In the Malay community there is one word called gotong royong which mean working together. Gotong royong occur when there are things to be done by a family or community. When a family is planning to held a wedding, most family members far and near will come to help. Neighbours especially the wives will come to the house 2 or 3 days before the event armed with knife to help in the kitchen. The men will be responsible to cook [best cook are always men], cleaning the premise, construct tentages and setting up dining tables. Few months before that they would sit down and discuss the matters in a very formal but cordial meeting. The family head will chair the meeting and if he is unable to lead the meeting he will ask somebody else to lead the meeting.
Most Malay are Muslim. Therefore it is only natural that they held the meeting in the mosque normally after maghrib prayers [sunset].
I dont know gotong royong has been in the Malay community since when. But this is another management approach which has been part of this community [society value and culture]. It is worth to see how this value and culture exist this community and many other communities in the world.
24.12.07
7.12.07
MONTHLY REPORT OF DEPT
I for one really appreciate a very simple monthly report which is neither too technical nor does it too simple. A monthly report must contain all the operational matters, admin matters and logistic matters. In the Army it is called G, A and Q matters. If you cover this, I suppose you will cover all.
Monthly report helps to shorten monthly meeting if the boss really know how to use it. Otherwise same issue will be discussed again in the meeting. It will be an element of demotivating your staff.
Initially each section will face some problem how to write the report. But as time goes, it will be completed not more than 30 minutes.
The aim of the report is of course to monitor the dept is moving forward within the stipulated plan, mission or objective of the dept in line with the objective of the organization.
Monthly report helps to shorten monthly meeting if the boss really know how to use it. Otherwise same issue will be discussed again in the meeting. It will be an element of demotivating your staff.
Initially each section will face some problem how to write the report. But as time goes, it will be completed not more than 30 minutes.
The aim of the report is of course to monitor the dept is moving forward within the stipulated plan, mission or objective of the dept in line with the objective of the organization.
25.11.07
CLEAN DESK
What is the most practical management to me is to have clean desk before you leave the office. To leave the office for short break, long break [lunch break] etc.
If you have clean desk/table, automatically you will incline towards clean office, file cabinets, store, pantry etc.
Your boss, subordinates, peers and guests will have positive perception on you.
This is also an important basic element of time management if I may say.
If you have clean desk/table, automatically you will incline towards clean office, file cabinets, store, pantry etc.
Your boss, subordinates, peers and guests will have positive perception on you.
This is also an important basic element of time management if I may say.
OUM STUDENTS
In the first tutorial I told them what are important topics in every chapters. This semester I teach principle of management and introductry management.
But in the final exam, what came out is not all that I mentioned and the question was twisted [we used to say tricky question], and many students start to blame me for that.
I reserve my comment, but like to advise students to read and understand each chapter, ask lot of questions using the system provided by Open University.
Many students have succeeded.
But in the final exam, what came out is not all that I mentioned and the question was twisted [we used to say tricky question], and many students start to blame me for that.
I reserve my comment, but like to advise students to read and understand each chapter, ask lot of questions using the system provided by Open University.
Many students have succeeded.
9.11.07
HRM - TERMS OF CONTRACT
In reality, i.e if we read in between the lines and the hidden clauses of employment contract, there is not much difference between permanent staff and contract staff.
This is a perception what I called an element of paradigm shift. I have been looking at the differences between this type of employment for so long and never realize on the termination notice clause until a wise guy mentioned his perception to me.
In reality all staff are contract staff because to him the termination notice is between 1 to 3 months only. Regardless the type of staff we are, the employer can terminate us within this period. So it is true that everybody is expendable.
Don't tell me it is difficult to terminate a permanent staff. Nothing is impossible in Human Resources Management [HRM].
This is a perception what I called an element of paradigm shift. I have been looking at the differences between this type of employment for so long and never realize on the termination notice clause until a wise guy mentioned his perception to me.
In reality all staff are contract staff because to him the termination notice is between 1 to 3 months only. Regardless the type of staff we are, the employer can terminate us within this period. So it is true that everybody is expendable.
Don't tell me it is difficult to terminate a permanent staff. Nothing is impossible in Human Resources Management [HRM].
8.11.07
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
One senior MD told me that apperenticeship is a very good concept to teach the young and the freshie. He was in the navy and he undergo the apprenticeship that is termed as midshipman. They started off in the middle of the ship...and that is why they were called midshipman.
Apperenticeship was introduced by the British. Japanese, Chinese and most people practice the similar method except a few. An apperentice must obey every order even though the job has nothing to do with what the person is supposed to do.
His rationale was very simple. If a manager is required to make tea for his boss, he must do so. Why? Because one day when the tea lady is sick, and the manager is the only person with the MD, who is to make tea if not him. Same goes with photostating, vacuum the carpet etc.
Other wise we will some people who can't even pick up the litter on the floor even though it is right under their nose. It may also be a problem of ego, or he/she is at the wrong place to show his /her pride.
The worst I've seen is the general worker and junior clerk who refused to pick up few papers on the carpet. They rather call a cleaner just to do that.
Apperenticeship was introduced by the British. Japanese, Chinese and most people practice the similar method except a few. An apperentice must obey every order even though the job has nothing to do with what the person is supposed to do.
His rationale was very simple. If a manager is required to make tea for his boss, he must do so. Why? Because one day when the tea lady is sick, and the manager is the only person with the MD, who is to make tea if not him. Same goes with photostating, vacuum the carpet etc.
Other wise we will some people who can't even pick up the litter on the floor even though it is right under their nose. It may also be a problem of ego, or he/she is at the wrong place to show his /her pride.
The worst I've seen is the general worker and junior clerk who refused to pick up few papers on the carpet. They rather call a cleaner just to do that.
6.11.07
IS HEARING PART OF LEARNING
I heard Kudat is the tip of Borneo. At Kudat you can see the typhoon or mini huricane that only American can experience. Wow, Kudat must be a special place to visit. This is what I heard from Nancy [one of one on-line student] in Sabah.
I heard this and that. Just by hearing my head process the information and I start to imagine how does the place look like. In many occassion we also perceive what does a person look like, the situation etc.
This is called 'pre-conceived ideas'. It may be positive or negative. Bad massengers may poison us with negative reports and we may hate a person before even seeing him.
As educated person like us, give ourselves a chance to evaluate the person ourselves before we make judgement.
I therefore will one day visit Kudat to judge myself. I like to try the seaweed canned drinks that Nancy told me together with cheap sea foods at the tip of Borneo.
I heard this and that. Just by hearing my head process the information and I start to imagine how does the place look like. In many occassion we also perceive what does a person look like, the situation etc.
This is called 'pre-conceived ideas'. It may be positive or negative. Bad massengers may poison us with negative reports and we may hate a person before even seeing him.
As educated person like us, give ourselves a chance to evaluate the person ourselves before we make judgement.
I therefore will one day visit Kudat to judge myself. I like to try the seaweed canned drinks that Nancy told me together with cheap sea foods at the tip of Borneo.
5.11.07
JOHARI WINDOW II
Self Exposure or Disclosure
This can be done during training and closed door meeting among Head of Departments. Taking into consideration value, culture and ego of these people, the self disclosure should be conducted among them only.
However, experience will tell us, that they will still keep some facts to themselves in order not hurt other people feeling or embarrassed themselves.
Still, this exercise will help to improve communication because they would have realized about the whole situation.
Once they realized this, they will encourage their subordinates to do the same or at least to cooperate with other departments.
Feedback
One advantage of knowing this theory is to open our mind to accept both positive and negative feedback. People will actually thanks others for giving them such feedback so that they can improve the system.
Without this background, negative feedback may be perceived as act of sabotage one's image and department.
Team Contact
The management must encourage a lot of team contact by establishing problem solving teams. Members of these teams should be from different departments so that they will interact more among themselves. Once, individual relationship is established, team contacts will be more easier.
This can be done during training and closed door meeting among Head of Departments. Taking into consideration value, culture and ego of these people, the self disclosure should be conducted among them only.
However, experience will tell us, that they will still keep some facts to themselves in order not hurt other people feeling or embarrassed themselves.
Still, this exercise will help to improve communication because they would have realized about the whole situation.
Once they realized this, they will encourage their subordinates to do the same or at least to cooperate with other departments.
Feedback
One advantage of knowing this theory is to open our mind to accept both positive and negative feedback. People will actually thanks others for giving them such feedback so that they can improve the system.
Without this background, negative feedback may be perceived as act of sabotage one's image and department.
Team Contact
The management must encourage a lot of team contact by establishing problem solving teams. Members of these teams should be from different departments so that they will interact more among themselves. Once, individual relationship is established, team contacts will be more easier.
JOHARI WINDOW
My colleague asked me, knowing the theory of Johari Window, how do I apply this in the company. Why? Because he observed there are so much break in communication in his company. Sometimes, just over small matters, things become very serious.
In this theory, there are things about you that you know and everybody know [Area 1]. There are facts that you dont now about yourself but other knows [Area 2]. Normally these are our enemies or our very close friends. There are facts about you and others but you keep it secret [Area 3]. This is just like an opposite of Area 2. And lastly [Area 4], facts that nobody know. Facts that nobody know that somebody is observing your company with the intention of buying over.
In actual fact, this is what transparency is all about and coupled with honesty and sincerity. Eventually it will result in warm and cordial relationship within the company.
As the Manager, I see you can take the following action to improve the communication among them.
1. Convince the management of your training program.
2. Conduct training to expose the matter [Johari Window] to all head of departments.
3. Conduct close door meeting between Head of Departments.
4. Conduct more programs and project so that there will be a lot of interaction among them.
In this theory, there are things about you that you know and everybody know [Area 1]. There are facts that you dont now about yourself but other knows [Area 2]. Normally these are our enemies or our very close friends. There are facts about you and others but you keep it secret [Area 3]. This is just like an opposite of Area 2. And lastly [Area 4], facts that nobody know. Facts that nobody know that somebody is observing your company with the intention of buying over.
In actual fact, this is what transparency is all about and coupled with honesty and sincerity. Eventually it will result in warm and cordial relationship within the company.
As the Manager, I see you can take the following action to improve the communication among them.
1. Convince the management of your training program.
2. Conduct training to expose the matter [Johari Window] to all head of departments.
3. Conduct close door meeting between Head of Departments.
4. Conduct more programs and project so that there will be a lot of interaction among them.
LOOKING AND OBSERVING
Well if you know that hearing and listening is 2 different things, may I say that looking and observing is also different.
To observe a typical Malay stall in KL will make you sick. To observe how businessmen park their car in Ampang old town, Segambut, and Sri Kembangan [many more] will make you equally or more sick.
That is the power of observation because it affect your mental so deep that you will remember the place.
When we observe the stall, we learn the better way to open up a stall next time if you are involved in it. Of course we want a better location, cleaner, have proper basic infrastructure, courteous workers etc.
What are the factors then, that these people dont learn? Do they need 'public canning' in order for them to learn their lesson. Unfortunately they passed their driving test, went through the interview with DBKL and other local authorities and yet....you know what.
My mom used to say...perhaps they want the Japanese Occupation in order to learn.
To observe a typical Malay stall in KL will make you sick. To observe how businessmen park their car in Ampang old town, Segambut, and Sri Kembangan [many more] will make you equally or more sick.
That is the power of observation because it affect your mental so deep that you will remember the place.
When we observe the stall, we learn the better way to open up a stall next time if you are involved in it. Of course we want a better location, cleaner, have proper basic infrastructure, courteous workers etc.
What are the factors then, that these people dont learn? Do they need 'public canning' in order for them to learn their lesson. Unfortunately they passed their driving test, went through the interview with DBKL and other local authorities and yet....you know what.
My mom used to say...perhaps they want the Japanese Occupation in order to learn.
4.11.07
MRSM
Today [3rd Nov 2007] I was at MRSM Kuala Lipis attending a graduation ceremony for Form 5 and Form 3 students.
It was a simple ceremony which began with brief prayers at the surau and followed by the giving of certificate and awards to students.
In all there was a total of 4 speeches. Personally I'm very sick of listening to speeches in one event. Why cant our people stick to a speech by the VIP alone. In all 2 speeches in surau and 2 speeches in the Sri Budiman hall. A speech is not a speech if there was no element of humour in it.
Ewhen the VIP was giving his speech, the PA system went haywire. There was a lot of interference. The VIP jokingly mentioned that it was the sound of popcorn for his background music. Next came another sound and he said that he is not a rock singer. Jokes a side...
In all, he mentioned that the situation of Malay students and youth in Malaysia is far worst than other races. He just came from Penang where the discussion / meeting about the issue was held. Social issues among youth such as truancy, illegal racing, drug abuse and aldultry is rampant. Those involved mostly are Malays.
AJK at all mosques must seriously look into this matter.
It was a simple ceremony which began with brief prayers at the surau and followed by the giving of certificate and awards to students.
In all there was a total of 4 speeches. Personally I'm very sick of listening to speeches in one event. Why cant our people stick to a speech by the VIP alone. In all 2 speeches in surau and 2 speeches in the Sri Budiman hall. A speech is not a speech if there was no element of humour in it.
Ewhen the VIP was giving his speech, the PA system went haywire. There was a lot of interference. The VIP jokingly mentioned that it was the sound of popcorn for his background music. Next came another sound and he said that he is not a rock singer. Jokes a side...
In all, he mentioned that the situation of Malay students and youth in Malaysia is far worst than other races. He just came from Penang where the discussion / meeting about the issue was held. Social issues among youth such as truancy, illegal racing, drug abuse and aldultry is rampant. Those involved mostly are Malays.
AJK at all mosques must seriously look into this matter.
3.11.07
HEARD BUT NOT SEEN
When I first joined the army, I went through an approximately 3 months of induction period. The few weeks was hell. Actually we called that orientation period. And in reality it was a ragging period. The Adjutant purposely produced a 'training schedule' for us in case there is a Board of Inquiry just to have 'an umbrella' ready.
I joined an infantry battalion which was about to go into military operation at the Malaysian-Thai border. Though most officers were busy during the 'battle procedure' after receiving 'warning order' from the Brigade HQ, they were equally busy ragging 3 of us in between every nick of time they can spare.
We bottom-ups with the 'battalion specials' during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The specials is the recipe prepared by officers which consist of chilly, pepper, salt, sugar, prawn paste, sodium glutomate, soy sauce, coffee, tomato sauce, chilli sauce and curry powder.
I missed those time but swear will not go for the second ragging period. What I learned from those officers is the term that at most time, we young officers must not be seen but heard.
Actually it was good trick of practical management. A good leader / manager must not be seen at most times by superior or subordinates but they know that we are around somewhere in the vicinity or the premise.
To me this can be an element of management by fear because they know the bosses can be there just like a pop-ups. Subsequently, subordinates will work hard. The element of surprise which is one of the basic principles of war is fully practised by us.
As for the superior, anytime they ask for us, we are there at their office within few minutes.
I joined an infantry battalion which was about to go into military operation at the Malaysian-Thai border. Though most officers were busy during the 'battle procedure' after receiving 'warning order' from the Brigade HQ, they were equally busy ragging 3 of us in between every nick of time they can spare.
We bottom-ups with the 'battalion specials' during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The specials is the recipe prepared by officers which consist of chilly, pepper, salt, sugar, prawn paste, sodium glutomate, soy sauce, coffee, tomato sauce, chilli sauce and curry powder.
I missed those time but swear will not go for the second ragging period. What I learned from those officers is the term that at most time, we young officers must not be seen but heard.
Actually it was good trick of practical management. A good leader / manager must not be seen at most times by superior or subordinates but they know that we are around somewhere in the vicinity or the premise.
To me this can be an element of management by fear because they know the bosses can be there just like a pop-ups. Subsequently, subordinates will work hard. The element of surprise which is one of the basic principles of war is fully practised by us.
As for the superior, anytime they ask for us, we are there at their office within few minutes.
31.10.07
JOB SATISFACTION
What is job satisfaction? What make you satisfy? Your job, the job atmosphere or you yourself?
Some say job satisfaction has close relationship with age of an employee. It correlates with age. Perhaps olders employee are more stable and therefore they can focus on the job / career. Many opinions mentioned married employees are more stable and happy [satisfy] with their job.
Few observed that satisfaction is developed from inside. If the person is satisfy with himself, he would perceived positively about his job and therefore is satisfied. This is termed as locus of control.
There are many other opinion about job satisfaction. Although employee may generally feel satisfy, but once he/she decide to resign, than the cause of dissatisfaction has nothing to do with reasons of his satisfaction. We may relate this to the theory of hygiene factor.
Please give your comments / opinion.
Some say job satisfaction has close relationship with age of an employee. It correlates with age. Perhaps olders employee are more stable and therefore they can focus on the job / career. Many opinions mentioned married employees are more stable and happy [satisfy] with their job.
Few observed that satisfaction is developed from inside. If the person is satisfy with himself, he would perceived positively about his job and therefore is satisfied. This is termed as locus of control.
There are many other opinion about job satisfaction. Although employee may generally feel satisfy, but once he/she decide to resign, than the cause of dissatisfaction has nothing to do with reasons of his satisfaction. We may relate this to the theory of hygiene factor.
Please give your comments / opinion.
MANAGEMENT BY FEAR
We heard of participative management and management by objective [MBO]. There are so many other words and phrases describing management approach just to make it attractive, simple and eventually people will 'buy' the idea.
I like to share my observation on 'management by fear'. Subordinates will be so scared of their superior that they will never question him. They will try not not see the superior face to face because they know he will always spot your mistake.
This fear element is then blended with 'loyalty' element. Do first and ask question later. The rationale, if a soldier is allowed to question your order, then it is too late to take action against the enemy. On the other hand, the friendly forces will be injured or killed.
If you ask me, I would say there is advantage and disadvantage of this approach. Sometimes subordinates must be threatened so that they would do the job. Theoritically speaking it may be the application of X Theory. These people must be supervised closely. That is why we have supervisor and overseer.
Management by fear will also create stress. Many experts believe that we need some percentage of stress so that we are 'pushed' to work.
Perhaps this is what I termed as practical management. Officers and soldiers of those days has been practising this approach, and it works. But we have to be careful, if we go overboard then we might be inviting a mutiny.
I like to share my observation on 'management by fear'. Subordinates will be so scared of their superior that they will never question him. They will try not not see the superior face to face because they know he will always spot your mistake.
This fear element is then blended with 'loyalty' element. Do first and ask question later. The rationale, if a soldier is allowed to question your order, then it is too late to take action against the enemy. On the other hand, the friendly forces will be injured or killed.
If you ask me, I would say there is advantage and disadvantage of this approach. Sometimes subordinates must be threatened so that they would do the job. Theoritically speaking it may be the application of X Theory. These people must be supervised closely. That is why we have supervisor and overseer.
Management by fear will also create stress. Many experts believe that we need some percentage of stress so that we are 'pushed' to work.
Perhaps this is what I termed as practical management. Officers and soldiers of those days has been practising this approach, and it works. But we have to be careful, if we go overboard then we might be inviting a mutiny.
30.10.07
SMART WORKER VS CLEVER WORKER
Most of our employee today are clever. They are universities and colleges graduates. Most of them are three pointers in their CGPA. Although they lack working experience, they are hard working and are good learners. I wish this is true.
In our culture [Malaysian], most bosses prefer subordinates who are loyal. Loyalty has many meanings. In this particular situation, loyalty is one who doesn't question the boss. These are smart subordinates. Smart subordinates will get promoted faster.
Clever employee are those who have to work hard while the smarter ones are required to accompany bosses on the fairway. They normally T-off at around 3.00 pm.
Therefore it is pertinent that colleges and universities must expose to young graduates that life is not that easy out there. In most cases the smarter will have many clever graduates [officers and staff] working under them.
Once I told my senior officer that in an organization, there are mixture of personalities. Officers and soldiers with different background. Some are 'good' and some are 'bad'. We have to work with them. They are already part of us. We can't transfer the bad ones to other units. The problem will not be solved. An officer perceived as bad will also have a good element in him. We must exploit this good element in him. Use him to the advantage of an organization.
LESSON LEARNT. EQ is equally or more important than IQ. Read book on Rules of Work [Richard Templar] so that you know how does the system works. Secondly, there is no bad soldiers but bad officers.
In our culture [Malaysian], most bosses prefer subordinates who are loyal. Loyalty has many meanings. In this particular situation, loyalty is one who doesn't question the boss. These are smart subordinates. Smart subordinates will get promoted faster.
Clever employee are those who have to work hard while the smarter ones are required to accompany bosses on the fairway. They normally T-off at around 3.00 pm.
Therefore it is pertinent that colleges and universities must expose to young graduates that life is not that easy out there. In most cases the smarter will have many clever graduates [officers and staff] working under them.
Once I told my senior officer that in an organization, there are mixture of personalities. Officers and soldiers with different background. Some are 'good' and some are 'bad'. We have to work with them. They are already part of us. We can't transfer the bad ones to other units. The problem will not be solved. An officer perceived as bad will also have a good element in him. We must exploit this good element in him. Use him to the advantage of an organization.
LESSON LEARNT. EQ is equally or more important than IQ. Read book on Rules of Work [Richard Templar] so that you know how does the system works. Secondly, there is no bad soldiers but bad officers.
29.10.07
FINAL EXAM TIPS MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES [BBPP 1103]
Since I am also a tutor with Open University Malaysia, I like to share my experience in the subject matter.
Management is a very wide subject. But for the exam we have to master the module before anything else. But you are given the freedom to use any reference when preparing the assignment.
Why keep to the module? Because [my own opinion] they are basic knowledge that we must know in this subject. All sub-topics are selected by panel of experts.
Later after you are employed, you may want to apply any theory...is up to you.
Exam tips. For adult students like you, the question is always of the application type. Like what would you do to introduce change in your organization? What are the obstacles and how do you overcome them?
Communication. What are comm barriers and how do you overcome them?
Motivation. Define / explain briefly expectancy theory, equity theory, goal-setting theory and reinforcement model.
Leadership. What is the difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership?
Control. What are factors that need to be controlled?
Others. Please read the module and make your guess.
Management is a very wide subject. But for the exam we have to master the module before anything else. But you are given the freedom to use any reference when preparing the assignment.
Why keep to the module? Because [my own opinion] they are basic knowledge that we must know in this subject. All sub-topics are selected by panel of experts.
Later after you are employed, you may want to apply any theory...is up to you.
Exam tips. For adult students like you, the question is always of the application type. Like what would you do to introduce change in your organization? What are the obstacles and how do you overcome them?
Communication. What are comm barriers and how do you overcome them?
Motivation. Define / explain briefly expectancy theory, equity theory, goal-setting theory and reinforcement model.
Leadership. What is the difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership?
Control. What are factors that need to be controlled?
Others. Please read the module and make your guess.
28.10.07
PEST - POLITICAL, ECONOMY, SOCIAL, TECHNOLOGY
Many people [businessmen] know this but most do not realise that they are termed as PEST. Perhaps, they are being practical. They only focus on what they are supposed to do, make as much profit while the authorities are not on their back.
Mr Lee Lam Thye always stress on occupational safety while Karam Singh is being very sensitive on environment.
Politically if the people is not serious, the businessmen will be as complacent as ever.
Economically, they control the price. No amount of campaign will change the situation. The people are just plain ignorant on what to do if they are being short-changed.
Socially, the people are just couldn't care less. They grumble, but they will still support the businessmen.
Technology is money. Cheap labour are plenty.
Perhaps the government can make arrangement with big players like Wal Mart, Tesco, Carre Four, Jaya Jusco, Mydin, etc and put things in the right place to protect the consumers.
Theoritically speaking, PEST is important for the survival of an organization. But practically speaking is it really matter to them? I wonder whether the theory of supply and demand is true or is only half true.
I like to hear comment.
Mr Lee Lam Thye always stress on occupational safety while Karam Singh is being very sensitive on environment.
Politically if the people is not serious, the businessmen will be as complacent as ever.
Economically, they control the price. No amount of campaign will change the situation. The people are just plain ignorant on what to do if they are being short-changed.
Socially, the people are just couldn't care less. They grumble, but they will still support the businessmen.
Technology is money. Cheap labour are plenty.
Perhaps the government can make arrangement with big players like Wal Mart, Tesco, Carre Four, Jaya Jusco, Mydin, etc and put things in the right place to protect the consumers.
Theoritically speaking, PEST is important for the survival of an organization. But practically speaking is it really matter to them? I wonder whether the theory of supply and demand is true or is only half true.
I like to hear comment.
LEADERSHIP - POWER DISTANT
Malaysia is a multi-racial country. However all the major races [Malay Chinese and Indian] has one common culture; respect the family head, respect the leader and community first.
As such, power distant in Asia is very obvious. Power distant means the boss is always right, do what he ask us to do and question later.
This culture is here to stay for a very long time to come. No one dare to question the leader, the authorities and everybody in power. In this society, poison pen later is thus quite common. Since you can't question the boss, you make informal reports against your boss.
If you are lucky, the boss will be asked to march before his boss to answer the allegation.
One day when you become boss, you will expect the same from your subordinates. Respect you and don't ask question. You are always right.
As such, power distant in Asia is very obvious. Power distant means the boss is always right, do what he ask us to do and question later.
This culture is here to stay for a very long time to come. No one dare to question the leader, the authorities and everybody in power. In this society, poison pen later is thus quite common. Since you can't question the boss, you make informal reports against your boss.
If you are lucky, the boss will be asked to march before his boss to answer the allegation.
One day when you become boss, you will expect the same from your subordinates. Respect you and don't ask question. You are always right.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE - REFLEXOLOGY
Some how rather, I have keen interest in reflexology. Once I experience sudden hearing loss and visited a doctor. After a brief examination she referred me to ENT Specialist at one of the nearest Military Hospital near my house.
After months of investigation and examination, the doctor finally said that I have to use hearing aids. I have lost something like 70% of my hearing, and my right ear is only good for low pitch sound.
I then tried reflexology. I found one experienced guy through my friends whom I know were exposed to reflexology. However after few months, I felt there was not much improvement.
But I learned a lot from this new experience. What I learned most is to acquire the knowledge and skill in reflexology. Once I managed to determine that my friend is suffering from sinusitus just by touching his toes.
I ask him to visit the doctor quickly and the next day he was operated.
Like any other traditional medicine, Reflexology is termed as complimentary medicine. At times Reflexology may help to determine sicknesses faster than modern medicine. Reflexology does not require any medicine [tablet or liquid] and will not interfere with other medication.
Therefore, while you are being observe by doctors in hospital, reflexology will help you to get better faster.
LESSONS LEARNT. Management wise, not all modern management approach is suitable to modern people. The old traditional approach or those preached in the Quran or Bible is equally if not more effective.
After months of investigation and examination, the doctor finally said that I have to use hearing aids. I have lost something like 70% of my hearing, and my right ear is only good for low pitch sound.
I then tried reflexology. I found one experienced guy through my friends whom I know were exposed to reflexology. However after few months, I felt there was not much improvement.
But I learned a lot from this new experience. What I learned most is to acquire the knowledge and skill in reflexology. Once I managed to determine that my friend is suffering from sinusitus just by touching his toes.
I ask him to visit the doctor quickly and the next day he was operated.
Like any other traditional medicine, Reflexology is termed as complimentary medicine. At times Reflexology may help to determine sicknesses faster than modern medicine. Reflexology does not require any medicine [tablet or liquid] and will not interfere with other medication.
Therefore, while you are being observe by doctors in hospital, reflexology will help you to get better faster.
LESSONS LEARNT. Management wise, not all modern management approach is suitable to modern people. The old traditional approach or those preached in the Quran or Bible is equally if not more effective.
TRAINING
When we say training, many [most] people think of formal training. However, informal training is 'not recognised' by the organization itself.
I like to suggest that HR Dept start to think of formalising this informal training so that employee will start to think of their daily performance.
It is as simple as this. The employee will log in the diary of his/her activities for a week or month. The immediate superior, whether his/her own or where ever department he/she is attached [for a particular project / period] will endorse and write a remark.
This log is then kept in a personnel file in the department and later by the HR Dept.
This suggestion may be applicable to those under observation for promotion.
Your opinion?
I like to suggest that HR Dept start to think of formalising this informal training so that employee will start to think of their daily performance.
It is as simple as this. The employee will log in the diary of his/her activities for a week or month. The immediate superior, whether his/her own or where ever department he/she is attached [for a particular project / period] will endorse and write a remark.
This log is then kept in a personnel file in the department and later by the HR Dept.
This suggestion may be applicable to those under observation for promotion.
Your opinion?
ASSIGNMENT TIPS - OUM
I always tell my students to read and understand the question first. The question and the requirement is not found in one page only. It is the whole.
Once you have fully understand the question, ask for further clarification from your tutor. This is because he/she may understand [interprate] differently. After all, he is the one who is going to grade your assignment.
Call him, e-mail him or sms him. He is very glad to answer you.
Next, do your framework. Again ask for his opinion.
If you are confident now, complete the paper and submit before or during the deadline.
Good luck.
Once you have fully understand the question, ask for further clarification from your tutor. This is because he/she may understand [interprate] differently. After all, he is the one who is going to grade your assignment.
Call him, e-mail him or sms him. He is very glad to answer you.
Next, do your framework. Again ask for his opinion.
If you are confident now, complete the paper and submit before or during the deadline.
Good luck.
TIME MANAGEMENT
What is time management? This is just a title to attract people into a program or to buy books. It is actually a business gimmick if I may say.
I was one of those who feel cheated enrolling into so called time management talk. I also read few books on time management in libraries. And the suggestion is never on how to manage time.
My experience on time management is very simple. We can't manage time. God has given us day and night about the same total of hours and minutes everyday. Actually we have to manage ourself, not time.
PRIORITISE YOUR WORK AND ACTIVITIES. Don't worry whether they are important, urgent, routine or what so ever. Just think and decide which one you should do and complete first.
ENJOY LIFE. Allocate time with your partner, friends, and family [parents, brother and sister, children]. Say hallo if you can't meet them. Allocate time means, stick with the time allocated to it. Don't waste too much time.
PRAY. Allocate time to pray. We're all created by Him.
Good luck
I was one of those who feel cheated enrolling into so called time management talk. I also read few books on time management in libraries. And the suggestion is never on how to manage time.
My experience on time management is very simple. We can't manage time. God has given us day and night about the same total of hours and minutes everyday. Actually we have to manage ourself, not time.
PRIORITISE YOUR WORK AND ACTIVITIES. Don't worry whether they are important, urgent, routine or what so ever. Just think and decide which one you should do and complete first.
ENJOY LIFE. Allocate time with your partner, friends, and family [parents, brother and sister, children]. Say hallo if you can't meet them. Allocate time means, stick with the time allocated to it. Don't waste too much time.
PRAY. Allocate time to pray. We're all created by Him.
Good luck
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