Just for Fun : Cool Mouse

A computer programmer was crossing the road one day when a mouse called out to him and said "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."

He bent over, picked up the mouse, and put it in his pocket. The mouse spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me and change me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one week."

The programmer took the mouse out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to the pocket.

The mouse then cried out: "If you kiss me and turn me into a princess, I'll stay with you and do anything you want."

Again the programmer took the mouse out, smiled at it, and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the mouse asked: "What is the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess, and that I'll stay with you for a week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"

The programmer said: "Look, I'm a programmer. I don't have time for a girlfriend, but a talking mouse, now that's cool."

source: Sunday Star, 3 May 2015

Right Attitude is the Key to Success

Hi there..

This is an old article written by Hari Bedi in Asian Business magazine dated January 1996. Have been kept for so long, for almost 20 years, tonight I decided to take some effort to get it typed and share it with you...you out there..enjoy reading..

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The New Year is a good time to think about improving our lives.  But making a couple of New Year's resolutions may not help much.  What we  often need is totally new way of thinking - something inspirational and passionate. Kazuo  Inamori's formula for success may be just what we need.

Named twice as Japan's most effective manager, he believes that even average people can achieve remarkable success, through the combination of three simple ingredients: Ability, Effort and Attitude. The secret of his success formula for outstanding results lies in multiplying, not simply adding, these three items together.

Inamori says that gifted people - who often rely on their talents alone to carry them to success - may not be as successful as average, hard-working people with the right attitude.  Low marks for talent multiplied by high marks for effort and attitude will produce higher scores.

Our abilities - health, talents and innate aptitude - may largely be hereditary.  But the greatest ability of all is the ability to overcome oneself.  Instead of pretending we can do what we really can't, we should admit what we cannot do and start from there.

The ideal person, says Inamori, is someone who is both hold and sensitive, who has mastered their instincts, and who can focus their intellect to the point where they start to become inspired. They must also have sufficient 'strength of soul', in essence a sense of direction, without which they can easily become a slave to their talents.

Effort makes today's impossibility become tomorrow's reality.  People must have tenacity and perseverance to succeed.  They must pursue their goals with a desperate desire.  They should make an effort to cultivate a sound body for a sound mind.  As leaders, they should infuse their energy into subordinates until they burn with passion.

A positive attitude is the supreme quality, says Inamori.  None of us can be completely free from anguish and worry.  But even in our worst moments, we should try not to lose our cheerfulness.  We should seek righteousness and always ask ourselves: "What is the right thing for a human being to do?"

We should always base our judgement and conduct on fundamental truths and principles.  The easy way does not usually lead us to our goal.  A person who is steeped in jealousy, resentment or hatred cannot hope to achieve success.  In Inamori's formula, a person with a negative attitude is negative overall - and hence unsuccessful.

Although Inamori present his formula as the core message in his book, A Passion for Success, there are other determinants of success or failure.  In the drama of life, there is a huge difference between those who have written themselves a starring role, and those who idle through lfe without aim.

Our lives are not determined by our destiny at birth, says Inamori.  Destiny can be altered by raising our minds and way of thinking. Unlike a play that must lead to a predetermined conclusion, the outcomes of our lives are in our own hands. We can make life hell or heaven - it depends on our attitude.  

In hell, there's a giant cooking pot filled with delicious noodles.  But the chopsticks are a metre long - too long to manoeuvre the noodles into the mouth.  So everybody goes hungry.  In heaven, it's the same except that each person picks up the noodles with the long chopsticks and offers them to someone on the other side of the pot.  Through their unselfish minds, they enjoy eternal bliss.

Not a bad New Year message.

To Think or Be Anti-Thinking

A thought-provoking article written by Dr Nungsari Radhi in the Edge April 28 - May 4, 2014. Dr Nungsari is an economist and managing director of Prokhas Sdn Bhd, a Ministry of Finance advisory company. The views expressed here are his own.

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A writer, unlike a speaker, does not have to face his audience directly and in real time. A writer is shielded from having to look into the eyes of those in front of him and observing their body language – reactions that may influence a speaker’s train of thought and delivery.

A writer just struggles with himself to fully organize his thoughts, realizing that while the audience is not there in real time, the words he strings together and the stories he tells have a certain performance spoken words do not.

I first started writing for this weekly 15 years ago, I have aged in the process and as an observer, I have noticed that things have changed as well.  On many fronts, I notice things have deteriorated, for example, how I struggle every time I write, how to think clearly and organize my thoughts in a way that is clear to others.

I have found that thinking clearly and thinking things through is not easy.  That, and having common sense.  It is from this vantage point that I feel disturbed by some of the things I have read and heard recently.  They seem to be ‘anti-thinking’.

I recall the time when I was an economics lecturer at a local university almost 30 years ago.  Teaching undergraduates is challenging because there are two main objectives: apart from imparting the concepts and theoretical framework of economic analysis, the bigger challenge is to develop the mind to think – critically, analytically and even strategically.

Of course, all these can be so convoluted that not much is learned and the mind remains undeveloped.  Effective teaching is always about clear thinking on the part of the teacher.  The students’ capability to learn depends very much on whether they acquire the skills to think clearly.  Without clear thinking, all forms of communication can be gibberish.

It was French philosopher-mathematician Rene Descartes who said, “Je pense, done je suis”, or “I think, therefore I am.”  He is saying that the mere act of thinking of one’s existence is proof that one exists.  Thinking, therefore, is central to one’s very existence: it’s not just about learning.  Thinking is quite simply using the mind. Being without thinking is probably just a waste of space on the earth.

The consequences of thinking can possibly be noisy and difficult to manage at the aggregate level. Thinking will result in a wide range of views and ideas – opposing views from many dimensions, views outside mainstream thinking, and consequently, a lot of debate, some of it healthy, others not.

This competition of ideas, noisy as it is sometimes, however, will induce creativity and result in innovations.  We then have technological progress that hopefully makes life better.  Technological progress can be economically destructive, but economic progress and growth depend on the continuous supply of such technological innovations.

The underlying concept in the competition of ideas is the challenge process – an idea prevails until it si defeated by a better idea.  We elevate ourselves as a result by resorting to cerebral means, the use of the mind, befitting the supposedly elevated status of Man, as opposed to physical  means to resolve differences.

Consider the opposite, however – there is no thinking or thinking is monopolized by a minority while the majority follows obligingly.  This is a world that goes against the spirit of this verse from the Quran: “ O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other.  Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you.” (49:13, Yusuf Ali translation).  We have to be true to ourselves but be humble enough to learn from others.

But if we want to progress and grow – as individuals, as a society and as a country – we have no choice but to encourage thinking and manage the noise that comes with it. We cannot grow as individuals without thinking and we cannot progress without harnessing the minds of everyone through this contest of ideas.  We certainly cannot prosecute those who think differently.  Such persecution has a long bloody history of failure.

It was the playwright and Nobel Laureate in Literature, George Bernard Shaw, who famously said, “Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were and say, why not?”  We have to at least be the type of people Shaw juxtaposed, for we certainly cannot be those who see things and do not feel the need to ask anything at all.  Worse, we do not want to be those who do not see things at all. 

People running institutions, whatever the institution, are their custodians. For them, professionalism must reign supreme.  There should also be common sense – they should never miss the forest for the trees.  Of worse, miss the forest for the bush or even the undergrowth.

The sad thing, personally and as a citizen of a country I love, is that I realize that my freedom can be taken away if I think too much, and that we live in fear of thinking.  So, we say something different from what we think.

To quote Czech playwright and former president Vaclav Havel, “We become morally ill.” Consequently,  “We learned not to believe in anything, to ignore one another, to care only about ourselves.”

Executive Charisma: Six Steps to Mastering the Art of Leadership

Expect acceptance.

Regardless of rank, expect to be treated as an equal.  If you expect acceptance, you just might get it.  If you don't expect it, you definitely won't get it.

Control your attitude.

Success in business is based more on mental attitude than on mental capabilities.  Be optimistic toward yourself, others and life.  Walk in to a room with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Perfect your posture.

Pull your ribcage away from your pelvis, roll your shoulders back and down, pull your stomach in and tuck your bottom toward your spine.  Breathe deeply.  You'll not only look better, but feel more energized, alert and in control.

Think before you talk.

Think fast, pause, then speak purposefully.  One CEO practices saying everything to himself before he says it out loud so that he will hear how it sounds and can change it if he needs to.

Slow down.

Speed in speaking, moving, gesturing and walking looks nervous and scared.  Scared people get passed over, not hired or promoted.  Learn to speak in comfortable, easygoing and welcoming way.  Don't waste time, but do speak as if you have all the time in the world for those you are speaking to.

Shoot straight.
Everything you say or write can be done in a simple, straightforward manner.  Just do it.

Be a good storyteller.

People understand you better, remember what you say longer, and find you smarter and more interesting if you use anecdotes to make your points.

Be aware of your style.

Clothes don't make the man but they do make a difference.  Wear well-tailored, good quality clothes that make you look like you are in charge.  But remember, it isn't much about your look as how you look at things and what people see when they look at you.

Admit your mistakes.
If you are error-free, you're likely effort-free.

Don't be bullied.

If you are justly criticised, don't take the bait and get into an argument.  Instead calmly ask: Why do you think that?" "What do you mean?" or "What's that based on?"

Be flexible
Be able to stand out while still fitting in the crowd.

Be at ease with yourself and others.

Look others straight in the eye, eliminate any defensiveness and take the edge off your voice.  Never let them see you sweat!

source: internet

Developing True Professionals to Serve Customers

by VICTOR S.L.TAN (source: Management Bulletin, Jul/Aug 1994)

True professionals are a rare breed.  As Asian nations strive towards industrialisation and development there is a need to balance economic and material achievements with strong commitment to cultural and moral values.

One way to do this is to develop true professionals in every field both in the public and private sectors.

Defining a True Professional

What makes a true professional? Graduating from training in a specialised body of knowledge or in certain highly esteemed professions does not make one a true professional.

A true professional practices a high level of professionalism. Professionalism lies not in what one knows but rather in the way one practices his trade or vocation.  It is a commitment on the part of a professional to discipline himself to carry out his obligations or duties deemed appropriate, morally responsible and of the highest level of integrity in his job.

There are some professions and trade with broadly-defined codes of ethics which guide their activities.  I believe there are some common characteristics in such codes.  It is not the intention here to discuss the details of the common rules and regulations governing each profession, trade or industry.

However, I would like to share with readers the seven characteristics which a true professional should possess.

• Uncompromising Integrity

Integrity is the most distinguished mark of a professional.  A true professional cannot be bribed; his influence cannot be bought or traded.  He views his character as his main capital of success.  He would not sacrifice his moral principles for any price.

• High competency level

A true professional is one who has expertise in his own special field.  He has great sincerity and enthusiasm in promoting and upgrading his area of practice.  He constantly seeks ways to improve the daily tasks required of his profession.  He takes great effort to build his skills, knowledge and experience to a level which his clients or customers fully appreciate and respect.

His competency allows him to excel and render top quality services.  The satisfaction he receives from the excellent work that he does reinforces his drive to maintain his high level of competency.

• High degree of client-focus

A true professional is sensitive and responsive to his clients or customers. Whatever role he plays, be it an advisor, an information provider, a mediator, a problem solver or a combination of these roles, he is fully committed to give his best.

He takes time to understand the needs of his clients and often goes the extra mile to meet them.

• Excellent interpersonal skills

A true professional has excellent interpersonal skills.  He is diplomatic in handling difficult situations with people. 

He makes people at ease.  He listens well and communicates effectively.  He has the ability to win friends and influence people with his enthusiasm, sincerity, presence, confidence and friendly disposition.  He works well both with individuals and teams.

• Strong commitment to a calling

A true professional has a deep sense of calling in the work that he does.  He works for more than just pay and the comforts of life. He views his profession as a calling to help people solve their problems.  He has a deep sense of pride in his profession and will do everything to protect its reputation.  A great part of his motivation comes from the satisfaction he gets from the positive results he helps achieve for his clients.

• Positive mental attitude

A true professional is a tough-minded optimist.  He has a positive mental attitude towards life in general.  He possess strong determination and perseverance to see things through.  He deals with challenges and difficulties in his profession with a sense of calmness and self-control.  He helps others to see the brighter side of life and encourages them to hang on during moments of crisis.

• Balance in life

One cannot remain for long as a true professional if one does not possess a balance in life.  A professional who totally devotes his time to his works and ignores his family will soon cave in emotionally.  A true professional leads a healthy balanced life, taking time to achieve total development - in terms of intellectual, social, psychological and physical fitness.

A professional may only succeed materially, but a true professional achieves total success and happiness with his fully developed life.  The search for professionalism is a journey within.  It requires great effort and discipline.  And this is what separates true professionals from the masses.  The fruits of professionalism are inner peace, self-fulfillment, respect from others and a sense of pride from helping to enhance the image of the profession.  These are reasons enough for workers to strive to be true professionals.