Hope you had a blast...with the Double Celebrations! Appropriately, I chose this subject as most would be travelling during this Chinese New Year Celebration period...
Some of you might have heard about this story from me, over and over again...as I have been using it as an example since 2005...
It's about "The Journey To Penang Island"...
The Story
Back in 2004, I requested the G2 OC team to search for Brand Ambassadors that are fluent in English, at least 5'7" and outgoing personality outside Klang Valley...without even moving a finger (Or try a new method...as they claimed that they've tried before...), the immediate respond was "Cannot lah!".
That's when I gave them the lecture...Imagine if a client, wanted to go to Penang and you're tasked to make all the necessary arrangement. Would you just say "Don't go" or "Not need to go" without giving any valid reason?
At the very least, the "Journey" should still take place and show the client the real reason why he/she shouldn't go to Penang or why he/she will never be able to reach Penang. During which, proving to the client, the fact, that the furthest distance is Taiping...the client should be pleased with your effort to achieve more than half the distance...provided that reaching Penang is really impossible...
However, everyone knows that there are actually many ways to get to Penang Island. You can choose to travel by air, by sea or by land. You can choose to ride on a train or a bus. You can choose to ride a motorbike or bicycle. You can choose to drive a car...or hitch a ride...
Some method are more convenient while some are less, some take a longer time to arrive but less hassle...No matter what, you will achieve the objective of sending the clients to Penang.
What about over achieving? Well, it's really about how you can make the journey more enjoyable and pleasant for the passenger.
Just imagine you are driving the client to Penang. Add a few stops here and there...like a short stop for the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice, continue the journey with another seafood stop at Bukit Tambun before arriving on the island...anything you throw in will be felt and appreciated even though eventually, it is just a trip to Penang.
The Summary
Apply the same principle to your every day affairs...you will see the differences in the results...also, always be aware of the negative effect if "The Journey" never took place...
I'm starting my journey into a new world...every step of the way, it is up to me to make it worth my while...after all, I'm still me. A Chun Toi with Cracks...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Motivated and De-Motivated
What are you doing now? Reading my Blog? Hahaha...isn't it as obvious as the Cracks on the Chun Toi? It's an Asian "common illness"...hehehe...
Motivation and Demotivation are also common subjects that everyone is exposed to every day but it is definitely one of the toughest subjects to crack. Furthermore, it's only a very very fine line bewteen the two...one simple insignificant gesture can sometime swing it from one to another...
Motivating an individual or a group is one of the most difficult task of a leader, especially when everyone "Thinks" and "Wants" different things and have different values in life.
On the other hand, Demotivating can be as easy as a snap of the fingers and all the effort will go down the drain.
Last week, I was watching a sport program, NBA Action, in one of the segment, a player from Charlotte Bobcats was interview when the team slipped into a series of defeats.
His words were what caught my attention...”Negativity is very contagious”...when a team member is not on top of his game, it’ll easily affect the rest of the team, it can be as simple as not doing the usual things and it can go on for a number of games...especially if that player is the inspiration of the team like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade...
Most would look for the easy way out, quit. Perseverance to overcome the issues are almost non-existence these days. The most common reason is trying to solve too many problems at the same time and as a result, everything falls apart.
Putting blames on others are the other common result of demotivation. What most failed to realise is, somehow, somewhere, someone started it... That is why, motivation and demotivation is actually self manifested and it all begins in the ones mind.
Negativity is an attitude. While negative attitude is contagious, so can positive attitude!
Always look at the brighter side of things should be embraced by every one...
The easiest solution is isolating the problems and start addresing them one-by-one. Even the smartest people like Albert Einstein need to solve one methamatic problem at a time.
Monetary rewards such as increments and bonuses are without a doubt a major motivating factor in today's society...to me, it is not and has never been the most important factor in my career as I have been "suffering" from "Highly Under Paid" for years but my "Professionalism" supersedes all those negative factors... What is enough anyway???
After I hand in my resignation letter to G2 last year, I was asked to reconsider my decision again with
1) Stay in G2KL having a bigger role...eventually,
2) Move to G2 Regional Hub with an increment and promotion, or
3) Maintain my final decision to leave.
As promised, I did reconsider. I ensured that I put my commitment to my future, my work, my team, my brands and my clients in front of the monetary package of every scenario so that it will not cloud my judgement...well, the rest is history...
Which brings me to the article on today's Star Metro Classifieds, it offers 10 Tips to "Be Happy At Work". I would like to highlight to you, three of the ten tips...No.5-Ramp Up Your Skills, No.6-Romance Yourself At Work and No.10-Remember, It's All About Your. (Note: Money is not mentioned in the article at all...).
If you stop manifesting negative thoughts in your mind...you will be more and more positive...a Yellow Post-it Note is just a Yellow Post-it Note...nothing more...it can represent negativity, it can also represent positivity. Negativity, you can choose to adress it or let it affect you...Your choice!
After all, if you stay positive, you'll be a positive Chun Toi...although there are Cracks...but still a positive Chun Toi...just like me, I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
Gong Hei Fatt Choy to the Chun Toi Universe!!!
Motivation and Demotivation are also common subjects that everyone is exposed to every day but it is definitely one of the toughest subjects to crack. Furthermore, it's only a very very fine line bewteen the two...one simple insignificant gesture can sometime swing it from one to another...
Motivating an individual or a group is one of the most difficult task of a leader, especially when everyone "Thinks" and "Wants" different things and have different values in life.
On the other hand, Demotivating can be as easy as a snap of the fingers and all the effort will go down the drain.
Last week, I was watching a sport program, NBA Action, in one of the segment, a player from Charlotte Bobcats was interview when the team slipped into a series of defeats.
His words were what caught my attention...”Negativity is very contagious”...when a team member is not on top of his game, it’ll easily affect the rest of the team, it can be as simple as not doing the usual things and it can go on for a number of games...especially if that player is the inspiration of the team like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade...
There are a lot of factors that could cause staff demotivation. Unappreciative & unrewarding organisation, unclear & incapable leaders, uncooperative & unsupportive team members, unreasonable & over-demanding clients besides the usual personal problems...and these, are just on the surface...
In an organisation, when morale is low and everyone is demotivated, most often than not, they look for inspirations from their leader/s.
However, what if, demotivation is actually caused by the leader directly or indirectly? What do you do then?
Most would look for the easy way out, quit. Perseverance to overcome the issues are almost non-existence these days. The most common reason is trying to solve too many problems at the same time and as a result, everything falls apart.
Putting blames on others are the other common result of demotivation. What most failed to realise is, somehow, somewhere, someone started it... That is why, motivation and demotivation is actually self manifested and it all begins in the ones mind.
Negativity is an attitude. While negative attitude is contagious, so can positive attitude!
Always look at the brighter side of things should be embraced by every one...The easiest solution is isolating the problems and start addresing them one-by-one. Even the smartest people like Albert Einstein need to solve one methamatic problem at a time.
Monetary rewards such as increments and bonuses are without a doubt a major motivating factor in today's society...to me, it is not and has never been the most important factor in my career as I have been "suffering" from "Highly Under Paid" for years but my "Professionalism" supersedes all those negative factors... What is enough anyway???
After I hand in my resignation letter to G2 last year, I was asked to reconsider my decision again with
1) Stay in G2KL having a bigger role...eventually,
2) Move to G2 Regional Hub with an increment and promotion, or
3) Maintain my final decision to leave.
As promised, I did reconsider. I ensured that I put my commitment to my future, my work, my team, my brands and my clients in front of the monetary package of every scenario so that it will not cloud my judgement...well, the rest is history...
Which brings me to the article on today's Star Metro Classifieds, it offers 10 Tips to "Be Happy At Work". I would like to highlight to you, three of the ten tips...No.5-Ramp Up Your Skills, No.6-Romance Yourself At Work and No.10-Remember, It's All About Your. (Note: Money is not mentioned in the article at all...).
If you stop manifesting negative thoughts in your mind...you will be more and more positive...a Yellow Post-it Note is just a Yellow Post-it Note...nothing more...it can represent negativity, it can also represent positivity. Negativity, you can choose to adress it or let it affect you...Your choice!
After all, if you stay positive, you'll be a positive Chun Toi...although there are Cracks...but still a positive Chun Toi...just like me, I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
Gong Hei Fatt Choy to the Chun Toi Universe!!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Thought Process
Since the first post, I've mentioned several times about "Thinking Process". So, what does it mean?
To me, it's more like a ritual that I go through...subconsciously, every time...before I wake up...and more consciously, after...
I am one of those that is very bad with names and faces...I can immediately forget the name of a person as soon as we let go after an introduction handshake but I can recall a conversation years later.
With my argumentative and "Ai Yhia" nature (Always want to Win...which is slightly different from Kiasu), whenever I'm in a discussion or debate, it just flow through in my mind in split seconds so that I can "Argue" or "Counter" a particular point from a different angle.
Of course, without a doubt, "Experience" and "Knowledge" plays a huge role during these meetings but if one cannot draw upon them when required, there's really pointless to even having them...
"Knowing when to Speak Up and when to Shut Up" is another result of the "Thought Process"...apart from having "Your Presence Felt"...although my brain never really tells me "When To Shut Up"...kakaka...
Honestly, you are really not contributing or having your presence felt when there's loads of relevant information and applicable experience in your brain but not shared at the right moment. The "Right Moment" is also very crucial as you must stay relevant trhoughout the entire discussion...just imagine how awkward it will be to bring up a subject or point when everyone has move on to other subject matter...
For some strange reasons, my mind thinks and my memory stores information in a flow very similar to the Brief format. Using an Agency Brief or Creative Brief as an example, that is created to stimulate Creative Department to generate the Concept/Idea to address the needs of the clients.
The flow below is the "Ritual" I go through:
To me, it's more like a ritual that I go through...subconsciously, every time...before I wake up...and more consciously, after...
I am one of those that is very bad with names and faces...I can immediately forget the name of a person as soon as we let go after an introduction handshake but I can recall a conversation years later.
With my argumentative and "Ai Yhia" nature (Always want to Win...which is slightly different from Kiasu), whenever I'm in a discussion or debate, it just flow through in my mind in split seconds so that I can "Argue" or "Counter" a particular point from a different angle.
Of course, without a doubt, "Experience" and "Knowledge" plays a huge role during these meetings but if one cannot draw upon them when required, there's really pointless to even having them...
"Knowing when to Speak Up and when to Shut Up" is another result of the "Thought Process"...apart from having "Your Presence Felt"...although my brain never really tells me "When To Shut Up"...kakaka...
Honestly, you are really not contributing or having your presence felt when there's loads of relevant information and applicable experience in your brain but not shared at the right moment. The "Right Moment" is also very crucial as you must stay relevant trhoughout the entire discussion...just imagine how awkward it will be to bring up a subject or point when everyone has move on to other subject matter...
For some strange reasons, my mind thinks and my memory stores information in a flow very similar to the Brief format. Using an Agency Brief or Creative Brief as an example, that is created to stimulate Creative Department to generate the Concept/Idea to address the needs of the clients.
The flow below is the "Ritual" I go through:
Background
V
Objective
V
Strategy
V
References
V
Action Plan
V
Execute
Here's an example of how it works...
Imagine during a discussion where the clients wanted to have a Consumer Event. The discussion point is about having an International Act/Performer.
Start thinking about the implications, budget & cost factor, timing issues, relevancies that will help strengthen your point of view, the "Background".
Then, move into asking yourself, why did the client wants an International Act and what will it achieve to meet the main objective of the campaign to form the "Objective".
By now, you should be either agreeing or disagreeing to the point. What is your "Strategy" or reason to agree/disagree with the point.
The "Reference" will help with the why you agree/disagree as this help build a case for your points (Apart from other examples, items you stored away from "Background" will also help).
From there, the "Action Plan" will be about exactly how and what you'll be saying to agree/disagree.
Finally, "Execute"...say it.
The beautiful thing about this flow, is the "Background", "Objective" and "Reference" actually help speed up the next "Thinking Process" as those are relevant information if someone else table another point of view where you can immediately agree or disagree and explain the reason behind your view through those information. I call it "Advance Thinking Process".
Typing this post also made me realise the real reason behind why I can always immediately respond/react every time during discussion or meetings...hehehe...
Try it out...you might be surprised with the result. And once you get the hang of it, you should take the next level by initiating some thing new...
Reading today's Star, I came across two funny comics strips...apart from the funny side of it...I also see the relevant of Hagar The Horrible to this blog and Calvin And Hobbes to LIfe...
After all...I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Work Smart...Hard
The saying "Work Smart Instead Of Work Hard" is nothing new...in fact, it stretches back to the days when I first came out to the working society...or even before that... but, really, how many of you out there can really Work Smart?
To me, it's really the generations that are making the differences...besides the outside influences as well as the upbringing. I started in the generation between Working Hard and Working Smart. My father's generation is all about putting in the effort to earn a living. Today, from my observations, the generation is all about Working Smart.
Unfortunately, I also observed a severe misinterpretation of the concept in today's generation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "Working Smart", in fact, it should be encouraged but it does not mean "Cutting Corners"!!! Similar to the misconception of the phrases like "All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy" and "Work Life Balance"...to me, just like "Respect", the rights to claim them is earned rather than demanded.
There's a HUGE difference between "Finding An Easier Way Out" and "Finding A Better Way Out". Both require putting on a "Thinking Cap" but one require a strong understanding of the entire subject matter before coming out with a Better Solution to overcome the problem while the other...
The young ones nowadays, "Think" that they are good because they are very smart, especially most oversea grads I know... They "Think" that the ways others are doing or have been doing are wrong and they have a better way...without considering the reason why certain things are done in a particular manner or way (Especially in our line of business in the advertising industry).
Most refuses to put in the necessary effort (Hard Work) to really learn to "Stand Firmly On Their Own Two Feet" before they even start "Walking". Some even "Think" that they are actually good enough to start "Flying" immediately (Totally ignoring the steps of "Walk", "Run" and "Jump")!
What they don't realise is the consequences of their actions. Without the solid foundation, they are just heading directly to a brick wall (as they are simply too junior to face the result of their wrong doing and is most often shielded by their superiors)...sometimes, I even sensed that they simply don't care...as someone, somehow...will get it done.
Just the other night, I met "John" (Of course, John is not the real name...John is not necessarily a man...John could be a woman...John could also be both...hahaha...). While striking up a conversation, without realising that he was actually setting himself up for a respond that he wasn't prepared for...he asked proudly, "So, when are you going to poach me?"...my answer, "Never!".
I did explain in more details...Back in G2, no matter what happen (Especially F..K UPs), I am sure that I can handle it and even tolerate incompetency (well...almost tolerate...hehehe) as "we" are (In some ways) protected under the "Retainer Structure"...(Even though, this goes against my principle of having an Owner's Mindset...) But I wouldn't want to "F..K Around" with my own business...he is simply not good enough for me to the level where I would "Poach" him.
My intention is to make him realise where he is. Cruel? Yes! But True! I rather tell him the truth than leading him on... (So, "John", start working hard at eliminating your weaknesses...Maybe one day...who knows?). Similar to the intention of this blog. It is my believe that "Everyone can and have the capacity to achieve great things"...as long as they put their Heart and Soul to it. This blog is created targeting at someone like "John".
Without a doubt, especially in the advertising industry, there are success stories of people jumping from one agency to another, getting higher position and better salary package. Some even achieve the status of Account Manager in just over a year in the industry while there are also some that made Account Director in just 4-5 years by hopping agencies...
From some of the points that I mentioned in "A Progressive Mind", those that go through the loop holes in hopping agencies (In other words...cutting corners), can actually "Get The Job Done"...but will they really be able to lead a team as a good leader? Drive a brand as a guardian? That, I really doubt...
Old school remain old school...most method are really not applicable in these day and age anymore...therefore, I would like to offer a new solution to that age old saying..."Work Smart Hard" as working hard or working smart alone is no longer enough.
Work Smart Hard is about putting the same amount of effort in both the Smart (Thinking Process) and the Hard (Building A Strong Foundation) but having the Smart in front...
If you do understand the true spirit of "Work Smart Hard" (Which is different to Work Hard Smart), you will also understand that it is not an easier way out but a change in the "Approach" and "Mindset". In fact, it will be more difficult to achieve than "Work Smart Instead Of Work Hard".
As a leader or future leader, you are in full control of whether you will be a Bad, an Average, a Good or an Outstanding Leader. You can still make the necessary adjustments and changes...
I would like to think that I'm a good leader working toward the goal of becoming an outstanding leader...but after all...I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
P/S: After going through the posts over and over again, I still feel it is necessary at this length as the examples need to be clearly defined and explained...otherwise, people like John will not be able to capture the essence...hahaha...
To me, it's really the generations that are making the differences...besides the outside influences as well as the upbringing. I started in the generation between Working Hard and Working Smart. My father's generation is all about putting in the effort to earn a living. Today, from my observations, the generation is all about Working Smart.
Unfortunately, I also observed a severe misinterpretation of the concept in today's generation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "Working Smart", in fact, it should be encouraged but it does not mean "Cutting Corners"!!! Similar to the misconception of the phrases like "All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy" and "Work Life Balance"...to me, just like "Respect", the rights to claim them is earned rather than demanded.
There's a HUGE difference between "Finding An Easier Way Out" and "Finding A Better Way Out". Both require putting on a "Thinking Cap" but one require a strong understanding of the entire subject matter before coming out with a Better Solution to overcome the problem while the other...
The young ones nowadays, "Think" that they are good because they are very smart, especially most oversea grads I know... They "Think" that the ways others are doing or have been doing are wrong and they have a better way...without considering the reason why certain things are done in a particular manner or way (Especially in our line of business in the advertising industry).
Most refuses to put in the necessary effort (Hard Work) to really learn to "Stand Firmly On Their Own Two Feet" before they even start "Walking". Some even "Think" that they are actually good enough to start "Flying" immediately (Totally ignoring the steps of "Walk", "Run" and "Jump")!
What they don't realise is the consequences of their actions. Without the solid foundation, they are just heading directly to a brick wall (as they are simply too junior to face the result of their wrong doing and is most often shielded by their superiors)...sometimes, I even sensed that they simply don't care...as someone, somehow...will get it done.
Just the other night, I met "John" (Of course, John is not the real name...John is not necessarily a man...John could be a woman...John could also be both...hahaha...). While striking up a conversation, without realising that he was actually setting himself up for a respond that he wasn't prepared for...he asked proudly, "So, when are you going to poach me?"...my answer, "Never!".
I did explain in more details...Back in G2, no matter what happen (Especially F..K UPs), I am sure that I can handle it and even tolerate incompetency (well...almost tolerate...hehehe) as "we" are (In some ways) protected under the "Retainer Structure"...(Even though, this goes against my principle of having an Owner's Mindset...) But I wouldn't want to "F..K Around" with my own business...he is simply not good enough for me to the level where I would "Poach" him.
My intention is to make him realise where he is. Cruel? Yes! But True! I rather tell him the truth than leading him on... (So, "John", start working hard at eliminating your weaknesses...Maybe one day...who knows?). Similar to the intention of this blog. It is my believe that "Everyone can and have the capacity to achieve great things"...as long as they put their Heart and Soul to it. This blog is created targeting at someone like "John".
Without a doubt, especially in the advertising industry, there are success stories of people jumping from one agency to another, getting higher position and better salary package. Some even achieve the status of Account Manager in just over a year in the industry while there are also some that made Account Director in just 4-5 years by hopping agencies...
From some of the points that I mentioned in "A Progressive Mind", those that go through the loop holes in hopping agencies (In other words...cutting corners), can actually "Get The Job Done"...but will they really be able to lead a team as a good leader? Drive a brand as a guardian? That, I really doubt...
Old school remain old school...most method are really not applicable in these day and age anymore...therefore, I would like to offer a new solution to that age old saying..."Work Smart Hard" as working hard or working smart alone is no longer enough.
Work Smart Hard is about putting the same amount of effort in both the Smart (Thinking Process) and the Hard (Building A Strong Foundation) but having the Smart in front...
If you do understand the true spirit of "Work Smart Hard" (Which is different to Work Hard Smart), you will also understand that it is not an easier way out but a change in the "Approach" and "Mindset". In fact, it will be more difficult to achieve than "Work Smart Instead Of Work Hard".
As a leader or future leader, you are in full control of whether you will be a Bad, an Average, a Good or an Outstanding Leader. You can still make the necessary adjustments and changes...
I would like to think that I'm a good leader working toward the goal of becoming an outstanding leader...but after all...I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
P/S: After going through the posts over and over again, I still feel it is necessary at this length as the examples need to be clearly defined and explained...otherwise, people like John will not be able to capture the essence...hahaha...
Friday, January 29, 2010
A Progressive Mind
Following yesterday's post...I would like to present a very appropriate Albert Einstein quoted, "Intellectual Growth should commence at birth and cease only at death".
It also send out the message where "One is never too old to learn...to gain more knowledge".
Although a lot of effort is required to THINK. In order for "It" to go anywhere, experience tells me that an equal amount of effort and energy is required to "Take Action" after the "Thinking Process" is completed.
Albert Einstein also quoted, "The significant problems we have, cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them".
Therefore, a progressive mind is required, a mind that is at a higher level than the one before.
Here's a another side of the story from my past...my 19+years career looks like this... Tape Operator in APV > Junior AV Producer in PB&F > AV Producer-Offline Editor-Art Director in PB&F > AV Producer in Grey Worldwide > Account Management in G2.
From taking a work order through a work sheet > getting Job Requisition from AEs and AMs > writting Job Requisition (As an AE) for others > writting Creative Briefs with Strategic Insights.
Finishing TV Commercials > Producing TV Commercials > Executing Campaigns > Strategising & Driving Campaigns.
Some of the steps along the way are forced...(like the signal my body gave me back in 2002 where I finished the last set of Dunhill World Cup sponsorship TV Promos which I worked non-stop for 36hours...I slept the following 36hours to recuperate from the lost of sleep...my body told me that I cannot hack it anymore...the Cigarette ATL ban also plays a role in my move to Acc Mgmt.) But, most importantly, the progressive mindset must be the mastermind behind every change...moving along with Time and Tide...some time to catch up...some time to move faster.
Although my subconcious mind plays a very important role in my career progress...but the concious part are also very apparent...Take the year 2000 for instance (Here's the funny part...hehehe)...I need to send an email for the first time iIn my entire life, I was so embarrassed then as I need to asked a Department Coordinator to guide me...I still remember one of the question...What Do I Need To Do If I Need To Send This Same Email To More Than One Recipient?...
Internet and Facebook were aliens to me...(Again, thanks to Edmund Wong)...I am now, a blogger...
This blog as some of you know it...is actually a progress from how it all started into its' 7th generation...where the initial intention was to share knowledge and experience.
I've been giving training to my subordinates in workshops using keywords like teamwork, motivation, progressive mindset, positive mindset... For some strange reasons, it doesn't seem to punch through at all.
When I found some very useful newspaper articles that preaches the same things, I started collecting them so that "Those In My Team" can benefit from the articles by reading them, out of the folder where I kept the newspaper cut-outs.
However, nobody seems to "Have The Time" to pick it up, from there, I started scanning them (One-By-One) and sharing the articles in softcopies (Sending out to everyone in G2 + other non-G2 personnel), I added my own Point Of Views and Key Message Take Out from those articles...I also added a Famous Quotes to strengthen the points...
Honestly, out of more than 60 recipients every day, less than 20 really reads them...the number that reads and comprehends the enssence of the articles are half of that while the number that actually "Do Something About It" after reading them are really not more than 5...
The numbers are not important at all as the intention is to share the knowledge (Not Forcing The Issue). I've vowed to continue sharing even if there is only one person reading the articles. Hoping that it will help that one person to "Wake Up"...earlier and faster. Hoping that others will follow and discuss about the contents...one day... Just take the 52 Dunhill Double TV Promo in a year for 7 years as an example...That is why self motivation is very important...where you can draw the positive energy to continue towards meeting your own goals.
There will be stumbling blocks in every path as "Shit" happens every day. With a Positively Motivated Mindset, a Progressive Mind will only help you move in the right direction, Forward.
After all that...I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...going to Define tomorrow night to meet other Chun Toi.
P/S: Do continue to drop me a line for my improvements...also, if there are any subject matter that you'd like to read about...Do let me know as I might just have a point of view...hehehe...
It also send out the message where "One is never too old to learn...to gain more knowledge".
Although a lot of effort is required to THINK. In order for "It" to go anywhere, experience tells me that an equal amount of effort and energy is required to "Take Action" after the "Thinking Process" is completed.
Albert Einstein also quoted, "The significant problems we have, cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them".
Therefore, a progressive mind is required, a mind that is at a higher level than the one before.
Here's a another side of the story from my past...my 19+years career looks like this... Tape Operator in APV > Junior AV Producer in PB&F > AV Producer-Offline Editor-Art Director in PB&F > AV Producer in Grey Worldwide > Account Management in G2.
From taking a work order through a work sheet > getting Job Requisition from AEs and AMs > writting Job Requisition (As an AE) for others > writting Creative Briefs with Strategic Insights.
Finishing TV Commercials > Producing TV Commercials > Executing Campaigns > Strategising & Driving Campaigns.
Some of the steps along the way are forced...(like the signal my body gave me back in 2002 where I finished the last set of Dunhill World Cup sponsorship TV Promos which I worked non-stop for 36hours...I slept the following 36hours to recuperate from the lost of sleep...my body told me that I cannot hack it anymore...the Cigarette ATL ban also plays a role in my move to Acc Mgmt.) But, most importantly, the progressive mindset must be the mastermind behind every change...moving along with Time and Tide...some time to catch up...some time to move faster.
Although my subconcious mind plays a very important role in my career progress...but the concious part are also very apparent...Take the year 2000 for instance (Here's the funny part...hehehe)...I need to send an email for the first time iIn my entire life, I was so embarrassed then as I need to asked a Department Coordinator to guide me...I still remember one of the question...What Do I Need To Do If I Need To Send This Same Email To More Than One Recipient?...
Internet and Facebook were aliens to me...(Again, thanks to Edmund Wong)...I am now, a blogger...
This blog as some of you know it...is actually a progress from how it all started into its' 7th generation...where the initial intention was to share knowledge and experience.
I've been giving training to my subordinates in workshops using keywords like teamwork, motivation, progressive mindset, positive mindset... For some strange reasons, it doesn't seem to punch through at all.
When I found some very useful newspaper articles that preaches the same things, I started collecting them so that "Those In My Team" can benefit from the articles by reading them, out of the folder where I kept the newspaper cut-outs.
However, nobody seems to "Have The Time" to pick it up, from there, I started scanning them (One-By-One) and sharing the articles in softcopies (Sending out to everyone in G2 + other non-G2 personnel), I added my own Point Of Views and Key Message Take Out from those articles...I also added a Famous Quotes to strengthen the points...
Honestly, out of more than 60 recipients every day, less than 20 really reads them...the number that reads and comprehends the enssence of the articles are half of that while the number that actually "Do Something About It" after reading them are really not more than 5...
The numbers are not important at all as the intention is to share the knowledge (Not Forcing The Issue). I've vowed to continue sharing even if there is only one person reading the articles. Hoping that it will help that one person to "Wake Up"...earlier and faster. Hoping that others will follow and discuss about the contents...one day... Just take the 52 Dunhill Double TV Promo in a year for 7 years as an example...That is why self motivation is very important...where you can draw the positive energy to continue towards meeting your own goals.
There will be stumbling blocks in every path as "Shit" happens every day. With a Positively Motivated Mindset, a Progressive Mind will only help you move in the right direction, Forward.
After all that...I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...going to Define tomorrow night to meet other Chun Toi.
P/S: Do continue to drop me a line for my improvements...also, if there are any subject matter that you'd like to read about...Do let me know as I might just have a point of view...hehehe...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wake Up!
A special dedication to all the Leaders (Who are also subordinate to other leaders) and all Subordinates (That currently also leads other juniors, whom aspires to lead a team or multi-functions teams in the future).
"Waking Up" is not an easy task. It's something that cannot be forced. It cannot be taught but it must come from within...as hoo1 Koloni puts it, Enlightenment.
Here, at Chun Toi Cracks, I use examples through my own experiences for your reference. So that (If you want) you can use it as a guide.
As a leader, you need to lead by example. There are a lot of "Sleeping Leaders" that are currently leading a group of people by example but "Blindly". Take me for example, years ago, I was leading a team executing mega projects for BAT even before I woke up...I was a leader that leads through WORK WORK WORK...AND MORE WORK...there are however, substance behind it but they have to realise them, by themselves.
I didn't really pay much attention to their "Intellectual Growth" but more on their "Experiential Growth". I didn't preach "Thinking" but only "Doing" as I went through the "Doing" process without any guidance from any leaders.
After I Woke Up, knowing that I've been doing things subconsciously, I started categorising them and explaining the reason behind them... That's when I also started asking them "And Then?" every single time...making them "Think", "Think Further" and "Think Deeper".
Just like the Client-Supplier Partnership I mentioned yesterday, if you think further into it, it's applicable to the Leader-Subordinate relationship.
It is very important that we all must know that no matter how high up in the corporate ladder we climb, we will still be subordinate to some other big fish even though we are leader to one or several subordinates who leads other subordinates...unless you are your own boss...
Therefore, with the fact that there are more subordinates than leaders...Subordinate-ship (Follower-ship...those that receive An Article A Day may refresh your memory about the article I sent out last year) plays as big a role as Leadership.
As leader leads by examples, subordinates should follow that leads. But most importantly, understanding your own position and how, You, as a subordinate, can help and support your boss to achieve the goals together...
No one work in isolation these days. I can be typing words after words, it will be pointless if nobody reads them or benefit from those words.
It's very simple actually, If you see your current boss as a good leader, understand and remember the good that he/she has done so that you can carry on that goodness and the things that you appreciate, then translate them to your future subordinates.
If your boss is not someone you think leads your team well, also see what are the things that he/she does that you hate the most and ensure that you do not give you future subordinates the same treatment as you know all too well, as a subordinate, you will not benefit from it.
Just doing the things that you do everyday the same way you did yesterday, is no longer enough today...without the "Thinking" behind it, you will not be able to understand your current strength so that you can continue to work harder to improve it and you will definitely will not be able to tell where are your weaknesses so that you can work towards eliminating them.
"THINK" people, all you need is "THINK"!
Starting as early as Tomorrow, if you're a leader, see how can you lead your team better and if you are a subordinate, find better ways to support your boss.
For the sake of it, I asked one of my ex-satff (Who ran away because cannot tahan me...hehehe...), to think about whether as a leader, did I have any positive impact on her growth, now that she's no longer reports to me (Even though I totally know that I definitely have a huge negative impact on her)?
Not sure whether she was just "Layan-ing" me by telling me what I want to hear...hehehe...but I really do hope that there are some positiveness in the things that I've done for her.
I strongly believe, if you have not "Wake Up" (Whether you're a leader or a subordinate), you will see the points when you finally "Wake Up". In fact, you should be able to see some truth to the points above if you think through them...
To top it all off...I found this quote from Mahatma Gandhi, a self taught guru..."Those who know how to THINK need no teachers".
I also know one thing for sure, after all...even after waking up, I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks.
"Waking Up" is not an easy task. It's something that cannot be forced. It cannot be taught but it must come from within...as hoo1 Koloni puts it, Enlightenment.
Here, at Chun Toi Cracks, I use examples through my own experiences for your reference. So that (If you want) you can use it as a guide.
As a leader, you need to lead by example. There are a lot of "Sleeping Leaders" that are currently leading a group of people by example but "Blindly". Take me for example, years ago, I was leading a team executing mega projects for BAT even before I woke up...I was a leader that leads through WORK WORK WORK...AND MORE WORK...there are however, substance behind it but they have to realise them, by themselves.
I didn't really pay much attention to their "Intellectual Growth" but more on their "Experiential Growth". I didn't preach "Thinking" but only "Doing" as I went through the "Doing" process without any guidance from any leaders.
After I Woke Up, knowing that I've been doing things subconsciously, I started categorising them and explaining the reason behind them... That's when I also started asking them "And Then?" every single time...making them "Think", "Think Further" and "Think Deeper".
Just like the Client-Supplier Partnership I mentioned yesterday, if you think further into it, it's applicable to the Leader-Subordinate relationship.
If you expect certain "Things" (Whatever it may be...training, guidance, explanation, knowledge...) from your boss, be sure to give your subordinate/s the same "Things"...in your own ways through your own experiences as they will be expecting those "Things" from you. It's only fair.
It is very important that we all must know that no matter how high up in the corporate ladder we climb, we will still be subordinate to some other big fish even though we are leader to one or several subordinates who leads other subordinates...unless you are your own boss...
Therefore, with the fact that there are more subordinates than leaders...Subordinate-ship (Follower-ship...those that receive An Article A Day may refresh your memory about the article I sent out last year) plays as big a role as Leadership.
As leader leads by examples, subordinates should follow that leads. But most importantly, understanding your own position and how, You, as a subordinate, can help and support your boss to achieve the goals together...
No one work in isolation these days. I can be typing words after words, it will be pointless if nobody reads them or benefit from those words.
It's very simple actually, If you see your current boss as a good leader, understand and remember the good that he/she has done so that you can carry on that goodness and the things that you appreciate, then translate them to your future subordinates.
If your boss is not someone you think leads your team well, also see what are the things that he/she does that you hate the most and ensure that you do not give you future subordinates the same treatment as you know all too well, as a subordinate, you will not benefit from it.
Just doing the things that you do everyday the same way you did yesterday, is no longer enough today...without the "Thinking" behind it, you will not be able to understand your current strength so that you can continue to work harder to improve it and you will definitely will not be able to tell where are your weaknesses so that you can work towards eliminating them.
"THINK" people, all you need is "THINK"!
Starting as early as Tomorrow, if you're a leader, see how can you lead your team better and if you are a subordinate, find better ways to support your boss.
For the sake of it, I asked one of my ex-satff (Who ran away because cannot tahan me...hehehe...), to think about whether as a leader, did I have any positive impact on her growth, now that she's no longer reports to me (Even though I totally know that I definitely have a huge negative impact on her)?
Not sure whether she was just "Layan-ing" me by telling me what I want to hear...hehehe...but I really do hope that there are some positiveness in the things that I've done for her.
I strongly believe, if you have not "Wake Up" (Whether you're a leader or a subordinate), you will see the points when you finally "Wake Up". In fact, you should be able to see some truth to the points above if you think through them...
To top it all off...I found this quote from Mahatma Gandhi, a self taught guru..."Those who know how to THINK need no teachers".
I also know one thing for sure, after all...even after waking up, I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LCLY 2
A few words before today's subject:
To Ivan: Increased Font Size should help release some strain on your tired eyes...it could be other things that is causing the blurred vision, mate...(Cantonese calls it Gook Jing Siong Lou).
To Winnie: You're not really that old, girl...just matured and unavailable...hahaha...
To All: The Blog is from ME to YOU. The intention is not to glorify myself but hoping you'll be able to capture the essences behind the stories...my stories, from my experience and knowledge...that is the reason why there's a lot of me me me I I I...try to look beyond those words.
To All: Don't just "Bong Chan" or "Bei Mienn" for the sake of "Bong Chan" or "Bei Mienn". I share because I care while you should read because (With the hope that) maybe you could take something away.
To All: Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback so far...really hope that you enjoy reading them.
To Ian: I'm satisfying your request today...
To Chun Son & Larry: I believe you'll definitely agree with the facts I'll be presenting today...
To Chun Son (Whom we use to call each other Chun Heng): Thanks for refreshing my memory.
To Zul: I'm sorry!!!
This is a very long one...
I guess, LCLY also applies to work relationship especially in a Client-Supplier relationship...(Starting to see where I'm driving this post yet?...hehehe...) which is also applicable to a Leader-Subordinate relationship.
To Ivan: Increased Font Size should help release some strain on your tired eyes...it could be other things that is causing the blurred vision, mate...(Cantonese calls it Gook Jing Siong Lou).
To Winnie: You're not really that old, girl...just matured and unavailable...hahaha...
To All: The Blog is from ME to YOU. The intention is not to glorify myself but hoping you'll be able to capture the essences behind the stories...my stories, from my experience and knowledge...that is the reason why there's a lot of me me me I I I...try to look beyond those words.
To All: Don't just "Bong Chan" or "Bei Mienn" for the sake of "Bong Chan" or "Bei Mienn". I share because I care while you should read because (With the hope that) maybe you could take something away.
To All: Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback so far...really hope that you enjoy reading them.
To Ian: I'm satisfying your request today...
To Chun Son & Larry: I believe you'll definitely agree with the facts I'll be presenting today...
To Chun Son (Whom we use to call each other Chun Heng): Thanks for refreshing my memory.
To Zul: I'm sorry!!!
This is a very long one...
I guess, LCLY also applies to work relationship especially in a Client-Supplier relationship...(Starting to see where I'm driving this post yet?...hehehe...) which is also applicable to a Leader-Subordinate relationship.
Back in the days when I was still a Producer, living in a bright world of cigarette advertising, the combinations of many facts made me a Damn F...king Terrible client to deal with...facts like handling the biggest advertiser in Malaysia, holding the budget that could mean more revenue to their organisation, knowing the INs & OUTs of post production business, total disregard of Time...especially other's Time and not to mention my LCLY-ness...
Once, I even made a junior producer (A Malay dude, Zul...), ride his bike from Plaza Damansara all the way to Old Klang Road to bungkus Bak Kut Teh for me...BAK KUT TEH wwweeeiii...it doesn't matter now what he's done to deserve it but the point is, that's how F..K UP I was! It was beyond arrogant/LCLY!! It was totally unacceptable!!!
Late last year, I met Zul again in Wisma Genting, I apologised on my F..K UP behaviour over and over again but I know all too well, no matter what I do or say will not reverse the damages that I've done even though he has forgiven me... Another matter of fact, I still regret it until this very moment. Again, I'm Sorry, Zul!!!
Now, again, if that 40years old dude told me 14-15years ago that I have absolutely no rights even as a client and I would regret doing such a despicable act, "Yau Mo Kau Lan Chor?"...would be my respond. But, Zul, could be my client one day and I will deserve whatever treatment that he decides.
As I mentioned on my farewell note a few weeks back, I know I have stepped on many toes, in Zul's case, it more than just a toe...the people I've stepped on during my Producer days has the worst of me...Minta Ampun Kawan-Kawan Sekalian.
In G2, after all, we are supplier to BAT (As much as we want to see it going as a partnership, there is without a doubt, a boundary that is often, blurred...especially with the junior ranks...) and in turn, we are also client to a large number of suppliers.
Every G2 Personnel deals with three groups of people:
1. The Internal Personnel
2. The BAT Personnel
3. The Suppliers
People always questioned why I always "F..K" my subordinates or internal personnel first?
Those that do not know me, passing by the corridors, their impression of me apart from I'm a LCLY person and Loud Mouth, is also always "F..King" people (Therefore, a very scary person to work with...or reporting to...).
What they failed to see, is the reason for me to "F..K" my subordinate. They don't realise that I don't simply "F..K" someone without a good reason or a background. Most importantly, even to those that claimed that I always "F..K' them, didn't manage to see through it or understand it...that the mistake they made, was simply too silly or it's been repeated many times especially when the things that we worked on (In G2 for BAT), are not new at all!
Simply put it...they get it because...
They represent G2 (under my supervision).
They failed to "Think Further".
They failed to manage the project.
They failed to deliver as promise (Don't even talk about over delivering if they can't even deliver as expected).
They failed to manage the clients.
They failed to realise that, eventually, suppliers will be forced to produce the goods/services in an un-imaginable time limit yet penalised when shit happens.
They failed to see the big picture...the Year End Agency Evaluation.
With all the processes and systems in place, there's shouldn't be anything that can creeps up at the "Last Minute". This will only means the Timeline is not managed properly and most importantly, there's simply not enough "Thinking" and "Questioning" behind the project that allows the progress to sway.
Although, indecision or failure to make a final decision on a given time from clients could be detrimental to the success of a project which can lead to more stress to everyone involved but the first question should be asked is..."Have we provided enough info and background for them to make that call?". If we have, then we have every rights to question why haven't they make a decision?
I guess, it can be seen as a form of challenging the clients but if you have done your part, there really isn't any reason for them to delay a decision...(Which is the part where some BAT guys felt that I'm rude when dealing with them in this subject...hehehe...).
If we are serious about having a "Partnership" in a client-supplier relationship with our clients, we MUST first be able to promote that partnership relationship with all our suppliers...It's only fair.
I got this quote from The Late Show With David Letterman the other night..."Stand For Something Or You'll Fall For Anything".
Know where you are, what you are doing and why are you doing it.
Maintain that stance, someone will be able to notice and appreciate that...I believe this is one thing that I have improved through the years where I don't think that I'm blowing my own horn by saying that suppliers (Where a lot of them became my friends) that worked with me know that I'm a fair person...
After all that...Although I've change but I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...
P/S: The "F..K" means Scold and not what some of you might think...hehehe...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
LCLY
Ah...LCLY...a long forgotten nickname...long before Chun Toi, even longer before Chun Heng!
If any of you do not know the jargon...just imagine my face, my character and my behaviour...you should be able to relate and find the answer easily...hehehe...furthermore, the organ is pretty close to the Spring Bag...hahaha...
Believe it or not, the title, "LCLY" was given when we were still in Form4 (Given by yours truly, Winnie Loh)...and I'm 40! OMG!! We have known each other for that long!!!
With my arrogance (LC) and my look (LY), it really suit me...I am LCLY! All these years, Winnie and I kept in touch even after graduation...through an odd sms here & there or a rare but funny email...
I guess Winnie understood, accepted and even appreciated me for who I am (Just like my lovely wife...especially my lovely wife!...hehehe...). She's one of those that saw beyond my LCLY-ness...and there isn't a lot of them out there!
There are only three categories of people that know me:
1. Love me
2. Love me & Hate me
3. Hate me
Love me, because they appreciates me for who I am and what I can do...for them.
Love me & Hate me, because they understand me (For what I can do/achieve) but totally dislike How I Do It, especially How I Deliver It...in other words, these bunch is forced to Love Me even though they hated my guts.
Hate me, because they totally can't accept the way I do it and refuse to even consider the possibilities...that's why they (especially those that reported to me) left me...
Unfortunately, for most of them in category 2 and 3, in G2 then, I get my way most of the time (well, almost every single time) because I'm good at the things I do (...sorry about bringing back the arrogant, Me, again!). I gave myself that room and excuse to be an arrogant bastard.
Although I realised that, when I "woke up". But, at times, situations and circumstances dictates & got in the way where I just couldn't bother to find the time explaining it properly...that is also why I leave it to people to continue painting a picture of me as an arrogant bastard...I couldn't care less...as long as I know that I'm doing the right thing...not necessarily the right way but the right thing.
Paul Chong (My Drama Queen ex-Boss...hehehe) once ask me, "How many of your guys will follow you wherever you go if you'd resign today?", my answer then (2years ago) was a Big Fat Zero! I know the reason behind that answer...I was a leader that can deliver, I command the respect for my work but I wasn't a leader that gain respect because I'm a compassionate, high EQ leader.
I'm very sure that the number is not very far from that Big Fat Zero I answered two years ago, if someone were to ask me the same question again but that is part of my improvement that I'm working on...the part where "I'm not fully awaken".
Moral of the story?
You can be arrogant if you're good at the things that you do...but you are only as good as that!
I believe, you will be great if you're good at the things that you do and yet, humble at the same time...respect is not demanded but earned...use the guiding principles wisely...(What Guiding Principles? ...soon to be revealed...hehehe...)
After all that...I am LCLY but I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...a LCLY keh Chun Toi!
If any of you do not know the jargon...just imagine my face, my character and my behaviour...you should be able to relate and find the answer easily...hehehe...furthermore, the organ is pretty close to the Spring Bag...hahaha...
Believe it or not, the title, "LCLY" was given when we were still in Form4 (Given by yours truly, Winnie Loh)...and I'm 40! OMG!! We have known each other for that long!!!
With my arrogance (LC) and my look (LY), it really suit me...I am LCLY! All these years, Winnie and I kept in touch even after graduation...through an odd sms here & there or a rare but funny email...
I guess Winnie understood, accepted and even appreciated me for who I am (Just like my lovely wife...especially my lovely wife!...hehehe...). She's one of those that saw beyond my LCLY-ness...and there isn't a lot of them out there!
There are only three categories of people that know me:
1. Love me
2. Love me & Hate me
3. Hate me
Love me, because they appreciates me for who I am and what I can do...for them.
Love me & Hate me, because they understand me (For what I can do/achieve) but totally dislike How I Do It, especially How I Deliver It...in other words, these bunch is forced to Love Me even though they hated my guts.
Hate me, because they totally can't accept the way I do it and refuse to even consider the possibilities...that's why they (especially those that reported to me) left me...
Unfortunately, for most of them in category 2 and 3, in G2 then, I get my way most of the time (well, almost every single time) because I'm good at the things I do (...sorry about bringing back the arrogant, Me, again!). I gave myself that room and excuse to be an arrogant bastard.
Although I realised that, when I "woke up". But, at times, situations and circumstances dictates & got in the way where I just couldn't bother to find the time explaining it properly...that is also why I leave it to people to continue painting a picture of me as an arrogant bastard...I couldn't care less...as long as I know that I'm doing the right thing...not necessarily the right way but the right thing.
Paul Chong (My Drama Queen ex-Boss...hehehe) once ask me, "How many of your guys will follow you wherever you go if you'd resign today?", my answer then (2years ago) was a Big Fat Zero! I know the reason behind that answer...I was a leader that can deliver, I command the respect for my work but I wasn't a leader that gain respect because I'm a compassionate, high EQ leader.
I'm very sure that the number is not very far from that Big Fat Zero I answered two years ago, if someone were to ask me the same question again but that is part of my improvement that I'm working on...the part where "I'm not fully awaken".
Moral of the story?
You can be arrogant if you're good at the things that you do...but you are only as good as that!
I believe, you will be great if you're good at the things that you do and yet, humble at the same time...respect is not demanded but earned...use the guiding principles wisely...(What Guiding Principles? ...soon to be revealed...hehehe...)
After all that...I am LCLY but I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks...a LCLY keh Chun Toi!
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Brand New Week
Started my working life in March 1990 as a Tape Operator (Assisting Online Editor operating all video tape machines) in Asia Pacific Videolab (APV) merely after one semester into my Graphic Design course, at the time when Video Post Production business was booming.
Went through hell during the early days of APV, learning about the process and operation of Post Production business...but my goal was to learn everything as soon as possible and start to learn new greater things or move on to more senior position.
About a year later, seniors that "taught" me, was asking me questions on how to operate certain function of those complicated machines...I was (In a way) teaching old dogs new tricks.
Anyway, my progress in terms of gaining more knowledge was faster than all my seniors, moving into offline editing ahead of some seniors caused some emotional tensions amongst operation staff...
My special interest in 2D & 3D Graphics and Animation also gave me an added advantage over my seniors...suddenly, I was a "Go To Guy" on major projects (Especially Dunhill TVCs and TV Promo) due to my dedication and versatility in operating multiple editing systems.
Circumstances and Opportunity crossed path at the same time in Q3-Q4 1992, I joined my first advertising agency in January 1993, Peter Beaumont & Friends (PB&F). A new establishment then, splitting away from Leo Burnett due to conflicting accounts between Marlboro (Global Alignment) and Dunhill. They identified me as a suitable candidate to meet their long term goals.
The combination of the visions of the directors in PB&F and my knowledge in post production resulted in an Agency's Audio Visual Department that also provide Offline Editing services. Apart from an AV Producer, I also became an Offline Editor. From then, we edited all TV Promo internally. Along the way, I also Art Directed a number of TV Promo, multitasking as an Art Director, Offline Editor and Producer.
For seven years in PB&F, every week (52weeks x 7 years...imagine that), I'm required to produce a weekly movie sponsorship TV promo, Dunhill Double. Just like my later years in G2, executing Twin Packs after Twin Packs, Dunhill Double can be very demoralising and mundane as the movies sponspored can be repeated...
Therefore, every week, I gave myself some new challenges and I celebrated my small accomplishments every time I did something new or different (Although the TV audiences might not even notice any differences...hahaha...).
Up until a point, the Head of Dunhill then, Dato Cheah Teng Lim, do not even need to see and approve the Dunhill Double Promos before it goes on air which confirmed that my approach was right. From that, I also built a "Trust" amongst the BAT guys...they know that I would only give them the best of my abilities. My effort in challenging myself "To do better than the last, every time" was worth it.
The Dunhill Double example is what I would proudly use to explain to my guys especially when they ask me about my feelings on doing the same thing over & over again as well as how I "Psych" myself up every time.
To be honest, meeting personal goals is not difficult, challenging yourself to go above and beyond the expected result is the real deal.
Doing what needs to be done is also simple, "Thinking" & "Understanding", further and deeper on what you're doing can also achieve (apart from meeting tangible objectives) are the essential of progress and growth, both in work and in life.
Of course, Thinking and Understanding without the Doing will not lead you anywhere...actions that follows the "Thought Process" to seek the next level of improvement is the key to unlock a lot of doors.
Like I mentioned in "An Intro", I was doing it subconsciously but at least, that was my approach. That was "How I was doing it". I didn't realise then, that my progressive approach, eagerness to learn and challenging my own limits can lead to many more opportunities.
I am not implying that I am successful but I like to believe that my success is not far away...hehehe...
After all that, I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks (Nobody's perfect)!
Went through hell during the early days of APV, learning about the process and operation of Post Production business...but my goal was to learn everything as soon as possible and start to learn new greater things or move on to more senior position.
About a year later, seniors that "taught" me, was asking me questions on how to operate certain function of those complicated machines...I was (In a way) teaching old dogs new tricks.
Anyway, my progress in terms of gaining more knowledge was faster than all my seniors, moving into offline editing ahead of some seniors caused some emotional tensions amongst operation staff...
My special interest in 2D & 3D Graphics and Animation also gave me an added advantage over my seniors...suddenly, I was a "Go To Guy" on major projects (Especially Dunhill TVCs and TV Promo) due to my dedication and versatility in operating multiple editing systems.
Circumstances and Opportunity crossed path at the same time in Q3-Q4 1992, I joined my first advertising agency in January 1993, Peter Beaumont & Friends (PB&F). A new establishment then, splitting away from Leo Burnett due to conflicting accounts between Marlboro (Global Alignment) and Dunhill. They identified me as a suitable candidate to meet their long term goals.
The combination of the visions of the directors in PB&F and my knowledge in post production resulted in an Agency's Audio Visual Department that also provide Offline Editing services. Apart from an AV Producer, I also became an Offline Editor. From then, we edited all TV Promo internally. Along the way, I also Art Directed a number of TV Promo, multitasking as an Art Director, Offline Editor and Producer.
For seven years in PB&F, every week (52weeks x 7 years...imagine that), I'm required to produce a weekly movie sponsorship TV promo, Dunhill Double. Just like my later years in G2, executing Twin Packs after Twin Packs, Dunhill Double can be very demoralising and mundane as the movies sponspored can be repeated...
Therefore, every week, I gave myself some new challenges and I celebrated my small accomplishments every time I did something new or different (Although the TV audiences might not even notice any differences...hahaha...).
Up until a point, the Head of Dunhill then, Dato Cheah Teng Lim, do not even need to see and approve the Dunhill Double Promos before it goes on air which confirmed that my approach was right. From that, I also built a "Trust" amongst the BAT guys...they know that I would only give them the best of my abilities. My effort in challenging myself "To do better than the last, every time" was worth it.
The Dunhill Double example is what I would proudly use to explain to my guys especially when they ask me about my feelings on doing the same thing over & over again as well as how I "Psych" myself up every time.
To be honest, meeting personal goals is not difficult, challenging yourself to go above and beyond the expected result is the real deal.
Doing what needs to be done is also simple, "Thinking" & "Understanding", further and deeper on what you're doing can also achieve (apart from meeting tangible objectives) are the essential of progress and growth, both in work and in life.
Of course, Thinking and Understanding without the Doing will not lead you anywhere...actions that follows the "Thought Process" to seek the next level of improvement is the key to unlock a lot of doors.
Like I mentioned in "An Intro", I was doing it subconsciously but at least, that was my approach. That was "How I was doing it". I didn't realise then, that my progressive approach, eagerness to learn and challenging my own limits can lead to many more opportunities.
I am not implying that I am successful but I like to believe that my success is not far away...hehehe...
After all that, I'm still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks (Nobody's perfect)!
Friday, January 22, 2010
An Intro
Why Chun Toi Cracks?
Simple, every Chun Toi (Spring Bag) has crack lines...the lines are complicated...hahaha...it's just stating the obvious, isn't it?...but, seriously, I call everyone Chun Toi!
When they are my friends, they will respond by calling me just that, Chun Toi! (Use to be Chun Heng...Spring Brother).
The Blog is all about my views...in life! Stating the obvious...sometimes...with the intention of helping those that require the "help".
It's also about Self Realisation...an inflicted one (On you), I hope...for everyone's improvement. Including my own improvement.
Today, I'm 40years old, I actually just "woke up" about three-four years ago (Although I'm not fully awaken...)...All of a sudden, something, anything and everything just clicked!
To those that asked about why I've change into who I am, my explanation was simple, when I was 25 maybe 26years old, if there was a 40years old dude tells me about "Life" then (Which is the basis of my blog)...my respond then - "Go fly kite lah, Lo Yeh!".
I was that arrogant then...also very naive...
Now, one thing I know for sure, if that dude did tell me 14-15years ago, I would have "Waken Up" earlier...probably years later but much earlier.
After working on the Dunhill Acc for more than 19years (And in G2 for more than 9years), I woke up to the things that were so very obvious to me, that I was doing it subconciously all those years, what I was doing, why I was doing it, how I was doing it...it can actually be categorised into Principles, well...at least, my principles (Will go into more details later).
I also realise that I go through a very strange "Thinking Process" (Will also go into more details later...hehehe).
I know where my continuous improvements is and started doing things differently, pushing hard toward that goal, especially the last few months of my time in G2...knowing that my time there was limited.
This Blog (Introduced to me by Edmund Wong), gave me the best platform to continue what I was doing in G2 and where I left it.
Therefore, I hope someone will benefit from it.
At the end of it all...I'm still me, a Chun Toi with Cracks!
Simple, every Chun Toi (Spring Bag) has crack lines...the lines are complicated...hahaha...it's just stating the obvious, isn't it?...but, seriously, I call everyone Chun Toi!
When they are my friends, they will respond by calling me just that, Chun Toi! (Use to be Chun Heng...Spring Brother).
The Blog is all about my views...in life! Stating the obvious...sometimes...with the intention of helping those that require the "help".
It's also about Self Realisation...an inflicted one (On you), I hope...for everyone's improvement. Including my own improvement.
Today, I'm 40years old, I actually just "woke up" about three-four years ago (Although I'm not fully awaken...)...All of a sudden, something, anything and everything just clicked!
To those that asked about why I've change into who I am, my explanation was simple, when I was 25 maybe 26years old, if there was a 40years old dude tells me about "Life" then (Which is the basis of my blog)...my respond then - "Go fly kite lah, Lo Yeh!".
I was that arrogant then...also very naive...
Now, one thing I know for sure, if that dude did tell me 14-15years ago, I would have "Waken Up" earlier...probably years later but much earlier.
After working on the Dunhill Acc for more than 19years (And in G2 for more than 9years), I woke up to the things that were so very obvious to me, that I was doing it subconciously all those years, what I was doing, why I was doing it, how I was doing it...it can actually be categorised into Principles, well...at least, my principles (Will go into more details later).
I also realise that I go through a very strange "Thinking Process" (Will also go into more details later...hehehe).
Recently, I've left my comfort zone (In G2, working for BAT) and ventured into the unknown...well, almost "Unknown" anyway.
I know where my continuous improvements is and started doing things differently, pushing hard toward that goal, especially the last few months of my time in G2...knowing that my time there was limited.
This Blog (Introduced to me by Edmund Wong), gave me the best platform to continue what I was doing in G2 and where I left it.
Therefore, I hope someone will benefit from it.
At the end of it all...I'm still me, a Chun Toi with Cracks!
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