"It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to fall in love with someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone." Author Unknown
Monday, December 29, 2008
We've only just begun
"It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to fall in love with someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone." Author Unknown
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Read, Learn, and Think Your Way to Success
Ten Thinking and Dreaming Exercises for Creativity and Innovation
1) Read with pen and notebook in hand; jot down any idea that comes into your consciousness.
2) Keep a notebook in which you can keep track of ideas, by your bed and in your car.
3) Write one idea down on a piece of paper and brainstorm any thought that comes from it: how to accomplish the idea, what to do about the idea, where to use the idea, who can help you implement the idea, and any other thought that enters your mind.
4) Read a non-fiction book every week. Read magazines, journals, online articles... all the time.
5) Clip articles and place them in a folder of related articles or ideas. Periodically, glance through the folder.
6) Create “idea files” in most folders in your computer. Create an idea or to-do file in your email program. Add ideas as they come to you.
7) Take time to stare out your window (if your setting deserves attention), play with a desk toy, take a quiet walk. Do any rote activity that allows thoughts to swirl through your mind.
8) Encourage your staff and coworkers to do all of the above and share ideas with each other at “think” or brainstorm sessions. Schedule annual retreats or off-site meetings to plan and generate ideas.
9) Develop an employee suggestion process.
10) Schedule think weeks, think days, or think hours for yourself or your work group.
Thinking time and learning time are both critical to creativity and innovation. The old adage: “stop to smell the roses” is true for both your current work and your career. Take time to plant and harvest the ideas that fuel your progress and success.
By Susan M. Heathfield (Adapted)
"An entrepreneur assumes the risk and is dedicated and committed to the success of whatever he or she undertakes." Victor Kiam
1) Read with pen and notebook in hand; jot down any idea that comes into your consciousness.
2) Keep a notebook in which you can keep track of ideas, by your bed and in your car.
3) Write one idea down on a piece of paper and brainstorm any thought that comes from it: how to accomplish the idea, what to do about the idea, where to use the idea, who can help you implement the idea, and any other thought that enters your mind.
4) Read a non-fiction book every week. Read magazines, journals, online articles... all the time.
5) Clip articles and place them in a folder of related articles or ideas. Periodically, glance through the folder.
6) Create “idea files” in most folders in your computer. Create an idea or to-do file in your email program. Add ideas as they come to you.
7) Take time to stare out your window (if your setting deserves attention), play with a desk toy, take a quiet walk. Do any rote activity that allows thoughts to swirl through your mind.
8) Encourage your staff and coworkers to do all of the above and share ideas with each other at “think” or brainstorm sessions. Schedule annual retreats or off-site meetings to plan and generate ideas.
9) Develop an employee suggestion process.
10) Schedule think weeks, think days, or think hours for yourself or your work group.
Thinking time and learning time are both critical to creativity and innovation. The old adage: “stop to smell the roses” is true for both your current work and your career. Take time to plant and harvest the ideas that fuel your progress and success.By Susan M. Heathfield (Adapted)
"An entrepreneur assumes the risk and is dedicated and committed to the success of whatever he or she undertakes." Victor Kiam
Friday, December 26, 2008
Web boom in English-obsessed Korea
SEOUL - Armed with the world's fastest Internet and an even stronger desire to learn English, South Koreans are using the latest Web resources to master a language that is the economic and emotional focus of their education.
On any given day, students ranging from kids learning their alphabet to adults preparing for job interviews sign in on their Internet messengers, fire up their webcams and wait for English teachers to appear -- from faraway continents.
They hope one-on-one chats with foreigners will help them fix pronunciation, get rid of native accents and feel more comfortable with a foreign language. The country's official teaching methods, based on grammar exercises and vocabulary lists, have consistently failed to deliver such benefits.
South Korea's average score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is below the world average despite having the largest number of students taking the test.
"It is really nice to look at my English teacher through the computer screen and feel like having a chat with a new friend outside the country," said Oh Sun-young, who takes a Web-camera English course on Skype with her Philippine instructor.
Web English is the latest hit in South Korea's booming English education market, enabled by handy gadgets and widespread fiber-optics networks.
The new service, along with more traditional conversation courses offered by phone, is one of the fastest growing segments in South Korea's private English education industry, which is estimated at 15 trillion won ($13 billion) a year -- almost half of the country's annual education budget.
About 150 to 200 companies are in the market offering phone and Web English tutoring.
"Students who are very inexperienced with English may initially find the classes challenging, but within three months, there is a tremendous improvement in most of the students' speaking ability," said Tara McKibben, a phone English tutor who has been teaching over seven years from the United States.
KT Corp, South Korea's dominant fixed-line and broadband operator, provides a service called "Hello ET" cooperating with a South Korean English education company.
"We provide Web-cameras to our videophone English customers so that they can log on the website and have live chat with instructors," said Kang Joo-hyun, a "Hello ET" spokeswoman.
One-on-one conversation in English is technically close to real-live talk, held in Web phone service such as Skype. A message board opens adjacent to the conversation browser, so that participants can check the spelling of a word or start writing if they struggle to understand each other.
Internet portal SK Communications runs "Spicus" which includes a job interview drill on a video-chat platform. Applicants hand out their completed English resume before the drill. An interviewer stages a simulation interview through webcam, looking through resumes, and later provides feedback on logical speaking and communication skills.
"Interviewers are former officials in human resources department of big U.S. (companies) such as IBM," Ryu Hee-jo, a spokeswoman for SK Communications, said.
Cheap and credible
Good English test scores and speaking skills are considered an indispensable key for success in South Korea. In their quest for fluent English, a great deal of wealthy South Koreans simply flee their country's school system and its rigid teaching methods.
South Korea ranks No. 1 in the number of international students in the United States, ahead of more populous India and China, according to U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
However, for those who cannot afford thousands of dollars a month in learning English abroad or spare time for look for meeting arrangements, video chat at home fulfills their aspiration at much cheaper prices. A three-times-a-week Web English course can be covered for about 100,000 won a month.
(Reuters - By Park Ju-min, Editing by Rhee So-eui and Derek Caney)
"Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if it had kept its mouth shut."
"Put off for one day and ten days will pass."
"If you starve for three days, there is no thought that does not invade your imagination."
"Words have no wings but they can fly a thousand miles."
"If there is a rich man in the area three villages are ruined."
Source: Korean Wisdom
On any given day, students ranging from kids learning their alphabet to adults preparing for job interviews sign in on their Internet messengers, fire up their webcams and wait for English teachers to appear -- from faraway continents.
They hope one-on-one chats with foreigners will help them fix pronunciation, get rid of native accents and feel more comfortable with a foreign language. The country's official teaching methods, based on grammar exercises and vocabulary lists, have consistently failed to deliver such benefits.
South Korea's average score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is below the world average despite having the largest number of students taking the test.
"It is really nice to look at my English teacher through the computer screen and feel like having a chat with a new friend outside the country," said Oh Sun-young, who takes a Web-camera English course on Skype with her Philippine instructor.
Web English is the latest hit in South Korea's booming English education market, enabled by handy gadgets and widespread fiber-optics networks.
The new service, along with more traditional conversation courses offered by phone, is one of the fastest growing segments in South Korea's private English education industry, which is estimated at 15 trillion won ($13 billion) a year -- almost half of the country's annual education budget.
About 150 to 200 companies are in the market offering phone and Web English tutoring.
"Students who are very inexperienced with English may initially find the classes challenging, but within three months, there is a tremendous improvement in most of the students' speaking ability," said Tara McKibben, a phone English tutor who has been teaching over seven years from the United States.
KT Corp, South Korea's dominant fixed-line and broadband operator, provides a service called "Hello ET" cooperating with a South Korean English education company.
"We provide Web-cameras to our videophone English customers so that they can log on the website and have live chat with instructors," said Kang Joo-hyun, a "Hello ET" spokeswoman.
One-on-one conversation in English is technically close to real-live talk, held in Web phone service such as Skype. A message board opens adjacent to the conversation browser, so that participants can check the spelling of a word or start writing if they struggle to understand each other.
Internet portal SK Communications runs "Spicus" which includes a job interview drill on a video-chat platform. Applicants hand out their completed English resume before the drill. An interviewer stages a simulation interview through webcam, looking through resumes, and later provides feedback on logical speaking and communication skills.
"Interviewers are former officials in human resources department of big U.S. (companies) such as IBM," Ryu Hee-jo, a spokeswoman for SK Communications, said.
Cheap and credible
Good English test scores and speaking skills are considered an indispensable key for success in South Korea. In their quest for fluent English, a great deal of wealthy South Koreans simply flee their country's school system and its rigid teaching methods.
South Korea ranks No. 1 in the number of international students in the United States, ahead of more populous India and China, according to U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.However, for those who cannot afford thousands of dollars a month in learning English abroad or spare time for look for meeting arrangements, video chat at home fulfills their aspiration at much cheaper prices. A three-times-a-week Web English course can be covered for about 100,000 won a month.
(Reuters - By Park Ju-min, Editing by Rhee So-eui and Derek Caney)
"Even a fish wouldn't get into trouble if it had kept its mouth shut."
"Put off for one day and ten days will pass."
"If you starve for three days, there is no thought that does not invade your imagination."
"Words have no wings but they can fly a thousand miles."
"If there is a rich man in the area three villages are ruined."
Source: Korean Wisdom
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Spontaneous Order
Mathematician Steven Strogatz shows how flocks of creatures (like birds, fireflies and fish) manage to synchronize and act as a unit -- when no one's giving orders. The powerful tendency extends into the realm of objects, too.
Strogatz is convinced that his research will help solve many problems in science that are related to complex, self-organizing systems in which vast numbers of components influence each other and interact simultaneously.
Self Organisation & Balance of exploitation and exploration
"People are definitely a company's greatest asset. It doesn't make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps." Mary Kay Ash
Strogatz is convinced that his research will help solve many problems in science that are related to complex, self-organizing systems in which vast numbers of components influence each other and interact simultaneously.
Self Organisation & Balance of exploitation and exploration
"People are definitely a company's greatest asset. It doesn't make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps." Mary Kay Ash
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
"Fish, to taste right, must swim three times - in water, in butter, and in wine." Polish Proverb
"Worthless people live only to eat and drink; people of worth eat and drink only to live." Socrates
"We plan, we toil, we suffer - in the hope of what? A camel-load of idol's eyes? The title deeds of Radio City? The empire of Asia? A trip to the moon? No, no, no, no. Simply to wake just in time to smell coffee and bacon and eggs." J.B. Priestly
Monday, December 22, 2008
Student by day, 'kopitiam' boss by night
Meet Lee Cheng Wee - undergraduate by day and Geylang coffeeshop owner by night.
The enterprising 24-year-old, currently a student at the Singapore Institute of Management, came to be his own boss eight months ago when he and two partners pooled together about $10,000 to rent and renovate a coffeeshop.
The store, D E Eating House, is located in Geylang Lorong 17 and houses a total of seven stalls.
However, working and studying at the same time does not come easy for the banking and finance undergraduate.
Mr Lee, who will graduate in June next year, told Lianhe Wanbao that he works seven days a week, rain or shine. Together with his employees, he does all tasks at the coffee shop, including brewing coffee.
As his two partners have their own businesses to take care of, the third-year student has to supervise the daily operations of the coffeeshop.
Whenever he runs into problems at the shop, he will consult his more experienced partners for advice and learn from putting their words into practice.
First coffeeshop in Geylang to have free wifi
Having a young boss can sometimes bring about new ideas for the industry. For instance, Mr Lee has introduced a free wireless Internet service at his coffee shop.
His eatery is believed to be the first in Geylang to do so.
Customers can surf the Internet at the coffee shop upon obtaining a log-in password from the staff.
Cheng Wee pointed out to Lianhe Wanbao that the main motive of this 'free Internet' move is to attract more tourists and white-collared workers.
However, he emphasised that the coffee shop would not neglect other customers or place a premium on food or drinks to cover the cost of providing Internet access.
A father's encouragement
Mr Lee also shared with the Chinese daily that he decided to take this business plunge because of his father's encouragement.
"My father has always cultivated an entrepreneurial spirit within me since young. He was very supportive of my decision to start a business," he explained.
He also revealed that, apart from food and transport fees, every single cent he earned had been re-invested into the coffee shop.
"We should take advantage of our youth to try new things and pick up experience.
"I hope I can break new ground in the food and beverage industry," adding that he hopes to run a chain of youth-oriented coffee shops in the future.
Source: AsiaOne
"Life is not fair; get used to it. As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. Your time is a valuable resource." Bill Gates
"As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, think big." Donald Trump
"Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise." Ted Turner
The enterprising 24-year-old, currently a student at the Singapore Institute of Management, came to be his own boss eight months ago when he and two partners pooled together about $10,000 to rent and renovate a coffeeshop.
The store, D E Eating House, is located in Geylang Lorong 17 and houses a total of seven stalls.
However, working and studying at the same time does not come easy for the banking and finance undergraduate.Mr Lee, who will graduate in June next year, told Lianhe Wanbao that he works seven days a week, rain or shine. Together with his employees, he does all tasks at the coffee shop, including brewing coffee.
As his two partners have their own businesses to take care of, the third-year student has to supervise the daily operations of the coffeeshop.
Whenever he runs into problems at the shop, he will consult his more experienced partners for advice and learn from putting their words into practice.
First coffeeshop in Geylang to have free wifi
Having a young boss can sometimes bring about new ideas for the industry. For instance, Mr Lee has introduced a free wireless Internet service at his coffee shop.
His eatery is believed to be the first in Geylang to do so.
Customers can surf the Internet at the coffee shop upon obtaining a log-in password from the staff.
Cheng Wee pointed out to Lianhe Wanbao that the main motive of this 'free Internet' move is to attract more tourists and white-collared workers.
However, he emphasised that the coffee shop would not neglect other customers or place a premium on food or drinks to cover the cost of providing Internet access.
A father's encouragement
Mr Lee also shared with the Chinese daily that he decided to take this business plunge because of his father's encouragement.
"My father has always cultivated an entrepreneurial spirit within me since young. He was very supportive of my decision to start a business," he explained.
He also revealed that, apart from food and transport fees, every single cent he earned had been re-invested into the coffee shop.
"We should take advantage of our youth to try new things and pick up experience.
"I hope I can break new ground in the food and beverage industry," adding that he hopes to run a chain of youth-oriented coffee shops in the future.
Source: AsiaOne
"Life is not fair; get used to it. As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. Your time is a valuable resource." Bill Gates
"As long as you're going to be thinking anyway, think big." Donald Trump
"Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise." Ted Turner
Friday, December 19, 2008
Learn, Unlearn, Relearn.
"Learning becomes hard because experience with our first language 'warps' perception. We see things through the lens of our native language and that 'warps' the way we see foreign languages." Dr Paul Iverson
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
ZoukOut
Over 26,000 people partied all night at the ZoukOut 2008 beach party at Sentosa's Siloso beach. Known as one of the region's biggest dance parties, it also attracts tourists from as far as Australia and India.
"Strange that these party animals should invest a good amount of time to look attractive only to end up having to vomit and what nots on themselves, disheveled and disorientated. Is that the new expression of party fun? The young Brits in the UK have started this alcohol binging trend decades ago, do Singaporeans really need to be copy cats of such ugly display of drinking habits?" Niederanven
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." Michelangelo Buonarroti 1474-1564, Italian Renaissance Painter and Sculptor
Don't party till you drop
"We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves." Eric Hoffer
"Strange that these party animals should invest a good amount of time to look attractive only to end up having to vomit and what nots on themselves, disheveled and disorientated. Is that the new expression of party fun? The young Brits in the UK have started this alcohol binging trend decades ago, do Singaporeans really need to be copy cats of such ugly display of drinking habits?" Niederanven
"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." Michelangelo Buonarroti 1474-1564, Italian Renaissance Painter and Sculptor
Don't party till you drop
"We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves." Eric Hoffer
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Money for Nothing
One day an employee sends a letter to his boss asking for an increase in his salary.
Dear Bo$$
In thi$ life, we all need $ome thing mo$t de$perately. I think you $hould be under$tanding of the need$ of u$ worker$ who have given $o much $upport including $weat and $ervice to your company.
I am $ure you will be able to gue$$ what I mean and re$pond $oon.
Your$ $incerely,
Norman
The next day, the employee received this letter of reply:
Dear NOrman,
I kNOw you have been working NOt very hard. NOwadays, NOthing much has changed. You must have NOticed that our company is NOt doing NOticeably well as yet.
NOw the newspapers are saying the world`s leading ecoNOmists are sure that the world is getting into aNOther recession. Even after the NOvember presidential elections things do NOt look good.
I have NOthing more to add NOw. You kNOw what I mean.
Yours truly,
Manager
Source: Internet
The Art of Saying “No”
"No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous." Henry Brooks Adams
Dear Bo$$
In thi$ life, we all need $ome thing mo$t de$perately. I think you $hould be under$tanding of the need$ of u$ worker$ who have given $o much $upport including $weat and $ervice to your company.
I am $ure you will be able to gue$$ what I mean and re$pond $oon.
Your$ $incerely,
Norman
The next day, the employee received this letter of reply:
Dear NOrman,
I kNOw you have been working NOt very hard. NOwadays, NOthing much has changed. You must have NOticed that our company is NOt doing NOticeably well as yet.
NOw the newspapers are saying the world`s leading ecoNOmists are sure that the world is getting into aNOther recession. Even after the NOvember presidential elections things do NOt look good.
I have NOthing more to add NOw. You kNOw what I mean.
Yours truly,
Manager
Source: Internet
The Art of Saying “No”
"No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous." Henry Brooks Adams
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lo Hwei Yen
In Memoria
"People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful. Welcome it in every face, in every sky, in every flower." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it up in a problem." Norman Vincent Peale
"People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within." Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful. Welcome it in every face, in every sky, in every flower." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it up in a problem." Norman Vincent Peale
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mind Talks
Mapping Brain Growth
Theory of How Brain Builds Images Earns Grawemeyer Prize
Can what we eat and drink really increase our focus and concentration?
1. Caffeine Can Make You More Alert - the effects are short term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable.
2. Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source - That’s why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking processes, and mental ability. Consume too much, however, and memory can be impaired, along with the rest of you.
3. Protein - Eating a diet rich in lean and low-fat protein is good for weight loss and overall health though it's hard to draw a connection with brain function.
4. Fish Really is Brain Food - Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.
5. Add a Daily Dose of Nuts, Dark Chocolate - Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age.
6. Avocados and Whole Grains - Eating whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.
7. Blueberries Are Super Nutritious - Help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
8. Less is more - Strive for a well-balanced diet chock full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.
9. Exercise - help sharpen thinking. Get a good night's sleep. Meditate to clear thinking and relax.
WebMD (Adapted)
Brain Atlas
The Secret Life of the Brain
Artificial Intelligence
"It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas." Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881) Russian novelist
"The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance." Confucius
您外面情况是您内在想法的反射
Hoàn cảnh bên ngoài của bạn được phản ánh, nhưng bên trong suy nghĩ của bạn
Theory of How Brain Builds Images Earns Grawemeyer Prize
Can what we eat and drink really increase our focus and concentration?
1. Caffeine Can Make You More Alert - the effects are short term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable.
2. Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source - That’s why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking processes, and mental ability. Consume too much, however, and memory can be impaired, along with the rest of you.
3. Protein - Eating a diet rich in lean and low-fat protein is good for weight loss and overall health though it's hard to draw a connection with brain function.
4. Fish Really is Brain Food - Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain function and development. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.
5. Add a Daily Dose of Nuts, Dark Chocolate - Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age.
6. Avocados and Whole Grains - Eating whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.
7. Blueberries Are Super Nutritious - Help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
8. Less is more - Strive for a well-balanced diet chock full of a wide variety of healthy, wholesome foods.
9. Exercise - help sharpen thinking. Get a good night's sleep. Meditate to clear thinking and relax.
WebMD (Adapted)
Brain Atlas
The Secret Life of the Brain
Artificial Intelligence
"It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas." Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881) Russian novelist
"The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance." Confucius
您外面情况是您内在想法的反射
Hoàn cảnh bên ngoài của bạn được phản ánh, nhưng bên trong suy nghĩ của bạn
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Carpe Diem - 'Seize the Day'
"I have always striven to do things that my able-bodies friends can do, though not without moments of frustration. So, it was practice, practice, practice - and laughter. People around me showed patience and encouragement. I have a perfectionist trait and can be quite determined in achieving my goals... I can't remember where I read this quotation but it is one of my favourite: Aim for the moon and even if you miss, you will land among the stars." Laurentia Tan, Paralympic Games Medalist.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Good Boss; Bad Boss
"Every good chief executive officer is able to do what is legal and what is good for business but the bigger challenge is to do things that are ethical and that are socially responsible." A Professor, Business Ethics.
Source: Today
"Argue for your limitations and they are yours. Argue for your possibilities and they are yours as well." Various authors
"Humanity had to abandon its warlike ways or technology would decimate it." H.G. Wells
"The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error." Bertolt Brecht
"Let some of the troops dismount. The officers must give up their horses. Not a man must be left behind." Andrew Jackson
How to convince your boss to keep you... quit crying about merit and fairness and start improving your chemistry with your boss . . .
and walk away from Friends to Networking.
Note: Bad bosses are energy vampires
Bad bosses may damage your heart
Source: Today"Argue for your limitations and they are yours. Argue for your possibilities and they are yours as well." Various authors
"Humanity had to abandon its warlike ways or technology would decimate it." H.G. Wells
"The aim of science is not to open the door to infinite wisdom, but to set a limit to infinite error." Bertolt Brecht
"Let some of the troops dismount. The officers must give up their horses. Not a man must be left behind." Andrew Jackson
How to convince your boss to keep you... quit crying about merit and fairness and start improving your chemistry with your boss . . .
and walk away from Friends to Networking.
Note: Bad bosses are energy vampires
Bad bosses may damage your heart
Friday, November 21, 2008
Young Dragons
5 Waves of Chinese Immigrants in Singapore (Adapted)
"While the initial waves of Chinese immigrants came here to make a living and for a better lifestyle, the current wave has come here to explore, to see the whole and to broaden their horizons." Straits Times.
"Because English is my second language, I had to put in thrice the effort. It's been all hard work, no short cuts." Lin Song, Lawyer, from loan officer to firm partner in 8 years, Khatter Wong, local Law Firm.
"I have matured a lot over the past 10 months in the army and learnt more about Singapore than in my 6 years as a student." Luo Sheng, NS Man.
"While the initial waves of Chinese immigrants came here to make a living and for a better lifestyle, the current wave has come here to explore, to see the whole and to broaden their horizons." Straits Times.
"Because English is my second language, I had to put in thrice the effort. It's been all hard work, no short cuts." Lin Song, Lawyer, from loan officer to firm partner in 8 years, Khatter Wong, local Law Firm.
"I have matured a lot over the past 10 months in the army and learnt more about Singapore than in my 6 years as a student." Luo Sheng, NS Man.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Communicating Persuasively
According to a 2002 study, researchers found that men are often more responsive to email because it downplays their competitive tendencies. On the other hand, women react better to in-person encounters because they are more relationship-oriented.
Women may be fed up with being stereotyped as the chattier sex, but the cliché turns out to be true – in macaque monkeys, at least. Researchers have found that female macaques make 13 times as many friendly noises as males during chit-chat between individuals. The finding adds weight to the theory that human language evolved to forge social bonds.
"In the Social Media world, the most powerful person is the one who shares the most.
Control in Social Media is like grabbing water: the stronger you grab, the less you hold. There’s a right way to retain water, but not by being forceful." Pauline Ores
"There is an interesting phenomenon* at work in human relations. When one person yells at another, the other has an impulse to yell back. One ... actually sets an example of how he should be treated. A is mean to B so B is mean to A. A is friendly to B so B is friendly to A." L. Ron Hubbard (* phenomenon = an observable fact.)
"良好而健全的人格还包括，一个人应当具有陈寅恪先生所说的“独立之精神，自由之思想”。独立之精神，意味着一个人在人格上不依附于他者，意味着一个人不随波逐流；自由之思想，意味着一个人的思想没有任何形式的桎梏和羁绊，不受任何外在的限制。这是一种高洁脱俗的境界，是一个大写的人应当具备的品质。尽管达到这种境界并非易事，但教育者应当以此型塑自己的学生。学校里不应当灌输唯唯诺诺、言听计从的奴才品格，而应当培养超然不群、自由独立的公民精神。" 知道分子之 王建勋专栏
"Assumptions are the termites of relationships." Henry Winkler
Monday, November 17, 2008
Spirit of Si Chuan
"Through our great good fortune, in our youth our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing." Oliver Wendell Holmes
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Speak, Learn, Listen, Do.
All four of these skills are true. What we need to realize as humans today, is that everyone is different. We all exist in some state of chaos together, and the order in which we deal with this chaos is going to define who we will eventually become.
Speak: "Let others know exactly what you think, whether it is wrong, right or just, let them know. Suppressing a point simply because it is of a minority view is not the way to go. Accepting a minority viewpoint is also not the way to go unless the view point has merit. Speak, therefore, let others hear you as much as you possibly can."
Learn: "Understand what is spoken, let others understand where you are coming from when you voice what you assumed is correct. Understand also, that, many people do not make decision based on reason, instead that of faith or social dogma existence, let these people understand that what is best for one is not necessarily better for the others. Learn what is indeed proper and just for all, based on some form of chaotic order."
Listen: "One can not learn or speak without first listening. For the issue always comes before the spoken thought. If we simply wish to speak and learn, then we need to work through understanding by listening to all points of the issue, and finally tabulating within our own reason what is the correct answer. It is hard to listen, as many don't wish to use reason for this, but we must strive to make people listen, and listen for the merit of the issue, not just the dogma of it."
Do: "The final and most complete step. We have Spoken, Learned, Listened and finally we have made up our minds. We understand that an issue can be hard to accept, it can be hard to implement, and it can be hard to adjust to. But, we know that these issues must exist if we are to work past the differences amongst the humans of this world. Action, the process of doing, is what is needed as the final step."
Even then, the process itself is not complete, as the cycle never ends. Once an action is taken, the words must be spoken again, to ensure that the action is indeed warranted and just.
Humanity is the pure essence of who we are, of what we wish to project, and of what we wish to be. If we can not Speak, Learn, Listen and Do within these confines, then we have failed as a thinking race.
Phillip (Adapted)
"We're all of us guinea pigs in the laboratory of God. Humanity is just a work in progress." Tennessee Williams
"Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards."
Speak: "Let others know exactly what you think, whether it is wrong, right or just, let them know. Suppressing a point simply because it is of a minority view is not the way to go. Accepting a minority viewpoint is also not the way to go unless the view point has merit. Speak, therefore, let others hear you as much as you possibly can."
Learn: "Understand what is spoken, let others understand where you are coming from when you voice what you assumed is correct. Understand also, that, many people do not make decision based on reason, instead that of faith or social dogma existence, let these people understand that what is best for one is not necessarily better for the others. Learn what is indeed proper and just for all, based on some form of chaotic order."
Listen: "One can not learn or speak without first listening. For the issue always comes before the spoken thought. If we simply wish to speak and learn, then we need to work through understanding by listening to all points of the issue, and finally tabulating within our own reason what is the correct answer. It is hard to listen, as many don't wish to use reason for this, but we must strive to make people listen, and listen for the merit of the issue, not just the dogma of it."
Do: "The final and most complete step. We have Spoken, Learned, Listened and finally we have made up our minds. We understand that an issue can be hard to accept, it can be hard to implement, and it can be hard to adjust to. But, we know that these issues must exist if we are to work past the differences amongst the humans of this world. Action, the process of doing, is what is needed as the final step."
Even then, the process itself is not complete, as the cycle never ends. Once an action is taken, the words must be spoken again, to ensure that the action is indeed warranted and just.
Humanity is the pure essence of who we are, of what we wish to project, and of what we wish to be. If we can not Speak, Learn, Listen and Do within these confines, then we have failed as a thinking race.
Phillip (Adapted)
"We're all of us guinea pigs in the laboratory of God. Humanity is just a work in progress." Tennessee Williams
"Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Managing The Generations
Some say they're entitled. Others say spoiled.
Not so fast, says workplace expert Tamara Erickson. Generation Y--those born between 1980 and 2000--have had a lot to contend with in their young lives. For those now in the workplace, their ideas of the world were shaped during the Columbine school shootings in 1999 and Sept. 11. If they've learned anything from those events, it's that life is fleeting. Live for the moment.
That can be frustrating for their managers. Members of Gen Y prioritize life-work balance; they don't stay in jobs for long, and many of them bring their parents in whenever there's a problem.
But as Erickson shows in her book, Plugged In: The Generation Y Guide to Thriving at Work
, this is a generation that loves to learn--and they're good at educating themselves. Managers who are willing spend some time guiding them may find them to be an incredibly effective group of employees.
Erickson talked to Forbes.com about how they became this way, how to motivate them at work and why Gen Xers shouldn't be so hard on them.
What is an adjective you'd use to describe Gen Y?
Immediate. They're a generation that wants to make sure what they're doing today is meaningful and worthwhile and fully engaging.
Is that because they've grown up with technology that helps everything get accomplished quicker?
No, that's an amplifying effect. The most important drivers were the events they witnessed as early teens--between ages 11 and 13. For them, it was terrorism and school violence. They were unexpected, and it created a sense in these kids that they need to live life to its fullest. I think that's a logical conclusion. Anything can happen at any point in time.
How are they different from Gen X?
One adjective I'd use for Gen Xers is self-reliant. They often ask themselves, "How do I reduce risk? How do I develop backup plans? What are my options?"
The differences have to do with events that occurred when they were kids. For Gen Xers it was being latchkey kids. They lived through the first wave of women being working mothers. It was dramatic and impactful. For Ys, their moms have always been at work. The point is, we tend to be heavily influenced by things happening for the first time, particularly when we're in our early teens. Although all of us lived through terrorism, it happened during Gen Y's formative years.
How does this impact how they work?
There is a difference between Gen X and Y in terms of collaboration and independence.
When I asked Gen Xers how often they wanted to interact with their boss, many said twice a week. I'm a boomer, I would've said twice a year! Ys would say twice an hour.
Why do they want so much interaction--what are people doing during these meetings?
Ys are learning. They want the boss to coach, to guide. Boomers look as it as judging. When I interact with my boss, it's because he or she is handing down a judgment. Who wants that? Xers are different still. They see these interactions with the boss as getting validation.
Is the need for so much time from the boss a bad thing?
No. They learn in a different way. I tell companies don't over-train them. They don't want to go to three weeks of class and get a 52-point checklist and follow a policy manual. Give them a task and the names of people who they can call if they need help. They'll call when they have a question. It may be often at first, but they like learning that way. I don't think it's a character flaw; it's a learning style.
Some employers use the word "entitled" when describing them. Where does that come from, and what does it say about how they're perceived as employees?
One of the most common complaints I get from Gen Xers who manage Ys is that they're entitled. If we broaden the lens, we see two factors at work. One thing we confuse is the action of the Ys and the motivation of their parents. A lot of the trophy phenomenon--every kid got a trophy for playing soccer--is driven by the fact that boomers are insanely competitive. No boomer wants to stand there for three hours in the rain watching their kid play soccer and not get a plastic trophy.
As for Xers, they entered work at time when the economy was poor, and they were forced to take jobs that were not as challenging as they wanted. They've had to work their way up and follow the rules. Then, you get these Ys who are very confident--high self-esteem characters rolling in full of ideas. The Ys are a little on the brash side and the Xers have not had the [same] kind of opportunities as them.
What should managers know when it comes to motivating them at work?
Learning. The most important thing to do with Ys is give them tasks that are truly challenging. Give them enough rope to figure it out as they go.
How will this economic downturn affect their job prospects?
Certainly there's going to be a dampening affect. I do think that of all the generations, the Ys will come out on top. They probably have more financial flexibility because of parental help, they don’t own homes and they don't have kids. They have more flexibility to take a job that's interesting but doesn't pay as much. They also didn't lose money over the past few months.
If they invest in a 401(k) now, they buy at the bottom and ride up. Xers are the worst off. They bought houses at the peak and have all the financial responsibilities that come with that.
What's the generation after Y?
That generation is being formed this year. They're 11 to 13 now and born around 1995. I think this year is materially different from the last 15 years. Issues that are impacting them are resource constraints, such as water shortages and endangered species.
They're hearing about penguins on melting ice caps. Polar bears dying. They may have taken their vacation in a tent in the backyard this summer. They'll be under no illusions. They'll have to confront tough problems. I'm calling them the Re-generation." The "R" is for reality, recession and resources.
Tara Weiss, Forbes.
"The character education component will be the driver to the students' success. It doesn't matter how much we invest in facilities. If the students are not equipped with character, they are less likely to succeed in life." Mr Wee Tat Chuen
Not so fast, says workplace expert Tamara Erickson. Generation Y--those born between 1980 and 2000--have had a lot to contend with in their young lives. For those now in the workplace, their ideas of the world were shaped during the Columbine school shootings in 1999 and Sept. 11. If they've learned anything from those events, it's that life is fleeting. Live for the moment.
That can be frustrating for their managers. Members of Gen Y prioritize life-work balance; they don't stay in jobs for long, and many of them bring their parents in whenever there's a problem.
But as Erickson shows in her book, Plugged In: The Generation Y Guide to Thriving at Work
, this is a generation that loves to learn--and they're good at educating themselves. Managers who are willing spend some time guiding them may find them to be an incredibly effective group of employees. Erickson talked to Forbes.com about how they became this way, how to motivate them at work and why Gen Xers shouldn't be so hard on them.
What is an adjective you'd use to describe Gen Y?
Immediate. They're a generation that wants to make sure what they're doing today is meaningful and worthwhile and fully engaging.
Is that because they've grown up with technology that helps everything get accomplished quicker?
No, that's an amplifying effect. The most important drivers were the events they witnessed as early teens--between ages 11 and 13. For them, it was terrorism and school violence. They were unexpected, and it created a sense in these kids that they need to live life to its fullest. I think that's a logical conclusion. Anything can happen at any point in time.
How are they different from Gen X?
One adjective I'd use for Gen Xers is self-reliant. They often ask themselves, "How do I reduce risk? How do I develop backup plans? What are my options?"
The differences have to do with events that occurred when they were kids. For Gen Xers it was being latchkey kids. They lived through the first wave of women being working mothers. It was dramatic and impactful. For Ys, their moms have always been at work. The point is, we tend to be heavily influenced by things happening for the first time, particularly when we're in our early teens. Although all of us lived through terrorism, it happened during Gen Y's formative years.How does this impact how they work?
There is a difference between Gen X and Y in terms of collaboration and independence.
When I asked Gen Xers how often they wanted to interact with their boss, many said twice a week. I'm a boomer, I would've said twice a year! Ys would say twice an hour.
Why do they want so much interaction--what are people doing during these meetings?
Ys are learning. They want the boss to coach, to guide. Boomers look as it as judging. When I interact with my boss, it's because he or she is handing down a judgment. Who wants that? Xers are different still. They see these interactions with the boss as getting validation.
Is the need for so much time from the boss a bad thing?
No. They learn in a different way. I tell companies don't over-train them. They don't want to go to three weeks of class and get a 52-point checklist and follow a policy manual. Give them a task and the names of people who they can call if they need help. They'll call when they have a question. It may be often at first, but they like learning that way. I don't think it's a character flaw; it's a learning style.
Some employers use the word "entitled" when describing them. Where does that come from, and what does it say about how they're perceived as employees?
One of the most common complaints I get from Gen Xers who manage Ys is that they're entitled. If we broaden the lens, we see two factors at work. One thing we confuse is the action of the Ys and the motivation of their parents. A lot of the trophy phenomenon--every kid got a trophy for playing soccer--is driven by the fact that boomers are insanely competitive. No boomer wants to stand there for three hours in the rain watching their kid play soccer and not get a plastic trophy.
As for Xers, they entered work at time when the economy was poor, and they were forced to take jobs that were not as challenging as they wanted. They've had to work their way up and follow the rules. Then, you get these Ys who are very confident--high self-esteem characters rolling in full of ideas. The Ys are a little on the brash side and the Xers have not had the [same] kind of opportunities as them.
What should managers know when it comes to motivating them at work?
Learning. The most important thing to do with Ys is give them tasks that are truly challenging. Give them enough rope to figure it out as they go.
How will this economic downturn affect their job prospects?
Certainly there's going to be a dampening affect. I do think that of all the generations, the Ys will come out on top. They probably have more financial flexibility because of parental help, they don’t own homes and they don't have kids. They have more flexibility to take a job that's interesting but doesn't pay as much. They also didn't lose money over the past few months.
If they invest in a 401(k) now, they buy at the bottom and ride up. Xers are the worst off. They bought houses at the peak and have all the financial responsibilities that come with that.
What's the generation after Y?
That generation is being formed this year. They're 11 to 13 now and born around 1995. I think this year is materially different from the last 15 years. Issues that are impacting them are resource constraints, such as water shortages and endangered species.
They're hearing about penguins on melting ice caps. Polar bears dying. They may have taken their vacation in a tent in the backyard this summer. They'll be under no illusions. They'll have to confront tough problems. I'm calling them the Re-generation." The "R" is for reality, recession and resources.
Tara Weiss, Forbes.
"The character education component will be the driver to the students' success. It doesn't matter how much we invest in facilities. If the students are not equipped with character, they are less likely to succeed in life." Mr Wee Tat Chuen
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Why You Have to Listen First and Speak Later
Does anyone pop out of their mother's womb speaking a language and comprehending nothing? Which comes first: Comprehension or Speaking?
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The less you say, the more you learn.
"One hears only those questions for which one is able to find answers." Friedrich Nietzsche
"If you don’t understand a problem, then explain it to an audience and listen to yourself." Tom Hirshfield
"Always listen to the experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done and why. Then do it." Robert Heinlein
"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen." Ernest Hemingway
"It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen." Oliver Wendell Holmes
"Everybody wants to be somebody, but nobody wants to grow." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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