World of Habits

March 9, 2020March 9, 2020

What about wastage?

“I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.” – Ian Fleming

In this blog, I would like to share about wastage. When you do a search on wastage, there are a LOT, I mean a LOT of information about wastage. In fact, I will not be able to mention all of the wastage, I am only going to focus based on what I have learnt from Lean management; 7 wastes of Lean.

I learnt from a professor friend (I once attended his class) who taught me a way to remember the 7 wastes of Lean based on the diagram created below:

Apart from the 7 wastes (based on the acronym “PIT WORM”), I added one extra waste, Human Potential. Please allow me to share some information and examples on the wastes. The examples will be based on real-life and not in manufacturing or services industry. Please write to me, should you have any thoughts or feedback to share. Thank you.

Here’s my sharing…

Processing
One of my mentors, a successful business woman once told me, “Dion, over thinking kills!” For me, over thinking is the processing that we are doing “Flexing our brain muscles…” to think, spending the time to design, putting the hours in planning. Hence the term, busy being busy. It will definitely be a waste when we only put our effort in thinking and planning with no action. Action speaks louder than words. What is stopping us from taking action? Let’s do what we can with the resources that we have… start doing and the results (big or small) will come.

“The ONLY impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

Inventory
In this time and age, there is a lot of marketing… digital marketing, social media, on-line shopping and many more. Whether we like it or not, we are constantly being bombarded by things to buy and own. When talking to some of my friends, they are buying a lot, especially during sales (offer) period; some examples are keeping stock of shampoo, toilet rolls, food stuffs and etc. Just yesterday, my wife cleared the pantry and discarded a lot of expired food (some are gifts from friends and family members); lesson learned, to give away and bless others than to keep until expire. Learn not to be a hoarder… my opinion… no point buying to keep as it will get old or spoiled and it’s a waste.

Transport
I will relate this to driving, especially when we keep our engine running waiting for our kids to dismiss from school or for someone buying something. The wastage will be on petrol / diesel and emission of carbon harming our earth. One case to share will be, last Saturday, I was supposed to meet my cousin sister from the train station (in the morning), I live in the island and the train station is situated in mainland. I received a call from her that due to not being able to purchase the ticket, she will be taking the next train and arriving the station that afternoon. Lesson learned from the case, when we did not do proper planning and scheduling, delay like this is unavoidable. Another example off my head will be road closures (when we are not in the know about it), because of that, we might be late and need to take a detour taking the longer way. Best is to just do some planning and prepare for any circumstances.

Waiting
Experienced any long waiting time, queuing to get something done? Last week, I went to Touch “N” Go customer service office wanting to settle my expired cards and get my refund. The moment I walked in the office, the place were like “packed sardines” and I press the queue number, there were more than 15 people before my turn! Can you imagine the waiting time? At first I waited and the average time taken for one person to complete a transaction was about 10 minutes… after about two people done… I was looking around the office and something caught my eye. The refund can be done on-line, so I scanned the QR code and access the website, registered myself and got everything done (on-line) in less than 10 minutes. I passed my queue number to the person who walked through the entrance, smile and left the office. Another example will be on-line banking… it definitely helps to save some time than waiting for the staff to serve us.

Overproduction
The example I would like to share on this will be something that I am passionate about… COOKING! At times when I am over excited about a new recipe, I tend to cook too much; especially food that may not taste good once keeping it overnight and best eat fresh. Apart from that, in my line of work… having the mentality to have spare copies of notes, handouts and materials… not planned properly leading to wastage. Another classic example when eating out… ordering too much because everything looks delicious and greedy wanting to try everything!!

Rejects
When it comes to this topic on rejects, I would like to relate to making mistakes resulting to rejection. How does one make mistakes? Lacking of sleep, focus, planning, information and making assumptions, thinking that we know or having sufficient information to make that decision. When using the wrong tools or applying the wrong skills may lead to being rejected… not having the trust or rapport when working with others as well. The key to having minimal rejection will be preparation (perfect practicing the skills, obtaining enough information, rest well and focus.)

Movement
Work hard or work smart? For me, initially, we have to master the work (knowing the steps) by working hard. Once we know the details, we can then analyse how we can improve the task. What are the steps that we can eliminate to save time and effort (not compromising quality)? Another sound advice given by one of my mentors is to ask for directions (or help) when you are not familiar, never assume. A simple example I can think of, preparing for the next day’s exercise clothing (to bring down with me when I wake up), to save some movement from going up to the room to take the clothing. Saving a bit of movement, here and there will lead to a LOT!

Human Potential
In my opinion, human potential is endless. There will be lots of opportunities, provided if we want to put in the work to action. Of course, we have the talents that we would like to work on, just that I truly believe that when it comes to potential, “the sky is NOT the limit, our mind is…” we are our own biggest enemy. My own example that I can share is that I know every morning, I have the potential to run at least 5 kilometers or more (depending on the time that I am willing to put in)… and after running about 3 kilometers… I tend to tell myself that… “Hey! that is good enough… you have sweat and that’s it… stop and go home…” The potential is there and I have just limit myself once I think it’s good enough. Not sure about you… this is just one of the examples that I can share with you. How about you? What is stopping you from reaching your highest potential?

Image result for quotes on potential greatness

“Your habits, your future!”

February 8, 2020February 9, 2020

Start living life to the fullest

” Life is short, and it is here to be lived.” – Kate Winslet

Do the following phrases sound familiar to you?

Life is short… You only live once… You have only one life, live it… never regret your life… live as if you’ll die today… and many more.

For the past two months, I have been receiving news about people passing… some acquaintances, friends, and family members. All the bad news on death… I do not mean to be rude or inconsiderate, we know that ultimately, we will leave this world… You and I know that, I believe. It’s inevitable and we are just temporary residents of the world.

And yet, the news somehow still affected me, subconsciously. Made me think the following thoughts…

– Appreciate those people around you.
– Spend quality time with your loved ones.
– Create memories.
– Live in the moment and experience the valuable time together.
– Never regret.
– Is today my last day in this world?
– What else do I need to do for my loved ones?
– What can I do to help people around me?
– How do I want people to remember me?

Well, what I can do now is to live my life with what I have, my purpose, dreams and journey with the people I want. Making choices that is worth paying the price for.

“Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.” – Sarah Louise Delany

Image result for stop worrying and start living meme

No point worrying and thinking too much about things that are not within our control. We can just do our best and strive for excellence. Do what we can and let God do what we cannot.

The following points will be a reminder to myself and if you can benefit from them, please go ahead to perfect practice them. Let me know how it goes and share your success with me, so that I can inspire others with your story.

Are you ready? Here they are…

How to live life to the fullest…

Focus on what you want and what’s important to you. You are the captain to your own ship called “LIFE”… you decide which way you want to go. Ultimately, you make the choices and be responsible for the outcome of your choices.

No risks, no gain. Another phrase that really sounds familiar. I just need to remember to take the risks that I am able to be accountable for. Not taking just any risks blindly. It helps to have mentors and coaches who can bring out the best in you when making decisions.

Tell your loved ones that you love them. Hug them and create memories with them. How you want them to remember you? Start doing things together, while you still can.

Wise people learnt from own mistakes, wiser people learnt from other people’s mistakes… wisest people learnt from other people’s successes. Best to live in the present (NOW) than to live in the past or future. You can do something right now (based on what you learnt in the past) to get the results you want in the future. Right here, right NOW!

You cannot please everyone all the time. At the end of the day, by trying to please everyone, you please no one (especially yourself). Be true to yourself and you choose who you want to be with, to spend time with and to create precious memories with.

Be honest with yourself, live up to your own values. People who do not have the same values, sooner or later, they will not stick around. As what people say, “birds of the same feather, they flock together…” Better to have people with the same values to be part of your life. You can then be yourself, no need to pretend to be who you are.

Find happiness and meaning in life through serving others. By helping others, you are in fact, helping yourself (to find meaning and be happy). Have the abundance mentality, the more you help others, the more you gain in return. And expect nothing… whatever comes back, it’s a BONUS.

The mind is like the parachute… it only works when it is open. When you are open to learning, you will then learn new things and find meaning. Steve Jobs also mentioned… “Stay hungry, stay foolish…” Life is a journey of learning.

Action speaks louder than words. This is definitely a strong reminder for me to take (massive) action, if I want to achieve results that I set goal for and to solve the challenges that I am facing. Like what I have learnt, as leaders, we need to “walk our talk!”. Having integrity as our character will somehow be the personal brand. (How do you want people to remember you?).

“Life is short, and you have to have fun with it, you know?” – Fabio Lanzoni

What is stopping you from living your life to the fullest?

If there is a need to talk to someone, let the someone be me… call me and we can chat over coffee. Thank you for your time in reading this blog and all the very best in your life.

“Your habits, your future!”

January 12, 2020

Health and Wellness

“Create healthy habits, not restrictions. “

How’s your new year 2020 so far? Before the end of 2019, I have had the chance to get some feedback from my friends and social media contributors on the above-mentioned topic. Thank you to those who have contributed and if you would like to share yours, please put in the comment below. I wish you all the very best in your health and wellness this year and beyond.

“Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”
– Josh Billings

By the way, the intention of this blog is for sharing and learning purposes… in my humble opinion, there is “NO RIGHT NOR WRONG…” Thank you.

Wake up early, exercise daily, eat moderately, fast alternately but most importantly is to do whatever you can do and spend time with your love ones full-hardheartedly.
Have a 4-legged pet… Walk them morning n evening.
Understanding what u want, plan, execution and mostly, consistency.
Other than that… Happiness and Peace also important.
Take very good care on one own health and wellness, by eating healthily and exercise daily. Before you can take care of anyone else you love.
Its good that u have health awareness.. most people will only start to practice healthy lifestyle when they have bad result in health check
take care of yourself well physically (do exercises), mentally (reading and other brain triggered tasks), emotionally (positive interactions, meditation etc)…
Commit the day to God before starting the day and say thank you before ending the day.
recommended exercise is 30 mins x 3 a week… I’d say 5 days 30 mins will be better. without health, no money or family can do anything. also start giving more… like all your money to some one like me 🙂
Spend time with yourself, God, family and friends. Exercise, do some charity work, eat moderately and do whatever makes you happy as long as it’s not against the law, it is not unethical and it doesn’t cause harm to others
Sure way to lose weight while able to eat anything… skip dinner
Realise what makes your soul happy & enjoy doing it.
I’ve recently shifted my new year resolutions to start on my birthday. It somehow gets better commitment and results.
Learn to bless every person you meet. The more you bless the more happiness you gain.
Have a positive mindset. You are what you think. Put God n faith in your lives daily, eating moderately, exercise healthily and live happily.

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn

There you go… some great sharing, ideas and learning. Found any one that you would like to start this year? If you do, please share with me. I would love to hear from you. All the very BEST!

“Your habits, your future!”

December 31, 2019December 31, 2019

2019 at a glance

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin

Can you believe it, today is the last day of 2019. I told myself that I have got to complete sharing this blog before the year ends… I believe that everyone has their own achievements, near-misses and misses this year. We will only focus on the achievements as it is better and more positive, agree?

All right, let’s dive in to what I have achieved in 2019… the sharing is only for learning purposes and also for me to keep records (who knows one day, my children would like to know what their father has achieved in life… haha).

(1) Started Value Driven Resources S/B (VDR)

I have decided to be on my own again after a few years working with a training provider. More focus and doing what I aspire to do more based on my life purpose. Still partnering with the previous company I served and really enjoyed working with the team. Great bunch of people and friends. Like one of my mentors said, “In business, there is no forever enemies, competitors can be your complimentors… why compete when you can complete?”
Want to know more about VDR, please visit the website;
http://valuedrivenresources.com/

(2) New team building and workshop activities

Due to clients’ demands and requests… I have managed to design and create new activities. Interesting and some breath of fresh air into my training and facilitation sessions. Looking forward to using and improvising in 2020.

(3) New country – Nepal

One of my mentors have helped me to be part of a mission trip that has given me the opportunity to be in a new country. The experience was fantastic, learning their culture, lifestyle and the experience plus exposure… priceless! It’s a good country to visit, especially if you like nature and scenery.

(4) Completed Graduate Certificate studies

Taken this extra academic qualification enabled me to have new friends, contacts and widen my network. It also serves as additional credential to support me with my upcoming studies. No harm investing in yourself to upgrade knowledge and skills.

(5) New Coaching Camp

Thanks to the client for the request and because of that, I had the opportunity to design, create and run this new coaching camp. The management team and I had a great time in one of the finest retreat location to experience this Coaching Camp. We have leaders from various countries attending this coaching boot camp. Real life experience and best practices sharing. I definitely learned a lot from them. Thank you for the awesome opportunity and learning.

(6) Trainers’ Retreat

When I was with my previous company, I proposed to run this retreat or gathering of trainers and friends. After numerous attempts, it did not happen. Then one day, while sitting down with a fellow trainer friend and mentor, this topic came about and we just fixed the date then get some great friends together for this retreat. We have a lovely time, experience sharing and of course, great food plus memories! The retreat was organised in Kampar, Perak. Planning to have another one in 2020.

(7) Recorded Podcast with a friend

A good and close friend of mine presented this opportunity to me to record a podcast with him. I am really honoured and glad we did it. I believe we will be having more episodes in the coming future. Please do support us and listen to the podcast (any inputs will be welcomed, as we are consider in our infant stage of recording);
https://theblackbeltmillionaire.com/category/podcast/

(8) Helped my mentor to setup Power Speaking Dynamics blog site

One of my great mentors, Mr. Edwin G. Johnson wanted to leave a legacy to help people with speech and presentation. He shared the idea with me and he gave me the opportunity to help him create a blog site… feel free to read his blogs and sharing;
http://www.powerspeakingdynamics.com/

(9) New providers as partners in business

I appreciate great network of friends… they have introduced me to a few new partners and fantastic opportunities. We are going to have good working journey as partners. I believe in long term business and partnerships. Thank you for the wonderful opportunities.

(10) Overseas holiday with wife and kids

Thank God for the awesome memories and time together with my wife and kids. We had great time internationally and locally. Time well invested together.

(11) Facebook Page – Lai lim kopi!

After my various journey in work / play… good food, new places and especially delicious yummy coffee… the experience has led me to create a Facebook page to share with friends on coffee / tea drinking (though the name of the page is based on coffee… I also drink tea and have friends who like drinking tea). Please visit the page and like… spread to all your friends who like to drink coffee / tea;
https://www.facebook.com/lailimkopi/

Have a great year 2020 and beyond. Be happy, healthy and create great memories.

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” — Zig Ziglar

“Your habits, your future!”

December 23, 2019December 23, 2019

2020 Habits Resolution

“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.” – Benjamin Franklin

2019 seemed to be passing us fast and 2020 is just around the corner. As new year is approaching, lots of people will be looking into their new year’s resolution. As for me, yes, I do have my 2020 goals and this blog today, is not about my goals.

Recently, I have sent out a survey with the three -(3) questions below:

What is the one habit change goal that you want to achieve in 2020?
How do you plan to achieve the goal? What strategies and action steps that you are going to take?
What challenges do you foresee in your journey to achieving the goal?

I have to thank my group of friends who have taken their time to complete the survey. I will not be sharing who they are to respect their identity and I do believe that it will be good to share their response for others to learn from it. My sincere gratitude and please find the contribution to benefit the readers as enclosed.

(1) What is the one habit change goal that you want to achieve in 2020?

– Daily light exercises and swimming at least once a week.
– Taking time for daily prayer.
– Overcome procrastination.
– Waiting for the right time Habit —-> Just do
– read more books
– Be empathic leader
– To wake up at 6am
– procrastination
– More exposure
– Conscious choices: With eating (vegetarian), Active lifestyle (workout weekly), Education ( leadership courses/studies), Community (volunteering)
– Remove self-doubt
– Breakthrough business goal and keep doing exercise to maintain good health.

(2) How do you plan to achieve the goal? What strategies and action steps that you are going to take?

Note: the answers below are related to the response from question #1.

– Involve my spouse for support and as an accountability partner.
– Awake early in the morning, and start my day in prayer. I’ll need to go to sleep earlier to be sure to get enough sleep.
– breaking down bigger tasks to smaller ones that are achievable and focus on now instead of tomorrow. start with smaller ones.. even a simple task.
– Forget everything, just do and learn from mistakes
– to wake up early to finish books.
– 1. Involve myself in CSR allow me to slow down and give space . 2. Listen empathically and understand message behind
– To wake up earlier than usually, I need to sleep earlier (11pm)
– setting deadlines
– Training & Development. Enough time to speed out the internal & external.
– Accountability Partners, sign up for courses, go to group workouts, sign up for volunteer work.
– Track my past records, list it down and place it where I can see it. Do self-reflection on the records, have a sense of gratitude and thankfulness on how God has blessed me all this year. Reaffirm that in my mind and remove any room for doubt.
– Remind myself should do all things with the best effort, learn from books, experts, and discipline

(3) What challenges do you foresee in your journey to achieving the goal?

– Procrastination, loss of momentum.
– Being consistent and not being disrupted by travel.
– this habit is 20 years old… it’s gonna be quite a challenge
– Lose some gain some
– not waking up early
– 1. Patience
– Sometimes there will be dinners and possibly late meetings that might prevent me from achieving this goal.
– other issues coming in
– Limitation of internal capable staff.
– Influences, time management, commitment.
– Self-demonising and sell myself short
– VUCA WORLD, AI & technology can change to the way we work, change the customer habit on buying and using services (can be online learning, more practical, short training – 1/2 day and doing quarterly). Companies can cut down working time of HR, using more automation, work from home, so skills for employee can be shifted to adapt to virtual interaction, …

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There you go… it is never easy to work on the goals that we want. It makes it more meaningful when the goal is hard and you achieve it. The key here and a reminder to myself, I need to keep going, do it until I achieve what I need to and rest if I must but keep moving forward…

Have a great year 2020 and beyond.

“Your habits, your future!”

October 7, 2019October 7, 2019

Life of a Trainer, Facilitator and Coach (Survey)

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Soren Kierkegaard

Last year I did a survey (for fun) to get some inputs from my friends who are in the professional development industry. Their experience as a trainer, facilitator and coach / mentor are ranging from two -(2) to twenty five -(25) years. I have a lot of respect for them and I am glad that they are my friends. Thank you for all your inputs… you know who you are!!

At times, I received some questions on how to be a trainer or coach and I look forward to this sharing to answer some of that questions that one has pertaining to this industry. Well, you can always invite my friends or me for coffee to discuss or brainstorm further…

Without further delay, please find outcome of the survey…

(1) Why are you doing this?

To leave a legacy behind that I have touched and transformed people positively worldwide.
As a Coach I can support young people to find their life purpose and develop their competency to success in VUCA World.
I love doing this because my passion is to impart knowledge in the most simple, engaging and connected manner.
Doable Business
My passion and helping people
Passion
Self-satisfaction, Giving Back to Society
Is something I am passionate about and a journey of learning for both.
Out of passion
To inspire people to do their best to strive
it fulfills my passion of helping people think better

As for me, my life purpose is “To inspire and develop leaders to reach their highest potential, for God.”

(2) What is the most memorable experience in training or coaching? (feel free to share more than one)

After more than 15 years people still remember on the impact I created in their life
When people say that I make them feel great about themselves
When people say that they become better because of my teachings
I helped an entrepreneur of a construction company to turnaround his business by just developing the leader inside him (learn how to lead self, influence people, listen more and treat employees the way they want by learning their love languages). And this is a volunteer project for SME community.
When your participants give you a round of applause not only at the end of the training (usually 2 days) but at the end of the first day! Nothing beats that feeling of satisfaction.
The feeling of HIGH @ the end of program
When participants/clients change for the positive, and appreciative of our coaching/training
Seeing lives transformed for the better
Your participants remembering you , when it has slipped your memory
When I know I have made some difference in the organization striving for betterment
I remember the first time my participant told me that it made his life better, at work and with his family… the joy I had to continue my journey as a trainer/coach/sharing/mentor was a breeze.
1. The person coached performed outstandingly and received a double promotion.
2. The whole branch performance turned around from red to black within 3 months when the HQ management gave them 1 year.
3. 14 bank branches increased sales in all their identified weak portfolios in less than 2 quarters with a minimum increase of 25%. The list goes on……..
Participant remembered what you taught them and applied practically in life and workplace
When I got feedback from a participant how she applied the insights and also share the insights with her colleagues who also benefited from the learning

As for me, all of the above and more, when you know are able to make a difference in lives… every session is different and not everyone in that session will apply what they learned. I am just looking for one person, one life to inspire… I trust there will be one every time!

(3) What is your favourite quote?

Choose to Lead, once a while learn to follow
“Live a life you want. Do not care too much on how people think about you”~ my quote:)”
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment” Jim Rohn
Knowing is not doing
For things to change for you, you have to change first yourself.
The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.
“We are all learners, and that is the way to grow positively”.
Too many to recall. 8 truth of life by Abdul Kalam is a good guide for me
All that is not given, is lost!
Follow Your Passions And Success Will Follow
The purpose of the body is to carry the brain

My favourite quote will be the quote I share with everybody… “Your habits, your future!”

(4) Who are your role models?

Jesus Christ, MGR, Konosuke Matsushita, My Parents, My wife
Jeff Bezos; Warren Buffet; Steve Jobs
Barrack Obama – His Leadership Traits Anyone with patience and perseverance
Myself
Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jack Ma
Jack Canfield, John Maxwell, Robin Sharma, Marshall Goldsmith, Dr Peter Chee and others.
My First Head of Department (1977)
My prophet
I am my own
Tony Robbins
My parents

I have many role models, Jesus Christ, my parents, my mentors, coaches, my wife and even my kids… I am really learning from them!

(5) What are the titles of your favourite books?

How to win friends and influence people
How to stop worrying and start living
Think and Grow Rich
Coaching & Mentoring for Breakthrough Success; Value Investment; The Power of Think Difference; Sapiens.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Stephen Covey
How Successful People Think: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life – John Maxwell
Purpose Driven Life
Simplify, The Power of Habits, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Mindset…etc
Too many to recall….To Kill A Mocking Bird . My Family & Other Animals.
Quran
A balance life Nutrition immunology by Dr Chen
Art of war
You’ll See It When You Believe It.
Change your habit Change your world
Mindset, Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last, Rewire

Mine will be… easy… all of the above, haha!

(6) Any advice or tips for one who wants to start as a trainer or coach?

Pursue excellence in training by being a role model
You must love what you do and do what you love.
Be genuinely passionate about everything you do… and you will see the miracle happen.
Be transparent and creative
If you aren’t passionate enough, and wanting to be a coach or trainer because you see/admire/envy others having the income or the lifestyle, then don’t do it. You must have the love for people in order for you to go far in this industry. Also, it starts from yourself. You need to keep learning, improving and change. Role modeling and walking the talk is very important.
Educate yourself first.Open Minded, Live Long Learning
Match it with your passion. Training can be in many areas
Have a whole lot of passion.
Love what you do and do what you love!
Doing what you are passionate about is more important
Know what you want to focus and excel in and why you want to do it

If you do it as your work, it will be tedious… if it’s play… everyday is a fun day!

“Difficult and meaningful will always bring more satisfaction than easy and meaningless.” – Maxime Lagacé

“Your habits, your future!”

August 22, 2019

Leadership branding

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffett

How do you want people to remember you?

This question will be one of the many questions I asked in the leadership workshop. The moment someone mentioned your name, what will be the first few traits or identity that come into their minds? More positive or not so positive?

I believe that building your own leadership branding will take time and it’s a journey to be consistent and maintain a great brand. It also serves as a good reminder for us to ensure we are practicing what we are preaching. It all boils down to integrity.

“You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” – Henry Ford

Yes, another profound statement by Sir Henry Ford, intention alone may not be enough, we need to put into action should we choose to build our leadership brand.

The key areas to a great leadership branding, based on numerous interactions with leaders from around the region are as listed below;

Self-Leadership, leading others, emotional quotient, communication with others (the manner), how we make people feel after they have interacted with us…

One of the videos I have watched (introduced by one of the MNC leaders) mentioned the following process…

Character —> process —> results

Based on the process, the gain results and to sustain is to focus on the process. Once we get the process right (mastery and habits), the results will come automatically. Thus, to build our leadership branding, we need to work on how we are being, doing and getting it…

Our reputation and how we carry ourself when dealing with people (best is to stay true to ourselves), to strife by living your own brand (be comfortable in your own skin) and build good mindshare of others on you, and that is how I believe we can practice our differentiation (any how, we are unique).

How can we then work on building our leadership branding? We can make use of Deming’s PDCA model…

Plan, do, check, act

Plan; to me it means plan your own strategy and goals on your leadership branding.

Do; action and execution of your strategy and goals…

Check; what is the outcome from your action? How do you feel and what is the learning?

Act; fine-tune on the outcome and learning. It’s all in the details… a little bit goes a long way… the back to planning – setting your sight on your own improved version. Bigger and better… continuous improvement; Kaizen!

Recently while working on this leadership branding topic for my blog… I came across an article from Harvard Business Review;

The title of the article is as follows;

Define Your Personal Leadership Brand in Five Steps by Norm Smallwood

After reading it, I have picked up some good points that I would like to share with you… also my answers as example ?

1. What results do you want to achieve in the next year?

In the next 12 months, what would you like to see and experience with…

clients and partners;

My answer: Value in new approach, new topics, improved delivery

Own organisation;

My answer: Additional clients, new products, certification, partners

Community;

My answer: Serving with more CSR, charity,

Inspiring and developing leaders to reach their highest potential for God.

2. What do you wish to be known for?

Willingness to share, genuine and reliable

Innovative, ethical, fast and accurate

3. Define your identity

Dynamic, Integrity, Ownership, Nurturing

4. Construct your leadership brand statement, then test it.

“I want to be known for being ______________ so that I can deliver __________.”

I want to be known for being generous, ethical, dynamic, accountable so that I can deliver value to people that I served for the best memories of my life.

• Is this the brand identity that best represents who I am and what I can do?

• Is this brand identity something that creates value in the eyes of my organization and key stakeholders?

• What risks am I taking by exhibiting this brand? Can I live this brand?

5. Make your brand identity real

Being true to myself. Living my own legacy. Designing my own life as my leadership branding.

And my final thoughts,

Consistency is key.

“Your habits, your future!”

August 4, 2019

Communication habits

“Communication is the response you get…”

The quote is one of the NLP presuppositions that I have learnt from my certification program. Yes, we communicate everyday and we get all sorts of responses as well.

Another favourite of mine is…

“You cannot NOT communicate!”

During my training workshops, I will ask the participants (especially to those who are married)… “what will happen if you do not communicate with your spouse for a week?”

Most of them will answer… “you will sleep outdoor…” “that’s the end of you…” haha all interesting answers.

In this blog, I would like to share some good communication practices and habits.

Please feel free to share your thoughts as I believe I am still learning and we are in this learning journey together.

Here it goes…

being congruent

How are you being consistent with your words, the way you say it and body language? Are you in harmony with your intention and action?

Trust is congruence between what you say and what you do. – Peter Drucker

Attunement

When communicate with others, how aware are you with their responses? How is the receiver learning? What method will be effective for them to learn faster? Visual, Auditory or Kinaesthetic?

We each have a sixth sense that is attuned to the oneness dimension in life, providing a means for us to guide our lives in accord with our ideas. – Henry Reed

Listening

How are you listening?

We can learn from the late Stephen Covey… “listening with the intent to understand…”

it will be challenging to listen effectively when you have filters. We start judging and jumping into conclusion… definitely not helping us nor achieving good rapport with the speaker.

Awareness and mindfulness to perfect practice empathy… listening to emotions in the tone and physiology… may not be easy at first, it requires a lot of conscious effort plus practices to make it into a good habit.

Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional intelligence. That’s why they look alike. – Daniel Goleman

5 second rule

Happened to come across this learning from the book… “To sell is human” by Daniel Pink. A good book to read for leaders. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1594631905/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_alMrDbZZH9BHC

In summary, let’s wait for 5 seconds to ensure that others have finished with what they have to say… then we can reply. Pause and silent is one of the powerful tools in communication.

Silence is one of the great arts of conversation. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

Ask one question at a time

Our brains works fast and we may have lots to say or ask… to be effective, learn to focus on one question at a time. Let the receiver understand and internalise what you are asking, let them have the opportunity to answer with better comprehension of your question.

Avoid asking “nested questions”… question within a question or too many questions at one go…

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus. – Bruce Lee

It’s the manner not the matter

Communication is how we deliver the message not only the message nor it’s meaning.

Even if it’s not so good news delivered in a right manner, trumps good news delivered inappropriately…

Better good manners than good looks. – Proverb

Avoiding sarcasm nor assumptions

Usage of words and how you say them is important. What I’ve learnt when providing feedback and not to sound sarcastic nor implying that the receiver is at fault… usage of “I” rather than “you” will be recommended. “You” sounded more like placing the person as the attention of the conversation and may cause them to feel at fault.

Ask questions, don’t make assumptions. – Angela Ahrendts

Begin and end with positive

Imagine when you start on a journey with positive… a good start and everything will be better… the feeling will be great too. Then finishing off with positive as well… WOW! I don’t know about you, for me… that is truly recommended and ideal in any situation (most of the time…).

Let’s do our best to start and end with positive. People will be more appreciative and should we be consistent with that practice, it becomes our brand as a positive communicator.

Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success. – Paul J Meyer

Feel free to experiment the sharing above and let me know how it goes… looking forward to your success!

“Your habits, your future!”

July 12, 2019July 12, 2019

Thinking habits

Today is kind of special as it’s my first time using the WordPress app to write this blog… enjoy reading!

“The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it’s a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free.” – Charles R. Swindoll

We are constantly thinking and some of us are overthinking. My mentor used to tell me… “Dion, overthinking kills!”

Truthfully, till today, I am still thinking and I’m not asking anyone to stop thinking… just be mindful and practice Awareness on what are we thinking of?

What thoughts do you have in mind? More of positives or negatives? What’s the pattern? Being aware is the key to start changing.

For some of us, we are concern about how others are thinking of us… frankly speaking I believe people are only interested in themselves. So do not worry too much on how people think of you as they are busy thinking of themselves!

Thinking can help us to decide on what’s Important versus urgent. Guiding us to prioritise our activities and helping us to achieve our goals.

“Positive thinking is a valuable tool that can help you overcome obstacles, deal with pain, and reach new goals.” – Amy Morin

After reading some articles on thinking habits, I would like to share some key learning points I have gotten on good practices. Here we go…

1. Awareness about our thinking

First things first… Awareness before change as whatever we think and feel affects our attitude leading to our action and behaviour making our habits… if there is a pattern you realise that is not helping you, time to change.

2. Decide to have open mind to learning continuously.

Expand our understanding… find new topics and things to learn. Invest some minutes leading to hours to learning new things, reading value adding articles / books… there are endless learning tools out there, just have to start learning… pick one that you can start with.

3. Think agility, be flexible

There is a need to avoid being judgemental, accept different perspectives and viewpoints… be neutral and listen first… consider new ideas… then gauge whether they are align with your values. Flexibility trumps rigidity!

4. Humour helps

Humour is a good catalyst to positive emotions and vast thoughts… being too serious and over-thinking will affect our creativity. Humour helps us to be more productive and contributes to stress management. How can you start being humourous?

5. Empathy… Seek to understand

We need to practice more empathy… connecting and relating to others via listening. Listen with the intent to understand (as the late Stephen Covey mentioned). It is a skill that needs to be developed and done deliberately at first. And one day… it will be automatic.

6. No right, no wrong…

If you think it’s right, you are right… if you think it’s wrong, you are right!

When you read an article, the writer is just expressing via his/her own understanding, knowledge, experience and views… if needed, do your own research. If you do not agree, learn to voice your opinion and decide your own stand.

7. Imagination is more powerful than knowledge

Like Albert Einstein, we need to start dreaming, fantasising and think about the possibilities… keep visualising and be flowing with creative juice… do not let the dream stealers rob you of your greatest ability to imagine…

8. Be amazed and appreciate life which if full of wonderment

Discover and go with your passion. What are the things that make you feel amazing? Be in the moment to feel good creating memories. Today only comes once in your lifetime.

9. Risk if you need to…

Like what we have been exposed to the phrase… “no risk, no gain…”

Anyway, everyone’s risk appetite is different. To grow, you need to venture out of your comfort zone… unknown territory and not sure what you are going to get yourself into… whatever it is, it may not have to be a gamble. Set SMART goals that are meaningful to yourself and stretch your own limit. Great if you can think big and have a responsible plan to achieve the goals! And if you can find people who can help to support you… that’s a bonus!

10. Focus

There are so many distractions in our lives today. How can we learn to be more focused? We can start by praying or meditating, anyway that works for you. We as humans can only do what we can do… the rest will be up to God! What is stopping you from this thinking that you are not able to change? Take action to make it your habit!

I have this believe that someone has done it before… it’s a matter of how we can reach out to that someone and learn for him/her.

“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” – William Shakespeare

“Your habits, your future!”

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