBOW : If you want rainbow, you've got to put up with rain!
NO DIRECTION : If one does not know which port one is
sailing, no wind is favourable.
ONE WIFE : When Adam was lonely, God created for him, not ten
friends, but one wife.
SPEAK THE TRUTH : When you speak the truth, you don't have to
remember what you said.
FEELING: The first and most important step toward success is
the feeling that you can succeed.
REAL EXCITEMENT: I love to succeed, but the real spiritual
and emotional excitement is in the doing.
IN YOU : Success lies not in time, place or circumstances,
but in the person.
FEAR : Some are afraid of the dark, others wait for it to see
the stars.
COURAGE : Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak;
courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
CARE : If you find in your heart to care for somebody else,
you will have succeeded.

A Show of Commitment

2007-12-30T00:52:00.000-08:00

As I browsed this photo which was taken by myself at one of our corporate gathering in JB sometime in July this year, it suddenly strucked my mind today (not before as I was enjoying it as a game) what this simple game had a underlying message...

At times, both our hands may be tied up and we are only able to compete in certain guidelines. We must not be discouraged but still remain steady and have full trust in ourself and our team members (the ladies holding the milk bottle) in ensuring victory at the end of the day.

In corporate world today, we are faced with a lot of obstacles so much so that at times the system may not be fair but again, if we want to stay on course to success, we must learn to be "patience" to chart our own way. It is definitely easier to write this such statement as many would said so.

Yes, I am so in agreeable but then if we go on direct confrontation or crying likes babies or keep complaining...will it change the fairness issue instantly to our favour ? We may not even able to compete totally as our mind is blocked from our confrontational action or may be disqualified from the race.

Yes, it may not cooked like instant noodle but if we consistently play our role well to subtlely transmit the action of change...we will definitely put on the wave of transformation @ like 3 of my colleagues on the stage who had been sucking hard on the milk bottle, a long and slow suckling method may well be the winner at the end of the day and if we do not have the resilience, we may just stand up from suckling and declared disqualification on ourself...the choice is ours ! but what happen to our people and family ?

Last Weekend of 2007

2007-12-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

My operation staff (except office boy) are all going back to office this weekend (Saturday and if could not finish, they will return also on Sunday) to clear all the secured cases as we look forward to clear all our production premiums into the system by 6.00pm on 31/12/2007.

I am sure for many, there are a lot of other better programme to look for rather than going back to office to work. Many would have family gathering, new year preparation or company dinners where time is needed to prepare and enjoy.

I am proud to note that all of them have made this decision with high commitment (without be instructed) as they know that the branch needs their vital support at this moment of time.

Dedicated and committed staff is what the company or a team needs. Without these values, we could only perform the requirement but unable to achieve the extraordinary achievements. Whether the result would deliver the desired results, the process of togetherness in delivering such a feat is already an achievement.

To these dedicated team members, I give 3 cheers of success... Hip 2x Hooray (3X)

The Secret

2007-12-24T14:44:00.001-08:00

I am now reading "THE SECRET" by Rhonda Byrne, top selling book for self transformation...just reaching page 37 but I am already eager to share with many of you of this great book...revealing the Secret of Success...

"Everything that is coming into our life, we are the one attracting them to us. And it is attracted to us by virtue of the images we are holding in our mind. It is what we are thinking. Whatever is going on in our mind we are attracting to us."

When we keep thinking on certain things, we are building the image and concrete action to have them. This is not just one time or twice...but a constant imaging on the wants would make it a real happening. So, it is good and bad...if we keep on positive notes, then it will be a winning stance but if we are always reflecting on negativity...times will surely lead us to the consequence of it.

Enhance on good thoughts but strictly beware on negative thoughts. When you are on bad mood...we must learn quickly to discard the bad mood into happy refreshing thoughts and that is how we could attract the good things from the Universe...

Still reading on...

Can't wait for the sharing,...you may see the preview on this website : http://www.thesecret.tv/

Big Picture

2007-12-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

To be real successful in our undertakings, we must be able to see the big picture. Only when we see the whole picture of puzzle in front of us, we are in a better position to manage, control, lead and solve whatsoever obstacles or challenges ahead with easier solutions or paths.

So..at times, we may have thought that we saw the big picture but then...it may only be small portion of a bigger picture. Not only we need to see the overall perspective the true picture, we must also be able to share or lead our team workers to see the same as if not, the outcome will not be as desirable as we wish and it may also lead to disastrous result.

Well, like the jig saw puzzle..we may only see bits and pieces of the big picture. At young, we could do the try and error tactic as we try to form the picture. As we progressed on, we have learnt the art and skills to be quick to summarise the whole picture and how best things can be managed and observed from a deep look... from a distance ?

Luck may play a part, I guess...as sometime one may be at greater difficulty if he or she happen to only see the blue piece like the above jig saw puzzle when compared to others who may have the piece of the cat's head. But truly,...with experiences, we manage this challenge well and even better if we can learn to complement each other by sharing the information perceived on the big picture through a more effective and efficient way, saving unnecessary hussles or waste of time or resources especially frustrations among members when things get rough.

The process of learning this formation of big picture is important in one's learning of leadership and teamwork. It is a life long learning process...as if we compare it to the process of solving a jig saw puzzle. We can start from easy way...2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64,.....20,000 pieces...or unlimited to try further ??

So, won't we agree that the more successful one would become, one would have resolved or seen many big pictures or bigger pictures. However, many may be just contented to have just see few pieces of the jig saw but asking for the satisfaction of seeing the whole big picture.

Hope we could resolve all our big picture in passing through our life especially the biggest picture of our life...THE REAL REASON of why we are in this WORLD ?

A Respectable CEO

2007-12-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Frankly, tonight as I browse Will's photo blog tonight, I saw his great write up on the man in the photo...you may browse Will's write up here ( http://gonuclear.blogspot.com/2007/10/brother-albinus.html )

I have managed to google this recent photo (2007) from the net...and we can see our once strong head is much older now..but he is still going strong in sacrificing and sharing his passion on education to the less fortunate.

All the boys of Sacred Heart Secondary School have been fearing in respect for him so much so..that even the naughtiest of all still respected him for his strict discipline. My parents like him very much though they always need a translator to communicate with him. They have given him all authority to mould me from the day one I enter the gate of the school. He is Br. Albinus @ Abai, my CEO (Chief Education Officer) in my alma mater.

Many have gave high tribute to his selfless sacrifice although we have been through mentally "torture" during those period in school. He will cane the naughties and also praises those good ones. Even when we are naughty, I remembered when my whole class was summon to come back to school to clean up the old store behind squash court due to our noisy acts in class (above the canteen)...he still treat us to a pail of orange drinks and cakes...

The night self study session is a great method for me to brush up in my study. I started to go to night classes when I am still in Form 1. I actually spent most nights (except holidays) in school even during public holidays from morning till night (7.30 a.m - 12pm, 2.00 to 4.30pm then 6.30pm till 10.30pm)..we are talking about 10 solid hours here....I actually maintain this regime of learning till now..

Thank you Brother...you are my Hero of Discipline. Hope to meet you soon again face to face (I will make sure I do not tremble, had my tougue tie-up, near piss in my pants...but speak to you in clear voice when you called up..the YII's boy, come over here....where is your brother Tom ? ...hehehe)

I am sure many of us have great learning experience from him,...care to share ?

Listen To Learn

2007-11-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

Good listening is truly where effective communication begins. It's suprising how few people really listen well, but successful people, more often than not, are the ones who have learned the value of listening.

I must admit that at my age, I am learning hard on how best to listen well to people, learning the real art and skill in understanding the real needs and problems of the other person. In my work as a risk manager, I need to have good listening skills to provide better solutions, risk management and protection programme to the enquired parties.

Not only we must be able to listen well, we must practise active listening. What is active listening ? It is an attentive approach, affirmation of understanding (ok...I understand..yes etc), noting with eye to eye contacts coupled with right questioning skill to understand the fact of the matter shared (it is not belittleing or judging the contents of sharing bu rather trying to understand deeper).

A fact need to be understood...people everywhere love to be listened to and they almost respond to people who listen to them. Listening is one of the best techniques we have for showing respect to others.

One leader also shared with me many years back...God gave us two ears so that we can listen more than we speak, as we have only one mouth. Further, we can close out mouth, but our ears are open 24 hours. This affirmed the importance of listening.

Spent more time to learn how to listen better, we will soon find out that we could learn so much from others.

How Important Is Education ?

2007-11-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

I used to receive comments saying that having high qualifications may not be the best option to be successful in life. These comments normally came when comparing the success of non-educated millionaires or even the example of Michael Dell and Bill Gates were put forward. So, it is really true that one may not need education to be successful ?

Before writing further, I have searched for the simple definition of education from Wikipedia. It says;

"Education encompasses teaching and learning specific skills, and also something less tangible but more profound: the imparting of knowledge, positive judgment and well-developed wisdom."

Further indepth...it clarify,

Education has as one of its fundamental aspects the imparting of culture from generation to generation (see socialization). Education means 'to draw out', facilitating realisation of self-potential and latent talents of an individual. It is an application of pedagogy, a body of theoretical and applied research relating to teaching and learning and draws on many disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, sociology and anthropology.

From the above definition, it is clearer to understand that education is a very wide understanding for human perfection in life where many disciplines can be taught. I believe different person will learn their skills or knowledge in different ways; some through watching, feeling, sharing, listening, working, sleeping or dreaming. The main school system normally provide a direct education of read, write and calculate for students and also also marked their success through examination.

Some special students may not have the liking to go through the usual channel of examination as they may be better in certain of type of skills; singing, playing musics, giving speeches, sports etc. These special students could also become very successful giving proper care and attention.

Going back to the initial remarks on people without education could also be very successful can be understood that even those people without education had also received some form of basic education at least on read, write or calculate at young age. The more difficult question to answer would be higher qualification...

Well, I would choose at probabilities to attempt in answering the question.

1. It is a fact that more people became successful when they received proper education programme at least to higher education. Yes, there are also many (but the overall number may be small) those who only complete secondary schools achieved successful status. But how about those only complete only primary or kindi ? Yes, there are still a group....then how about those never learn to read, write or calculate ? I do not recall of any...(may be few...but these people also learn the basic skills on their progress to success).

2. Higher education is only a ticket to let one enter a intermediate level of life however...it does not guarantee one's success as there are other factors to look upon. It is usually hope that education forms a foundation for one to at least able to work independent on its way to success.

3. What else...huh ?...one successful in life must not just evaluate on monetary ground...it must include family upbringing, generation sharing, morality, contribution to the society, legally based and spiritually blessed. Example : A King of Gangster is also successful in terms of monetary ???

Last but not least...I believe only those who learn education (not only in classroom also including society at large) seriously and able to apply as much of its principles to gel it with learning experiences in the real environment and never stop to educate themselves throughout their journey to success are the one who have higher probabilities to reap their fruits at last.

Our journey of life is a lifelong learning (education)....

Remembering Birthdays

2007-11-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

Beside our wife, kid, parents/inlaws and brothers/sisters' birthdays, the next important birthday to be remembered is our Bosses' birthdays. In my line, my core customers' birthdays are also a must.

Actually remembering somebody's birthday is good and it helps in appreciating the person. Whether they are close or far, if we could at least send a text message, I believe it will brighten one's face when receiving it. Nobody will forget their own birthdate...unless they are insane. Therefore, it is my practice to remember as many birthday as possible as to appreciate them as my friend.

So, yesterday evening, I celebrated my two bosses' birthdays together with my staff at the club. All of us have good time (though I felt dizzy and blocked nose) as we chatted on all kind of topics (laughing all over). The birthday cake (cheese strawberry chocolate) was from Tom's and I have to admit that it is the best cake that I have tasted this year...yum..yum..yum.

Actually, it is our office's culture to celebrate staff birthday as to share the joy of their birth and strengthen our bonding through this simple gathering.

So, how many birthdays do you remember ?

Key Employee Retention Programme

2007-11-19T05:45:00.000-08:00

These days, one of the hottest commodities in business is a skilled staff. Employee retention is key to continued success for any company, regardless of size. The following suggested points (which I learnt from one article) are good for consideration as positive inputs for your strategy to retain your key staff/team member.

Step One
Determine what motivates your individual employees. For most employees, money is not the key issue; relationships, fulfillment and recognition are.

Step Two
Notice how much recognition an employee needs. Some employees can go years without praise, whereas others will leave after six months.

Step Three
Understand that many employees are motivated by their social network at work. Encourage activities that make your employees feel like valued members of a team.

Step Four
Realize that incentives don't have to be huge. A surprise gift certificate for the local ice cream parlor in the weekly paycheck will generate positive feelings.

Step Five
Make benefits more accessible. If your company reimburses tuition for college courses, have a college administrator come to your company so employees can find out about classes and programs.

Step Six
Consider telecommuting, job sharing and other flexible working arrangements.

Step Seven
Offer profit sharing incentives to encourage longevity.

Step Eight
Create clear career paths at the company.

Puzzle of Integrity

2007-11-12T02:22:00.000-08:00

A statement from Stanford Encyclopedia on Integrity :

Integrity is one of the most important and oft-cited of virtue terms. It is also perhaps the most puzzling. For example, while it is sometimes used virtually synonymously with ‘moral,’ we also at times distinguish acting morally from acting with integrity. Persons of integrity may in fact act immorally—though they would usually not know they are acting immorally. Thus one may acknowledge a person to have integrity even though that person may hold importantly mistaken moral views.

Just like "telling a lie". A lie is a lie..reflect your integrity and sincerity. Sometime, people says they need to lie for good reasons...do you agree ?

Yes...it is definitely wrong...and it is a sin to lie whether it is good or bad...therefore we must confess and ask for forgiveness.

One must have the courage to stand up truly, sincerely and face with whatsoever consequence...

Little children are pure, direct and sincere...and that is why Jesus says...to enter heaven, we must be like the children...pure in heart and mind...and it is easier for an elephant to grow through the needle head than a rich person to go through heaven doors..

The next time we lie (whether for good or bad)...please remember the consequences.....the crumbling down of our integrity walls....

Have blessed days ahead.

Keeping Silence

2007-11-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

Lately I have noticed that one of my staff would normally keep his silence whenever we are having discussion and occassionaly noting heads. This can be an art of communication that one must not ignore. However, such act of silent is golden can really piss your mind off and I do not mind to admit from my own perspective. As a proactive person, I totally discourage such approach and it seems that this act could be viewed as intelligently ignorant approach to stay silent and ignorant.

When a person is asked to comment or share, it is very disrespectful when one chosen to be silent. Nevertheless, I would also try to understand from the person's view that he may be just without any ideas to say. Thus, the silence ! This is further translated to his below par performance for the past 6 months. However, I am hopeful that one could take positive approach in whatever cisrcumstances and transform the situation in order to have a fruitful two ways communication.

Teamwork

2007-11-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am still struggling to finish my slides on TEAMWORK. Talking about it is easy but as you want to put in as presentation slides and share with your team members...that is where the challenges rises.

Many of us would think that teamwork is really important...but do not know where to start...always thought that the other party should be a better team player. The real fact is that we must start with our ownself and how we could be a better team member to others. Of course as we progress about teamwork...almost everyone would like to be the leader...as thinking that being the leader...you get less tasks but getting members to move around.

Is it true ? I do not think so...as being a good and dynamic leader, it is harder than expected...a lot of self sacrifice needed here. You would need to work our a good plan and then work that plan out properly. You need stay later than the rest and motivate the rest of the team member to work smarter. Of course if you have a strong team member...every task will be made easier..but then again, when having a strong team member, you must be able to manage the expectation as if not...they will change the leader..

So...one must be prepared to be a strong, dynamic, energtic and committed leader orelse you shall meet the end of the road soon..

Hai...now continuing preparing good presentation for my team members...

Dr. SMS

2007-10-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-09T04:36:00.001-07:00

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

2007-10-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-10-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Monthend Again !

2007-09-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

This month is a real hectic month...starting off with staffing issues....with a lot of dust of uncertainties but finally started to settle down towards the end of the month. A lot of communication been made and I would expect these to rise further as real challenges will start off next month onwards.

Closing of Q3 is an important barometer for us to check on our last lap to close the year 2007 with 3 months to go. Next month Oct is a budgetting month where all unit manager will be called to present the outlook for next year business plan and budget. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure we have better reflection of results just like those stock counters trying to build up a better outlook.

Overall result for Sep is mere satisfactory as I viewed myself though I was hoping for the big one to close in today.

I hope, yearn and shall work for better results to follow through the last 3 months of the year...but for today, I shall take a good reflection before starting fresh on Monday, 1st of October 2007 to move all my machineries again...so may the force be with me.

No Direction

2007-09-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

"If one does not know which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable"

It was a coincident yesterday when I was discussing with my superior and one of the staff pertaining to her future direction, we discover this statement.

As we talked about the unity as a team and togetherness as a powerful drive forward, my staff seems confuse and does not know which way to decide. It was at this moment, my superior was looking at the desktop calendar on one of the motivation remarks stated... on the above title !

When we have no direction, what should we do ?

- Search our soul deeply ?

- Brainstorm ?Lay down as many options as possible ?

- Talk to your mentors/best friends ?

- Importantly, pray to our Lord for real direction and our reasons in this world..

It is true that if we do not have direction, our world stops ! or circling around. When we have a clear direction, our tasks can be coordinated easily than no direction. Challenges can be managed. Difficulties can be adsorbed. Happiness can be multiplied. Success is strongly sought after.

Therefore, we always need to revalidate our direction, make sure we are crystal clear of our goal as we spend every second of our life.

Sales Core Activities

2007-08-30T03:20:00.000-07:00

In sales, if we are not doing our core activities, we would not expect any results ! In fact, in any jobs there are always its core activities...and we need to find them out to ensure we are able to deliver the required results.

They are ; prospecting, presenting and closing sales. These 3 activities are a must in our sales life. So when we do not carry out these activities, for sure...next month's sales figure will drop.

Therefore, all efforts are put forth to ensure we always do either of the actions for our survival in sales.

If you are in sales, you know what I am talking about...if not do observe and ask the sales people whether these 3 actions are not their core acts or not !

A more serious outlook...

2007-08-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

Just changed my blog's cover today to provide more serious outlook and hope to create more creativity and commitment in blogging..

A Real Commitment

2007-08-26T23:13:00.001-07:00

Today, I am perplexed to learn on a finalised candidate whereby she turn down my job offer as she is more willingly to serve her new boss of a week eventhough the offer that have put forth is much better...35% extra than her existing package..we are not talking about 5%/10% extra but a 35% extra which is a lot and could be use to pay the monthly MYVI installment !

In fact, I am impressed with her commitment as I believe she had committed herself to serve her new boss faithfully. She keeps her words !

What do you think ? Money is not everything...so, we must always keep this in mind, there are always people who do not work for money but for satisfaction..

Do you need motivation ?

2007-07-17T02:11:00.000-07:00

As a leader, motivation comes within ourself whilst as follower, we like to be motivated.

To be in the forefront of competitive line, we need to have self generating motivation as to compete with the rest.

A simple analogy would be comparison between a battery assisted calculator with solar based calculator.

For battery calculator , we need a battery to operate. Without battery, nothing moves. However, for solar, the calculator can moves with self creating energy cells to move. Not waiting for battery to give, the cells seek its own ways to adsorb light to generate energy...

When we are down, we can always generate our own motion of motivational actions from our surroundings.

So, the next time, you need motivation, remember that you have yourself to self motivate as the choice is yours !

Work Commitment & Sacrifices

2007-06-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

As sales person, the most satisfying moment would be securing your sales and able to meet your target whilst for operation person, it would be when you are able to delivery excellence products. In fact both sales and operations are aiming the same dream that is to satisfy and meet their set goals. They both are important in servicing internal and external customers.

My current work position allows me to be in sales and operations at the same time which enable me to value the difficulties of both positions. In fact, it is the best position which one would to be as it really give you the maximum exposure in management of business.

When I reflect on my own organisation, I am proud to associate with team of dynamic people especially with proactive leaders or followers. I must say that going through past 12 years of corporate life, I have learned the pertinents of managing people but yet to obtain the mastery of it as human characters are the hardest to change. Yet, I have the opportunity to learn from the masters on how to swim with these difficult people and obtain the best from nothing.

Many would just want to care of themselves without even caring for others. Of course, we must care ourselves but at the same time we need to support and care for the people that sacrifices and care for us. To be a good leader, we need to be able to sacrifice more and be good supporter of our staff when they need most. Frustration at work looking from the level of commitment from staff is really at times painful from within so much so that we really hope that they would change for better tommorow.

Good staff who is committed will never show such attitude but will always work extra mile for our leader. Before judging others, we must ensure that we are the good staff that have the best stuff for our leader's needs.

Commitment comes from within not from without. When no commitment is made, there is no action to be taken. Thus, desired results will not be forthcoming. In life, there are a lot of expectation, wants, needs etc. When committed to one's goal, we must sacrifices or make arrangement to ensure other activities will not affect our main goals.

Well, in commitment of work to achieve success, we must be ready to make sacrifices. People say; no pain, no gain. Thus, no sacrifices, no success !

A Commitment To Respond

2007-05-25T19:15:00.001-07:00

This blog is created for my personal observation on the level of Commitment To Respond in service industry as I journey through my life. Thus, there is no intention to hurt others' feelings but sincere and genuine comments from my personal consideration. All are welcome to share your views and ideas.

Well, I must declare that this statement of "Commitment to Respond" is actually learned from my current employer where I have been primarily exposed to adopt this culture to respond. There are 6 components to this respond culture in the company namely;

a) Communication - Communication bridge between people
b) Trust - Trust in yourself and others
c) Discipline - Keep the focus to achieve your dreams
d) Teamwork - A succesful team beats with one heart
e) Culture - It is culture that makes everyone equal
f) Partnership - Your are the partner of the company

We are urge to be commited to our customers with pride and respect, to respond in an efficient and professional manner, to always uphold company's culture and image and to believe in ourself and achievements.

I believe in what treasured in this statement as rightfully for our service industry, we need to ensure we are able to put this commitment in first priority to deliver our respond with care and respect. This shall be the pillar of our professionalism as we pledge our commitment to deliver.

Before ending, I pledge to have the commitment to make this blog interesting, benefitial, relaxing with good values to all who serve this blog. Have a nice day.