Sunday, August 25, 2013
A great inspirational video for a great Sunday
A grea inspirational speaker and story
Nick Vujicic - Attitude is Altitude.com / Life Without Limbs.org
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Sun Tzu - The Use of The Office Gossip
Most people will say that its not honest to use spies in what we do. But I don't agree with this statement. Spies if used with integrity and honestly can be a great asset to an establishment. With spies you can know why the competitors is getting more business or what they are doing differently. Maybe their product or sales team is better, so then you can improve your product or team with this piece of info. That is why Sun Tzu has dedicated a chapter on the use of spies. Below is one of the verse "Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men." Verse 6 Chapter 13. THE USE OF SPIES Even the office gossip is useful. The office gossip is what Sun Tzu refers to as "Doomed Spies". "It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy." Verse 23 Chapter 13. THE USE OF SPIES If you find out that you have a staff who likes to divulge information on what's going on, be close to him. Listen to what he is talking but don't add anything, just listen. Investigate the info and act upon it discreetly so as not to show who the informant is. Also becareful if the office gossip talks about others to you, he can talk about you to other people.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
From the words of Sun Tzu-
How the Boss or Owner can bring down a Company
12. There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army:-- 13. (1) By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army. 14. (2) By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldier's minds. 15. (3) By employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers. Chapter III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM verse 12 -15
What this verses means is that the boss or CEO should leave the running of the operations to the managers that is closer to the operations. This is because these people know how bad or good the situation is. They know whether they can win or lose. If the CEO insists of his orders being followed without knowing the outcome than his company might fail. One example is when I was working as a waiter in a hotel that has just been taken over by an international chain. The Group General Manager insisted that we serve the local dishes in woks. We tried to explain to him that the local taboo is that its bad manners to eat from the wok. He didn't want to listen. The result of this came in the form of bad publicity and lose of business from the local community due to the fact that they didn't want to eat from the wok and that the hotel was not sensitive to the local culture. In some companies, there are times when the bosses or owners insist on put personnel even though the person is not experienced. This will then make the experienced staff there feel very frustrated working for a boss that doesn't know their job.
Sun Tzu has verse for that to. 33. If there disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. If the banners and flags are shifted about, sedition is afoot. If the officers are angry, it means that the men are weary. Chapter IX. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH verse 33
12. There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army:-- 13. (1) By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army. 14. (2) By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldier's minds. 15. (3) By employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers. Chapter III. ATTACK BY STRATAGEM verse 12 -15
What this verses means is that the boss or CEO should leave the running of the operations to the managers that is closer to the operations. This is because these people know how bad or good the situation is. They know whether they can win or lose. If the CEO insists of his orders being followed without knowing the outcome than his company might fail. One example is when I was working as a waiter in a hotel that has just been taken over by an international chain. The Group General Manager insisted that we serve the local dishes in woks. We tried to explain to him that the local taboo is that its bad manners to eat from the wok. He didn't want to listen. The result of this came in the form of bad publicity and lose of business from the local community due to the fact that they didn't want to eat from the wok and that the hotel was not sensitive to the local culture. In some companies, there are times when the bosses or owners insist on put personnel even though the person is not experienced. This will then make the experienced staff there feel very frustrated working for a boss that doesn't know their job.
Sun Tzu has verse for that to. 33. If there disturbance in the camp, the general's authority is weak. If the banners and flags are shifted about, sedition is afoot. If the officers are angry, it means that the men are weary. Chapter IX. THE ARMY ON THE MARCH verse 33
Monday, July 1, 2013
The Art of Wars teaches Virtues of a Good Leader
The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, discipline and courage. CHAPTER 1. LAYING PLANS Verse 9
From the above verse you will see the five characteristics that are required by Sun Tzu in order to be a good general. Let's see how this is relevant to our daily life.
Wisdom
So what does wisdom mean to us managers? What this translates to is that managers must have the knowledge on how to run his/her operations. He doesn't need to know everything but he must be able to make wise decision quick and correctly most of the time. He must be able to learn from mistakes if he has made a wrong decision. He also must be able to create strategies and take advantage of rising opportunity and avoid unnecessary dangers. That is why I recommend to those college students that are coming out to the working life, to work as lower ranking personnel first for a few years, learn the ropes then only go for the management position that they studied for. By this way the staff won't be able to cheat you where work is concerned.
Sincerity
The Importance of the Lower Rankin Personnel
Sincerity means that the manager must 'walk the talk'. He must show that he means business, he must lead by example. This will then create trust with his team members. As it has been shown throughout history, once a general has the trust of his army. He will then be able to unite his army against their enemies. This rule applies to managers as well. If a manager could not or do not reward for a job well done, it is unlikely that his team member would put in their best since they feel that they are not appreciated. Same thing for punishment, if certain rules are set out but team members who flout it are not punished, it would create chaos in the company's organization and structure.
Benevolence
Benevolence is understanding, accommodating and loves for his team members. On how to take care of his army, Sun Tzu mentions it in Chapter 10. But one must remember that too much pampering will spoil the army, making them too comfortable, thus making them feel that they cannot be replaced. Therefore they can hold us for ransom. What is happening to the workforce nowadays is a fine example. They want more and more and if their request is not met they will go on strike. That is why the next virtue is important to balance the outcome.
Discipline
Discipline is needed to balance the characteristic of benevolence. With discipline one must also be fair. Ensure that all your staff is given the same discipline standards and there is no favoritism. This will then show the staff you mean business. You, yourself must have great self-discipline, to set a good example to your army, gaining trust in the process as well.
Courage
Courage as most of us may know is what great leaders have. He must be able to face dangers with his army. What would his army think of him if he is the first one to flee away from danger, leaving his army to face it instead? In life, the manager should be able to face any situation that comes. He shouldn't let his team handle the situation while he hides away in his office. That's where the first virtue comes in Wisdom. He should take responsibility for the mistakes that are made under his department because at the end of the day, he is responsible for what is going on in the department. He should have the courage to make unfavorable or unpopular decisions. If the manager lacks courage in making difficult decision, he would be leading his company to a 'slow death'. Because most of the time these unfavorable decisions can cause huge damage that is accumulated in the long run.
From the above verse you will see the five characteristics that are required by Sun Tzu in order to be a good general. Let's see how this is relevant to our daily life.
Wisdom
So what does wisdom mean to us managers? What this translates to is that managers must have the knowledge on how to run his/her operations. He doesn't need to know everything but he must be able to make wise decision quick and correctly most of the time. He must be able to learn from mistakes if he has made a wrong decision. He also must be able to create strategies and take advantage of rising opportunity and avoid unnecessary dangers. That is why I recommend to those college students that are coming out to the working life, to work as lower ranking personnel first for a few years, learn the ropes then only go for the management position that they studied for. By this way the staff won't be able to cheat you where work is concerned.
Sincerity
The Importance of the Lower Rankin Personnel
Sincerity means that the manager must 'walk the talk'. He must show that he means business, he must lead by example. This will then create trust with his team members. As it has been shown throughout history, once a general has the trust of his army. He will then be able to unite his army against their enemies. This rule applies to managers as well. If a manager could not or do not reward for a job well done, it is unlikely that his team member would put in their best since they feel that they are not appreciated. Same thing for punishment, if certain rules are set out but team members who flout it are not punished, it would create chaos in the company's organization and structure.
Benevolence
Benevolence is understanding, accommodating and loves for his team members. On how to take care of his army, Sun Tzu mentions it in Chapter 10. But one must remember that too much pampering will spoil the army, making them too comfortable, thus making them feel that they cannot be replaced. Therefore they can hold us for ransom. What is happening to the workforce nowadays is a fine example. They want more and more and if their request is not met they will go on strike. That is why the next virtue is important to balance the outcome.
Discipline
Discipline is needed to balance the characteristic of benevolence. With discipline one must also be fair. Ensure that all your staff is given the same discipline standards and there is no favoritism. This will then show the staff you mean business. You, yourself must have great self-discipline, to set a good example to your army, gaining trust in the process as well.
Courage
Courage as most of us may know is what great leaders have. He must be able to face dangers with his army. What would his army think of him if he is the first one to flee away from danger, leaving his army to face it instead? In life, the manager should be able to face any situation that comes. He shouldn't let his team handle the situation while he hides away in his office. That's where the first virtue comes in Wisdom. He should take responsibility for the mistakes that are made under his department because at the end of the day, he is responsible for what is going on in the department. He should have the courage to make unfavorable or unpopular decisions. If the manager lacks courage in making difficult decision, he would be leading his company to a 'slow death'. Because most of the time these unfavorable decisions can cause huge damage that is accumulated in the long run.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Art o War - Looking out for the Small People
The Importance of the Lower Rankin Personnel
"In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be need in order to secure victory." CHAPTER 5-ENERGY. Verse 5
Never underestimate the importance of the lower ranking staff. They, for instance the clerical staff can let you know when the boss is free or even in a good mood. Most people forget that the secretaries or clerks are an important connection to the bosses. When I go around to meet bosses, I also say hello to their clerical staff. If I'm bringing a gift for the boss, I will try to bring a smaller one for his secretary. In this way when I need information on where her boss is, she can furnish me with that. This is also good if the person is really busy, you can find out where he goes for lunch and just "happen" to bump into him. One must also remember that most offices especially the government ones change bosses often but the secretary remains. So if you are close with her, she will put in good word for you with her new boss. This is what Sun Tzu calls "direct" and "indirect" warfare. The direct is with the boss. The indirect is the clerical staff.
The Importance of Well Rested Staff
Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. CHAPTER VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG. Verse 1
In any industry a well rested staff is good for productivity. Employees will be more focused in their jobs. In the hospitality industry that I am attached to, this saying is very important. Reason being is that if the staff is tired and worn out, they won't give their best to the customer. Tired people normally get irritated very fast. So if your staff is easily irritated, then a slightest can make them blow up. This staff is a walking time bomb as when a guest just says some thing wrong, they might lash out at the guest rudely. What I normally do is make here my staff is well rested before the busy season. Give your staff break before the busy period, so as they come to work refreshed.
"In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be need in order to secure victory." CHAPTER 5-ENERGY. Verse 5
Never underestimate the importance of the lower ranking staff. They, for instance the clerical staff can let you know when the boss is free or even in a good mood. Most people forget that the secretaries or clerks are an important connection to the bosses. When I go around to meet bosses, I also say hello to their clerical staff. If I'm bringing a gift for the boss, I will try to bring a smaller one for his secretary. In this way when I need information on where her boss is, she can furnish me with that. This is also good if the person is really busy, you can find out where he goes for lunch and just "happen" to bump into him. One must also remember that most offices especially the government ones change bosses often but the secretary remains. So if you are close with her, she will put in good word for you with her new boss. This is what Sun Tzu calls "direct" and "indirect" warfare. The direct is with the boss. The indirect is the clerical staff.
The Importance of Well Rested Staff
Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. CHAPTER VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG. Verse 1
In any industry a well rested staff is good for productivity. Employees will be more focused in their jobs. In the hospitality industry that I am attached to, this saying is very important. Reason being is that if the staff is tired and worn out, they won't give their best to the customer. Tired people normally get irritated very fast. So if your staff is easily irritated, then a slightest can make them blow up. This staff is a walking time bomb as when a guest just says some thing wrong, they might lash out at the guest rudely. What I normally do is make here my staff is well rested before the busy season. Give your staff break before the busy period, so as they come to work refreshed.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Importance of Having a Proper Management Strategy
The art of war is of vital importance to the State. Verse 1 Chapter 1
In Verse 1 Chapter 1 of the Art of War,Sun Tzu says the importance of the Art of War manual. Some might see this as a sales technique to have people read his works but I see it as Sun Tzu saying that we should have a set ways or methods to use in our daily life. As for me apart from me, apart from using the Art of War, I also use the methods of the One Minute Manager. Then he goes to say
It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. Verse 2 Chapter 1
What I get from this is that if we don't have a specific management style or procedure, we will manage at the spur of the moment and our plans will be changed without thinking or planning ahead. Most management skills are by trial and error but if you have a system like the art of war, you can have foresight on what's coming. Believe me the Art of War saved me from making some wring decisions. By following the Art of WarI have avoided battles with bosses and other departments that I might not have won or is a waste of time.The art of war is of vital importance to the State. Verse 1 Chapter 1
In Verse 1 Chapter 1 of the Art of War,Sun Tzu says the importance of the Art of War manual. Some might see this as a sales technique to have people read his works but I see it as Sun Tzu saying that we should have a set ways or methods to use in our daily life. As for me apart from me, apart from using the Art of War, I also use the methods of the One Minute Manager. Then he goes to say
It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.Verse 2 Chapter 1
What I get from this is that if we don't have a specific management style or procedure, we will manage at the spur of the moment and our plans will be changed without thinking or planning ahead. Most management skills are by trial and error but if you have a system like the art of war, you can have foresight on what's coming. Believe me the Art of War saved me from making some wring decisions. By following the Art of WarI have avoided battles with bosses and other departments that I might not have won or is a waste of time.
In Verse 1 Chapter 1 of the Art of War,Sun Tzu says the importance of the Art of War manual. Some might see this as a sales technique to have people read his works but I see it as Sun Tzu saying that we should have a set ways or methods to use in our daily life. As for me apart from me, apart from using the Art of War, I also use the methods of the One Minute Manager. Then he goes to say
It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.Verse 2 Chapter 1
What I get from this is that if we don't have a specific management style or procedure, we will manage at the spur of the moment and our plans will be changed without thinking or planning ahead. Most management skills are by trial and error but if you have a system like the art of war, you can have foresight on what's coming. Believe me the Art of War saved me from making some wring decisions. By following the Art of WarI have avoided battles with bosses and other departments that I might not have won or is a waste of time.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
SunTzu - Getting Even with Out Fighting
CHAPTER 1 : Verse 20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. Verse 21. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. Verse 22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. Verse 23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Verse 24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. Verse 25. These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. I used to get very angry when somebody highlighted about something in my department. Used to always find ways to hit back at that person. Then the fight got bigger with both sides trying to find each other faults. After that there were bad vibes between departments. Nowdays I follow the above quote. I just hold my tongue, solve the issue and improve my department. Most of the time the person who is finding fault starts becoming arogant and thinks he is without fault. He continues to look for my mistakes but doesn't take care of his side.
Problems will slowly pile up. When it gets too big and gets exposed, then I will move in. Using the Sun Tzu's quote below. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you. CHAPTER 11. THE NINE SITUATIONS verse 68
Problems will slowly pile up. When it gets too big and gets exposed, then I will move in. Using the Sun Tzu's quote below. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you. CHAPTER 11. THE NINE SITUATIONS verse 68
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)