Lifes Paradox

As leaders, it is important to develop a keen sense and deep understanding of this paradox. It makes for one very good reflection this weekend.

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PARADOX OF LIFE.
The paradox of our time in history is that:

We have taller buildings but shorter tempers,
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less
We buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families,
More conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense
More knowledge, but less judgment
More experts, yet more problems,
More medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a
living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've
been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street
to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've
done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but
polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write
more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to
rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to
produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods, and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of
two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to
you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just
hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going
to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your
side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is
the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from
deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to
speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Hierarchy of Needs

I have observed that people normally look up to leaders who have already gone past the 2 bottom hierarchical needs.

If so, does the argument stands that unless one has the 2 needs taken cared of, then one cannot be an effective and efficient leader?

Thoughts?

Guideposts

These are the basis of our parenting style. I believe each parent has their own, hinged on a few but powerful principles either taught or caught in life. Read along and comments are most welcome...

1. Scriptural Basis: Proverbs 22:6 says " Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Amen!

2. Civility Basis/Code of Conduct: Recommend George Washington's "Rules of Civility". This is a set of 100+ maxims he copied by hand, word for word, as a 16 yr old lad from the book "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company and Conversation". Hence, all throughout his military campaigns, diplomatic ventures and presidential politics, he demonstrated the civility, bearing and manners befitting a leader. And most of the rules are concerned with details of etiquette, offering pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public and address one's superiors. The rules likewise address moral issues, but they address them indirectly," according to one writer. They seek to form the inner man by chiseling the outer. I think this is a great supplement to scripture.

3. Historical Basis: lets face it, the way our parents treated us when we ourselves were young shaped our way of thinking, filter and view of the world. We are what we are now largely in part because of how our parents corrected, rebuked and disciplined us. It is the same set of invisible voices and pattens we consciously or unconsciously conduct ourselves in front of our kids. Of course, one could argue that he/she is not treated well by his/her parents. And therefore his/her way of 'disciplining' the kids are the same.

But I believe that people who are relatively 'successful' as adults would probably have relatively 'successful' parents. The success word used is in the context of developing working habits, exercising values and principles, learned from generations past.

PAL (Parents As Leaders)

Spirited! Yes, this is the best word I would use to describe what was just concluded meet-the-parents session held at our local community. On reflection, I think below are 3 principles which has shaped my personal conviction and philosophy how parenting should be founded on, namely:

1. Scriptural Basis: Proverbs 22:6 says " Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Amen!

2. Civility Basis/Code of Conduct: Recommend George Washington's "Rules of Civility". This is a set of 100+ maxims he copied by hand, word for word, as a 16 yr old lad from the book "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company and Conversation". Hence, all throughout his military campaigns, diplomatic ventures and presidential politics, he demonstrated the civility, bearing and manners befitting a leader. And most of the rules are concerned with details of etiquette, offering pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public and address one's superiors. The rules likewise address moral issues, but they address them indirectly," according to one writer. They seek to form the inner man by chiseling the outer. I think this is a great supplement to scripture.

3. Historical Basis: lets face it, the way our parents treated us when we ourselves were young shaped our way of thinking, filter and view of the world. We are what we are now largely in part because of how our parents corrected, rebuked and disciplined us. It is the same set of invisible voices and pattens we consciously or unconsciously conduct ourselves in front of our kids. Of course, one could argue that he/she is not treated well by his/her parents. And therefore his/her way of 'disciplining' the kids are the same.

Lastly, people who are relatively 'successful' as adults would probably have relatively 'successful' parents. The success word used is in the context of developing working habits, exercising values and principles, learned from generations past.

Thoughts please?

Black Leader in a White House

I'm sure millions, or billions?, watched the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of America last night.

In leadership parlance, this is simply one, if not THE, most anticipated transition of power ever recorded in American history. One that involves not only the re-affirmation of American ideals such as liberty and democracy, but more importantly, records the preceeding events that shaped the person's ascent to power.

Simply put, the new president IS the right man for the right hour. The country's fundamental processes is in shambles, judging from the current events as published publicly. Even more exciting is the fresh ideas that the person brings to the table.

Perhaps it is in times like this that the country, may even be the world, needs a visionary president, capable and bold, charming and articulate, whose prowess transcends color and creed.

Let's observe how such a force can uplift a nation so emgulfed in an eco-socio-political turmoil. Change and hope. Two words of such an impact!

Your thoughts?

Certainty in an Uncertain Times

It's that time of the year again. Yes it is! It's when us in the working world strive to reflect, think on hindsight and look forward to craft a strategy in the execution of our mission and vision statements.

And with the dark economic outlook ahead, the task is one that is both uncertain and full of challenges. But take heart, after all, 'successful' people are those who have overcome setbacks, challenges and trials in life and in any situations.

And what happened during the past weeks for me? Well, its been both a series of 'high ups and 'low downs", with significiant milestones worth mentioning I think. I'll break it down in this fashion:

1. My faith : renewed vigor! Due to the completion of lessons offered by our local faith group;

2. My family and friends: great result! son's primary 6 achievement being 1st/top of his class. And icing on the cake - his natinal exam result putting him on upper quartile of the students in Singapore.

3. My work : Low downs. With business trend going south, it is not unusual for people to tighten their belt, and in the process, trim down shipments and inventories.

My past 2 weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary. Some call it heroic even. I remember a passage which says - heros are ordinary people who are put under extraordinary circumstances producing extraordinary results, right? I have a gut feel I may be "CALLED" to play this role soon? (My gut feel's batting average never failed me yet somehow, so lets see...)

Your thoughts?

Leadership Journey - Global Summit

I recently attended a powerpacked Global Leadership summit. It was both refreshing and rewarding experience.

Refreshing because you soon find out leaders all over have the same struggles, challenges and shortcomings. Rewarding because you realize that despite all these, the leadership journey never stops.

"Leadership is a journey, not a destination." remarked one anonymous cliche.

Thoughts?

Leadership - More Coach K Quote

I just can't help but quote some of Mike's words of wisdom as we explore leadership.


1. "Everybody wants to take responsibility when you win, but when you fail, all these fingers are pointing."

2. "I always won in my imagination. I always hit the game-winning shot, or I hit the free throw. Or if I missed, there was a lane violation, and I was given another one. "

3. " I have a rule on my team: when we talk to one another, we look each other right in the eye, because I think it's tough to lie to somebody. You give respect to somebody. "

4. " Imagination has a great deal to do with winning. "

5. " In high school, in sport, I had a coach who told me I was much better than I thought I was, and would make me do more in a positive sense. He was the first person who taught me not to be afraid of failure. "

6. " The life expectancy of a team is about eight months. Then the next year, it's a whole new team. "

7. " The thing I loved the most - and still love the most about teaching - is that you can connect with an individual or a group, and see that individual or group exceed their limits. "

8. "The truth is that many people set rules to keep from making decisions. "

9. " The person who has inspired me my whole life is my Mom, because she taught me commitment. She sacrificed. "

10. " To me, teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless. "

MIKE KRZYZEWSKI and Leadership

I must admit. I am a basketball nut. And what better way to unleash this passion that to share you my recollection from MIKE KRZYZEWSKI - the winningest coach in America today.

What his recent accomplishment? Well, he just happen to be the coach of the 2008 Redeem team of USA basketball who won GOLD for the USA.

Here are some thought-provoking and wisdom-laden principles from Coach K!

1. ADJUST! - Yes. If you are coaching, adjust your style based on 'current situations, players and conditions'. Some leadership or business books label this as situational leadership.

2. MOTIVATE! The 4 most important WORDS according to him are - "I BELIEVE IN YOU".

3. DISCIPLINE and Trust: without which any team can falter. Like the proverbial cliche, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going!

And I would end by sharing this quote from Mike "A basketball team is like the five fingers on your hand. If you can get them all together, you have a fist. That's how I want you to play. ".

Thoughts?

Art of Selling for Leaders

Great leaders are great salesmen!

What?? I can hear you exclaiming in disbelief! Yes. You heard me. And you would have probably dismissed this entry in the process. But hold on. I believe this is the case. Let me prove to you why by summarizing the 5 proven selling methods I heard one speaker said:

Great salesmen are loaded with:

1. A winning selling STRATEGY: Doing your homework etc.
2. CONNECTION and RAPPORT: Specially client/audience emotions. Likeability factor.
3. LISTENING SKILLS: Others focused. Them not I.
4. SOLVE PROBLEMS: Ability to improve current condition.
5. CLOSING and EXIT: Follow up and legacy build up.

Observe how our modern leaders behave, from the eco-political to the socio-religious, Gandhi, Mandela to JFK to Graham. They behave such that their lives are a living sacrifice. Specifically by selling the idea that what they stood for was worth dying for and as such made personal sacrifices in achieving that goal.

Second, their words and actions were consistent. Lastly, they were gifted with charisma and plenty of persuasion skills. To the point they can stir up emotions of their followers and elicit almost blind obedience.

Do you agree? Thoughts please..

Abandoned

"Where were you when I needed you most?".! Exclaimed my youngest boy to his mother.
Half frustrated and half scared, it was another jaw dropping, chin punching one liner from my boy!

On reflection, his remarks hit a raw nerve. Somehow this demonstrates what most of us feel when we are abandoned by our leaders, superiors, parents or even people we highly respect.

Have you felt abandoned before? On recollection, have you recovered?