Adjustment

The post is not about the type of Adjustment you make when you have "Wrong Parking"...ouch!!!...kakaka...although that "Parking" is very closely linked to the Chun Toi...kekeke...

It's about Adjustments in Life...in Relationship...in Work...in Your Approach...

This was initially the 5th post after "Team Work or Teamwork?" but I've decided to complete this one before the other 4 posts that actually come in a series...that is one of the reason why it's been slow on new posts...excuses excuses...sigh...

What inspire this post and require the immediate "Adjustment" to post it first?

Well, recently, I noticed a lot of movement to people I know...whether they move on to other company or department or due to other's movements...new recruits joining in...shift in roles...shift in relationships...

From there, I get a lot of messages whether through bbm, fb, sms or even calls where it's mostly grievances about how uncomfortable they feel about those changes.
My dear friends, the solutions to this issues are really very simple... Adjustment, tnemtsujdA, A d j u s t m e n t and,
A

d

j

u

s

t

m

e

n

t.

No matter what is the issue you faced, what is the cause, what is the circumstances, which ever angle you see it...it is still Adjustment...and it's all about Adjustment.

If you are a subordinate reporting to a new superior, the danger is expectation. Never expect him/her to be exactly as how your previous superior works. Although he/she is supposed to also make some Adjustment, YOU, should first make the Adjustment to manage him/her while continue to focus on how you can really support him/her "Differently" if your current style does not work.

`

If you are a mid-level manager (Working with a team of personnel & subordinates) reporting to a new superior, your way of leading the juniors need to be different as the approach of the new superior will very likely be different and there will be changes. Therefore, make the necessary Adjustment so that you can lead the juniors to better support the new superior as well as the entire group.

If you are a new member in an established team, all the more you should make Adjustment so that you can fit in and play a role as a Team Member.

If you are a new head to an established team, after understanding how everything functions, you need to make Adjustment to lead the Team better than the previous leader.

If you are a leader where your subordinate has left your organisation (For whatever reason), you definately need to make huge Adjustment before and after the replacement arrives...otherwise...you are just staring down a locked and loaded double barrel!

If you are a new employee joining a new organisation, Adjustment is one of the key to successfully blend into the new and different culture...don't expect the culture to adjust to your ways.

If you are a long term follower of this blog, some of the previous posts like "Team Work Or Teamwork?", "The Recipe", "Another side of the story...The Disciple", "A Funny Story About...Sifu", "The Leader" and "Motivated and De-Motivated" will also shed some lights in a different manner to the subject matter...just try and make an Adjustment while reading them again from a different angle...you will also find some fresh new answers in them.

For example, if you are De-Motivated because of the reasons above, you should make Adjustment so that you can Re-Motivate yourself rather than giving up without even trying...

The Adjustments I've mentioned above are mostly caused by external factors that you must make in order to meet those challenges...there is also a self-inflicted Adjustment even when there's absolutely nothing that is causing a stir in your uneventful life...Adjustment should still be made in order to improve yourself to the next level or prepare yourself for bigger challenges...All you need is "A Progressive Mind".

`

Adjustment can also be categorised into Evolutionary and Revolutionary...From my days as an AV Producer to Associate Account Director working in multiple brands, I have made Adjustments to meet those different requirements at different level.

`

In terms of Brand Building, we also need to be very mindful and aware of the shifts in the market place and esure necessary Adjustments are made during planning, strategising, developing and executing the brand building activities.

`

I have made some very significant Adjustment when I left G2. Everything I do is different, therefore, I need to make the Adjustment to my approach. Everyone (Partners, Subordinates, Suppliers and Clients) that I'll be working with is unfamiliar with my working style, therefore, I need to make the Adjustment to break from my usual style in order to meet any expectation they might have. From sending newspaper clippings, after several improvement and Adjustment, I've also made further Adjustment to start this blog...

Due to circumstances in my career, I've adjusted to meet the different demands...As a Chun Toi...I've made Adjustment...however, I'm still me, a Chun Toi with Cracks.P/S: I've just make another Adjustment to my approach...I am now on Twitter...kekeke...and guess the name...hint hint...wink wink...I'm pretty sure you can find me in that cyber-world...

Team Work or Teamwork?

Should Teamwork (电涡 = Dein Wok) be written in two words or one word?

In English, both are correct depending on the context of the sentence. However, a Team that Works is significantly different with a group that has Teamwork...in order to drive the true spirit behind the word, it is best written as a single word.

Hate them or Like them, in a lot of ways, the Americans are the pioneer in "Teamwork" where it's most obvious through their team sports starting from as early as 1900...more than a century ago...

Try to google the word, there are thousands of sites promoting and defining the meaning of the word, there are also thousands of quotes on the subject and most of them are by American. One of the most famous one, which are printed on a lot of T-Shirts today, "Teamwork. Simply stated. It is less me and more we." but, how many can truly practices the concept?Take the Legend, Hall Of Famer, Michael "His Airness" Jordan of Chicago Bulls for example, no matter how high and far he can "fly", without the support from the 2nd Three-peat team with the likes of Scotie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc and Luc Longley, who is Michael Jordan? Can he really go against a five member opposing team alone in offense and defence?

In team sport, every individual must know how to play their role to achieve the team's goal. In 1995, the Bulls went 72-10, losing only 10 games the entire regular season and it's still a record today. The coach, Phil Jackson quoted, "The strength of the team is each individual member...The strength of each member is the team.".
Jordan shares the same view, "Talents wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.". Although his greatness is a major factor especially in shouldering the burden and pressure of game winning shots with less than 5seconds on the clock, without Pippen as His Airness's wing-man, Kerr and Kukoc in position to drain shots from beyond the ark as well as drawing opponents away, Rodman going against centers & power forwards taller and bigger than him grabbing all those rebounds and finally, Longley fending off big centers like Shaq, I doubt Jordan can win as much championships as he did. Furthermore, if the team members are all immature and selfish, they will not be winning anything even if there's 5 Michael Jordan in the team.

Can Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney score as many goals playing with the current batch of players in Portsmouth FC?...without the proper support from midfields, wings, defences and goalkeepers? Casey Stengel quoted, "Getting good players is easy. Getting them to play together is the hard part.".

`

There's also no room for nonsense like Age Barrier in team sports. Just take the current Arsenal FC for example, Cesc Fabregas is one of the youngest player in the team, yet, he is an inspirational captain...whenever he's fit to play... When everyone playing their socks off together, remarkable things, do and will happen. Remember the "Unbeatable" Arsenal team that created English Premier League and football history?

Professionalism plays a major role in team sports...take Manchester City FC for example, Emmanual Adebayor earns as much as 180,000pounds A WEEK!!! while the new dude like Adam Johnson (Jersey No.11), at the most, I believe, earns 40,000pounds a week. If the amount each player earn also become a barrier and get in the way of "Teamwork", they probably won't be able to even fight for a Draw every time they take the field.

`

The other part that really drives the difference in team sports in the leader and the coaching staff. Preparing the team in advance, strategising the tactical aspect against the next opponent as well as manoeuvre players' position during the game is also part of the key to success...and when required, playing mind-games...Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are top managers in the field.

"Kepala Besar" is the major negative contributor to team sports and we, Malaysian are uniquely gifted in that...take the Malaysian National Football team for example, don't you think that the Sea Game Gold Medal was a total fluke? Are we really catching up to the other Asean countries? What about the Asian level? Where are we? I guess, that is why, Malaysian, normally fair better in individual sport like Bowling, Badminton and Squash.

Actually, the subject of "Teamwork" was requested by an ex-colleague from PB&F, PY...who's currently working with a group of dedicated personnel that reminded her so much of the team during the bright cigarette advertising days in PB&F.

Back then in PB&F, we had about 70+ staff but everyone, from the Directors all the way to the Dispatch, Pakcik Hussein and Tea Lady, Choy Choo, knows their exact role they needed to play to support each other. It was not forced...it was unspoken but it was there and it worked.

Although, there are those unavoidable office politics, everyone is aware of it but no one is truly affected by the nonsense. In fact, together, we achieved greater & greater heights and eventually, built a name for ourselves. A fitting quote from Robert Yates, "It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares about who gets the credit.".

It was a fantastic feeling, just like a well-oiled machine where every part runs in perfect harmony and synchronisation. It's also like a perfect team, when one member is down, the others fill the gap and protect each other...more than family, more than friends...maybe back then, that's the spirit Peter Beaumont wanted to drive, the Teamwork in PB&F...where the "F" actually do stand for "Friends"...

I have a lot of Chun Toi friends, especially those from Peter Beaumont & Friends...hehehe...they appreciates the Chun Toi that I was and the Chun Toi I've become...but after all, I'm still me, a Chun Toi with Cracks.

P/S: This "Blogger" or "Bugger" appreciates the contribution of Ms Shying Tan (For the Chinese characters), Ms Molly Ong, Ms Law "Dragon Lady" Swee Kheng and Ms PY "Pantai" Liew as well as paying a special tribute to Pakcik Hussein and Choy Choo...for all the coffee she made for me before she goes home everyday...before I come in...hahaha...

The Recipe

A quick reminder...the intention of the blog is to share my "Life Story"...so far. Sometimes, it can be funny and more light hearted while others...it can be a little dry and in your face...depending on the nature of the post.

It is very important that you do not take the content the wrong way. I am not preaching in the manner or approach where I want you young ones out there to do or follow exactly as I said...I am not your boss nor your father...

It's okay if you do not understand some of the contents, some of the messages that require you to read between the line, to think further...If you want to, you can remember it, learn from it and realise it when it happen to you...so that you can be prepared, make necessary adjustment as well as knowing how to deal with it. The scenario and the circumstances may be different but the method can be similar and the end result, will be the ultimate judgement of your "True-Self".

What inspired the post?Asian Food Channel and Discovery Travel and Living. There are plenty of "Cook Show" from different parts of the world, apart from demonstration by celebrity chefs, it has great recipes, varieties and important tips for a good meal.

In life, all of us goes through trials and errors before we reach a certain level of confidence. Similarly, for a great recipe, even if it comes from a maestro and we are following every steps, cooking it under different weather condition, insufficient preparation procedure like marinating, a slight miscalculation on the amount of spices and seasoning, wrong substitute of ingredient or totally wrong ingredient, missing a vital step, over or under cooking...are all disastrous. To cook a "perfect" dish, sometimes, one have to go through several tries...

In order to succeed in life, take a good recipe as a guide, preparing well in advance, carefully select the freshest ingredient, marinate it with the best spices, let the flavours of the spices immerse into/with the ingredient, using the right cooking instruments, the right amount of oil, with the proper temperature and a sound control of time, I bet you, 9.5 times out of 10, it will be a fantastic dish. But, never be too afraid to try... There's Chinese proverb, "Mann Si Hei Bou Nan" (Which translates...10 thousand matters, the starting step is very difficult)...Therefore, go try it. If you fall or make a mistake, pick yourself up and try again...through a different route but don't stop trying. The most famous quote from the famed celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, "...All I ever wanted to do was to make food accessible to everyone; To show that you can make mistakes - I do all the time - But it doesn't matter.". One of Jamie's program, "Jamie's Ministry Of Food" is one of the most inspiring of all. The concept of "Pass It On" is so powerful. He set out to change a town's habit of eating fast food where he started with a few people, teach them how to cook a simple meal, from there, they pass on the knowlegde to their friends and family, who in turn, passing it on to more people...which is similar to the intention of this blog.

Everyone goes through a different path in life. Nobody's perfect. I'm not. That is why, even though I'm a certified Chun Toi, it still have crack marks...That is also why, I'm still me, a Chun Toi with Cracks.

Another side of the story...The Disciple

Hope you saw the funny side of last Friday's post "A Funny Story About...Sifu". If you find it interesting, you really need to read this one......hehehe...

This could be a very CONFUsing post with the examples I have, as it might contradict with some of the points raised from "A Funny Story About...Sifu", especially when most of the quotes is from CONFUcius...hahaha...It is something that I didn't fully explain to the person who inspired the Sifu post using a different angle...from the receiving end...as a Disciple (Toh Dai).
If any of you have watched Jackie Chan's "Druken Master" before, you would remember all the scene where he went through some very difficult training routine under the Sifu. Just like "The Karate Kid", Mr Miyagi also have similar training techniques (Wax On ~ Wax Off Technique) where the emphasis is put on the understanding the philosophy behind the Kung Fu Style or Karate-do rather than the actual physical moves...of course, at the end of both movies, the trainings are put into good use where the Scriptwriter and Director of the film turn them into the killer or winning blow...(To be honest, where got Sifu that can anticipate that one of his Toh Dai's kaki will be hurt so badly until he has to stand on one leg one...tipu punya lah...).Well, as the title suggested, it's about the Disciple, the Toh Dai. In both "Druken Master" & "Karate Kid", the Toh Dai played by Jackie Chan & Ralph Macchio respectively were a little sceptical about the training method in the begining but eventually, when the techniques are put into forms or flows and they finally realise & understand the reason behind it, they kept going and going no matter how difficult the training was...That is how Toh Dai should "Obey" and "Learn" from their Sifu...by giving it their all.

Not to be CONFUsed with the die hard suicide bombers where they will just follow instructions or orders blindly...but to learn, a certain level of commitment, dedication and hard work is a must. CONFUcius says "He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.".

He also mentioned "By nature, men are pretty much alike; It is learning & practice that set them apart.". For example, the Shaolin Monks believes that all Kung Fu originated from their great monk Bodhidharma (while most would disagree with that claim...), it is very possible that through the generation of practices that branches and resulted in many other Kung Fu Styles today.

As a Toh Dai, the first and foremost requirement is to learn as much as possible from the Sifu...with CONFUcius's philosophy, the Toh Dai could easily outshine the Sifu by enhancing the style due to different level of interpretation of the 10 Jiu. If the Sifu's biggest fear is "Being Replaced", then the Toh Dai's goal should be "Replacing The Sifu"...why not? It is a dog eat dog world after all...hahaha...if that is what drives the Toh Dai to work hard at the training...

Even if the Sifu refuses to teach all 10 Jiu...just imagine, someone, from generations ago started the 1st Jiu that resulted in the eventual 10 Jiu, if the Toh Dai can have the same Progressive Mindset of the creator, he too, should be able to recreate that 10th Jiu...possibly with some differences but in general, it should encompass the same essence and power of the Kung Fu Style. If the Toh Dai has an extra edge, by taking the essence, he can even create the 11th, 12th, 13th Jiu and possibly even more...surpassing everyone before him.

Not all Sifu are bad or stingy in parting knowlegde but definitely, not all Sifu are good teachers...therefore, as a Toh Dai, knowing and understanding the "Training Method" as well as the way to decipher it, is very important. CONFUcius also said "If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.".

Seriously, I'd make a very bad Toh Dai...in fact, I think I'd suck at it...but in truth, I never really had a Sifu in life. Like I mentioned in "An Intro", I'd probably would have "Kek Sei" the Sifu...hahaha...I also had no one to complain to and because my superior don't know how to teach me...I could've just given up and got out of this business long long time ago...But, I've learn to live with it. Adjust. Find my own path. Learn by observing. Compute the possibilities. Trying to achieve different heights every time...

Therefore, even if your immediate superior is a "Sifu who is not a good teacher", it is up to you as a Toh Dai to find and try other method to learn the techniques from him/her.

A little side track,I found a very interesting report on The Sunday Star (14th March 2010). The article highlighted a local survey of 1,678 respondents with a whooping 96% of youth today aspired to be a millionaire and 75% of those believe they can achieve it by age 35. Having high ambition & expectation is definitely a good thing especially with role models like Mark Zukerberg, 26, founder of Facebook and Sergey Brin & Larry Page, founders of Google. But, question is, how many Mark Zukerberg, Sergey Brin and Larry Page are out there? Those guys are geniuses and lucky ones...one in a million. Even the report has a quoted opinion that pointed out, "Many won't be able to achieve the goal".

Everyone wants to be a millionaire...without a doubt, the opportunities are really out there. To me, everyone can be a millionaire. Provided that every single important factor converge in the right manner. There's a chinese proverb that says "To start a business is difficult, to sustain or maintain the business is even more difficult.". Without a strong foundation, things can easily crumble...start building your foundation by learning.

There is a very dangerous trap that all Toh Dai must be aware of and avoid falling into altogether...the "Easy Trap Of Self-righteousness or Over Confidence". Never "Sek Siu Siu, Ban Toi Piu" (Which translate into "Know a little but act like representative") and Never ever give others a chance to say that you are "Kong, Zhau Tin Har Mo Dik. Chou, Jau Mo Nang Wai Lek" (Which translate into "All talk no action"). Imagine yourself only having 1 Jiu, up against another Toh Dai that is learning the 6th Jiu...

Finally, a Henry Ford's quote, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eigthy. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.".

At times, CONFUcius can be very CONFUsing...I'm 40 but I feel 28. I'm not a Toh Dai and I'm definitely not CONFUsed but I'm still learning...after all, I am still me...a Chun Toi with Cracks.

A Funny Story About...Sifu

I had a chat with a "friend" awhile back about Teaching Juniors that started off from a simple complain about the failure of her immediate superior in guiding and teaching as well as passing down the knowledge...There is a significant difference between Teaching and Leading.

The funny thing was, our entire conversation circled around Sifu and Disciple. After using Band Of Brothers on "The Leader", it actually sparked me to use other movies as the talking point of today's post.
Before I go into the details...let me ask this question first...Imagine yourself as a Martial Art Sifu, are you a Sifu that teaches all 10 Kung Fu Styles/Forms or "Jiu Sek" when you have 10 Jiu? or Are you a Sifu that only teaches 9 Jiu?

If legendary Kung Fu like Yu Loi Sun Jiong or "The Buddha Palm" from the movie, Kung Fu Hustle is real...You would be able to imagine and appreciate the tremendous power of Chinese Martial Arts...Remember the power of the killer strike from Stephen Chow after his enlightenment and transformation towards the end of the movie where he came flying down from the clouds, fighting against the baddy with the Kuan Lunn Frog Style...? What about that two blind dudes with the Chinese GuQin? The landlady that always has a ciggie in her mouth? The Misai dude that can absord and transfer others power into thin air? The Kam-Kam Uncle with the red underwear from the tailor shop? The Noodle Shop dude? The Guli?...There's an age old Chinese saying of "Kau Sik Toh Dai Mo Si Fu" passed down from generations ago, I believe some Sifu started it...where the "Sifu" is scared, that one day, his disciple will replace him or maybe, kill him. Therefore, as an insurance policy, he only impart 9 out of the 10 Jiu he has...keeping the most powerful 10th Jiu to himself...until he dies,. When the disciple mastered all the 9 Jiu and become a Sifu himself, at most, he will only be able to teach 9 Jiu to the next generation of disciples...if he has the same mindset as his sifu...imagine the lost through generations...

That, to me, is what left of Chinese Martial Art today...in some ways...it's merely a performance to the western world...Having said that, without a doubt, there are still some very powerful Kung Fu Styles around but I believe, those that are passed down from generations, are probably a tenth of the original power (even if, there are also Sifu that will passed down all his skills).

Perhaps, we will be able to understand more of that Chinese thinking or behaviour if we try to analyse it further...Those that can become Sifu, normally are old dudes...what concerns them the most is, the "Strength Of Youth" from the disciple, which is acceptable. The second, would be the "Fear Of Being Replaced". Furthermore, the Sifu himself might not have mastered and perfected all 10 Jiu while his young apprentice could...therefore, keeping the most powerful 10th Jiu would be natural, isn't it?...hmm...Can't really blame the sifu...

It's all because of the Narrow Mindset of the old Chinese ways. Actually, by just stepping back a little, the Sifu shouldn't need to worry at all! Why? Because he would have a lot more years of experience in all the 10 Jiu, the possible different combinations using all 10 Jiu and most importantly, he should be able to anticipate the blows coming from his disciple as well as knowing what needs to be done to eliminate the threats.

From the principle of Progressive Mindset, if you are able to look back at history, someone would have created the 1st Jiu through some inspiration and built from 1 Jiu to another, possibly more powerful than the one before, until the 10th Jiu...If the Sifu has that quality in him, he could have create the 11th Jiu that is even more powerful than all the 10 combined, no?

Back to the real society today, the most common and demoralising illness, is the "Fear Of Being Replaced"...especially in the highly competitive corporate organisation. From the principle of the "Law Of Attraction", if you do have this fear, you will be replaced. Therefore, you need to stay relevance and stay ahead, lead the way. When your closest competitor is catching up, move your goal post further to continue staying ahead. But, do not fear of passing down your knowledge to the juniors as the more they learn and understand, the more helpful they will be to ease your workload...be a generous Sifu. They will also appreciate you even more...

Every company, management or boss will always tell their employee that "Nobody's Indispensable". If you are "Just Like One Of Them" instead of being "The One", of course you are dispensable. If you really are "Just One Of Them", you are really just helping to ensure that saying is correct. The true success of today's Managers and Directors are not only measured through their personal performance (As their main Role & Responsibility is no longer based on execution excellence) but also through how well they train, teach and upskill their subordinates.

Drawing the attention back to the subject matter of Sifu. Most Sifu are being remembered because of their success in producing talented disciples rather than their skills in punches and kicks. For example, Ip Man, he is considered as The Great Master of Wing Chun and being remembered as the Sifu to the great Bruce Lee and many other lesser known disciples but they are still considered Wing Chun High-Hand "Gou Sau" in their own rights.

I'm a Sifu of a different nature...A Chun Toi Sifu...hahaha...I teach my disciples all 10 Jiu, I want them to be a great Sifu one day and I also want them to create their own 11th Jiu, so that they can be the Master of all Masters. But, I'm also continuously upskilling myself to stay relevant & stay ahead. `

After all, even though, I'm a Chun Toi Sifu...not yet Wong Fei Hoong Sau Tong...I'm still me...a Chun Toi Sifu with Cracks.

The Leader

I was watching the re-run of the multi award winning mini series, Band Of Brothers (Created in 2001) on HBO last night. I believe, over the years, I've watched it more than 7 times...but every time, something new inspires me. Watching the same movie in a different time, mood and state of mind does gives me different inspirations...

Last night was Episode 7, "The Breaking Point", beside being one of the bloodiest and hard fought battle, Easy Company also suffered the most casualties. Do log on to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1247468/synopsis to get the full story or watch the next re-run on HBO if you don't have the pirated DVDs...hehehe...

Actually, the entire episode circled around all the leaders of Easy Company.
The Trusted Leader that strategies and commands but unable to lead the troop directly into battlefield.
The New Replacement Leader that the men has no confidence in the leadership quality.
The Good Leader, that in the end, broke, rendered incapable and eventually taken off the front line.
The Bad Leader that always "Siam" his duties & goes missing especially during the German's bombardment and unable to lead during combat...giving wrong orders...that caused more casualties.
The Feared but Effective Leader that stepped in and lead the battalion to victory.
And, finally, the True Leader of the Company, the respected leader behind the leaders that always lead by example.

In one of the scene, Staff Sgt. C. Carwood Lipton, The True Leader (Played by Donnie Wahlberg) defended Lt. Norman Dike, The Bad Leader (Even though, all the men in the Company doubted the Leader). Lipton knows too well as he too has doubts but playing his role, he must instill that confidence in support of the lieutenant and continue to motivate the men, especially with the continuous shelling from the Germans.

Lipton's point was, the men should not compare and expect the Lieutenant to step into Captain Winters, The Trusted Leader's role immediately, especially when everyone fought and bleed for more than two years together. The bond and brotherhood that every men has are really undeniable and irreplaceable.

Quietly and undoubtedly, without realising it himself until told by Lt. Speirs, The Feared but Effective Leader, Lipton has been the corner stone of the Company...keeping the morale of the men high and always picking them up whenever they are down. That's the quality of a true leader...

What also inspired me to write about the episode, is the many leaders in the different rank in the army...similarly, to any corporate organisation that we are in today. Mid Level leaders, lead a team of personnel but they are reporting to other leaders too.

Looking back at SSgt. Lipton's position, he played his role as a leader to men in the lower ranks while playing his role as a trustworthy support to the higher ranked officers as brilliantly as he possibly could.

If you managed to find the DVD...take another closer look at the different leaders in the episode. Then, ask yourself the question, which type of leader are you or will you be?

Although, like Captain Winters (In real life, ended his career a Major) who are a born leader, some just don't have the leadership quality in them (Like Captain Herbert Sobel, played by David Schwimmer from Friends in Episode 1, "Currahee") but for someone like SSgt. Lipton, it was through his experience and approach he has, that made him a true leader. He just need to make the necessary adjustment to take the next step once he's aware of it...

Today, I leave you to ponder on the subject with a fitting quote from General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during the World War II, who became the 34th President of the United States) ~ "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it".

As mentioned in "Work Smart...Hard", I am a good leader working toward the goal of becoming an outstanding leader...and after all...even if I become a great leader one day...I will still be me...a Chun Toi with Cracks.

The Vision

Talking about coincidences...the same night that I posted "The Inspiration", I was inspired during the session in my private world...my toilet...shitting of course...and those ideas just came flowing in unstoppably and it grew and grew (Not talking about the shit...hahaha...)...immediately after, I just have to type them and send it out...at 7am... Eventually, will it be executed??? Well, we'll see...

Anyway, everyone should be very familiar with Tun Dr Mahathir's Vision 2020...now, Najib has 1Malaysia...whatever... They are however, Visions...but I'm not talking about the country's development or the country's politics that hogs more than half of every newspaper every day...I'm talking about the vision, Your Vision.

Do you have a vision, a vision of yourself 2years from now, 5years, 10years...and beyond?

What do you think you'll doing 5years from today?

This subject came to me when I was typing "The Inspiration" uninspiredly...in fact, the subject grew on me immediately and I continued typing this inspired...hehehe...strange isn't it? Well, not so strange if you've read "The Inspiration"...(Hard Selling again...).

Lately, I've been using the word quite frequently...almost every conversation can lead or has links to the word, vision.

Just the other day, we sat down to discuss the company's direction...where are we today...where do we want to be tomorrow...most importantly, where does the leaders want to lead the company toward and how. The million dollar question is, what is the leader's vision?

With a clear sight on the leader's vision, everyone else will also be able to see and share that same vision. Understanding the requirement and work towards that vision as a team. From The Vision, translate it into actionable long term goals and set short term objectives to meet them...from company level to departmental level and down to personnel level.

On a more personal note, if you do have a vision of your future, do you know how to achieve it? Are you taking necessary steps to inch closer everyday?

If any of the answer is a "No" or a "Maybe", then you are actually wasting every minute of your time...working like a robot without the capacity to "Think" and "Move" into a better future.

If the answers are "Yes" and you know how to meet your goals. Then, congratulations! Well done!! Move faster!!! Hahaha...

If the answers are "Yes, but...", then, consult with someone that you look up to and/or get an idea from those that has made it...

Always remember this, along the way, visions can be crystalised, expanded while it can also be blurred. Check and Measure to ensure you are on the right track is also very crucial to reach the desired results.

In some of the previous posts, it does sounds like "preaching" & "In your face"...however, if you read them and not moved by it...or change your approach after the self realisation, then the intention of this blog is really, not met.

Every subject has a point. Every point has a rationale. Every rationale has a history. Most importantly, action need to be taken even if the mindset has changed. Without the action steps, it's merely words and wishful thinking. The danger, regrets...

Earl Nightingale (An author and motivational speaker) quoted - "Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us."

We need to put in the effort to obtain what we want in life...things don't just fall on our lap from the sky...we've gotta earn it...

At 40, my "Vision" is still very much obtainable. I am still learning, improving, so that I can meet it...and meet it, some day soon.

After all, I'm only 40 and I'm still me...and in reality, a Chun Toi with Cracks.

The Inspiration

This could be the crappiest post ever as I chose this subject and I am typing it unInspiredly. The word did came into my mind. However, I can't think of an inspiring moment to write about...because there are just too many...hahaha...

Inspiration and motivation works hand in hand. One affects the other while one cannot exist without the other...pretty much like soul mates...

To me, a demotivated person hardly gets inspired or inspirations. Why? It's simply because the person is more concern over the factors that is demotivating him/her. Spends most of the time procrastinate over the unnecessary things rather than thinking outside the box to address the problem. Worst, if the person starts blaming others...or giving him/herself excuses...

Just like motivation and demotivation, Inspiration is also self manifested...but it require a lot of outside influences.

Environment or surrounding plays a vital role, therefore, office and office hours is most likely not the best combination. Mine, my toilet. I sit on my throne where it's the most private place in the world...away from any other distraction. That is where I get most of my inspirations...that is also why it can take hours...kekeke...and sometimes...very shitty...

Next is State Of Mind. What kind of mood are you in? If you are facing a lot of problems and unsatisfcations, solving them one by one before you start to gear yourself up will be wise as you need a very clear mind to manifest positive output.

If you are unable to solve the problems by yourself, seek help or at least, find someone that you can talk to or listen to your problems...Unless, you can isolate those problems and adjust your mindset once you're in that comfort zone...like my toilet...

The benefit? I'm sure you have noticed people around you and can pretty much categorise them under the inspired group or the lost bunch...the differences are actually shown on their face as well as their every day attitude. In Grey, every personnel have the same first page of Appraisal Form and I particularly, always look at my guys on the point "Hardworking...But Have Fun Doing So" as that will tell the difference between motivated or demotivated.

If you are inspired and through the inspirations, you will be doing the things that can create that extra edge you needed and continue to motivate yourself to achieve greater things...

That, is how you will be able continue to soldier on even if the circumstances are always stacked up against you.

That, is also how you can "Romance Your Work"!

I didn't realise that I've not posted anything for nearly two weeks...but, hey, it was CNY...and I'm still me...an inspired Chun Toi with Cracks...

The Journey

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...

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...

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!!!

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:

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...

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...