A Passion of Compassion

Can World's Strongest Dad

2006-12-16T23:52:00.000+08:00

Truly amazing of how a father's love for his son is displayed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryCTIigaloQ&mode=related&search=

Genting Trip

2006-09-10T20:33:00.000+08:00

* Accident * 09/08/2006

2006-08-13T18:15:00.000+08:00

Aug 9, 1830hrs, crowds gathered at national stadium, awaiting the parade commander to marched out the contingents of military personel, where F16 and Apache flew past the parade square, where the nation gathered to celebrate 41st year of nation building. Disaster strucked at my very feet.
I was on my way to Queensway to buy something for a friend. Negotiating a bend, after exiting PIE at Lornie Road, at 100km/hr was the last thing a rider should do, nonetheless, i was doing that until i saw a tree branch laying right on the lane which i was traveling. Failing to avoid it, i skidded right at the side of the lane. And fortunately i skidded, because i was on the verge of hitting the curb which i could result in greater damage. I escaped with bruises and scratches on my hands and leg. On a lighted side, the first thing after i picked my bike up was to look at the mirror to see if there's any injury on my face.

I escaped this time, but it could have easily gone the other way. It was indeed a miracle, my shoe was found under the bike, but my leg was completely unhurt. Cars exiting PIE was traveling at 90-100km/hr, none were seen during the fall. And i know my time was not up.

Asked if i'm going to continue riding, my answer is simply "YES".
Read my previous post on:
Sunday, November 06, 2005, Entitled: "When You Have to Go, You Have to Go !"

How will life be after this incident?

Since i started riding in May, it's always my personal stand to refuse giving female a ride, although there are a few who wanted. This will continue because the first will definitely be my girlfriend. Now, i'm going to minimise giving anyone a ride.

There's simply too many things i've yet to accomplish. How could i leave in such a manner? And i know God will not allow.

Unpredictable things happen in life, especially when you most didn't expect it. Like it or not, things happen, offences come, disappointments exist, setbacks are normal.

I believe most would like to say "i've done what i need to do, there's no more regret even if i die now". But the truth is, many have left this earth with great regrets. Dreams that were never fulfilled, visions that never came to pass. Words that were not communicated, feelings that were never expressed to the one they love.

Yes, i'm in the four catagory mentioned above. That is why i'm still able to post today.

People have been asking me, who was the first person that came to your mind? This person belongs to the "words that were not communicated and feelings that were never expressed" catagory. I'm not going to mention name here anyway.

Life will not have much changes but i'm starting to realise that i'm wasting my time on my job.
I've been thinking of enrolling myself to NIE next year to fulfill my life motto

"A desire to instill in teenagers with right values and help them fulfill their highest calling in life. A passion that would cause me to go an extra mile to reach them!"

ICONite

2006-08-11T19:50:00.000+08:00

2006-06-04T23:50:00.000+08:00

Untittled

2006-05-15T22:12:00.000+08:00

Tonight, I officially joined the Rider's Club.. 3 cheerZ!

Where Are You Looking?

2006-05-07T20:46:00.000+08:00

I was just driving home today when something powerful "hit" me. Here's the analogy:

If you have a licence, you probably have gone through this "Figure of 8" course for bike and "S course" for motor cars. This course require trainees to manovour their vehicle through a narrow, designated, "S" liked area without striking/mounting the curb.

And you should have heard the instructor telling you to look far, look across your shoulder. Why? Because if you look just infront, you will probably end up on the grass patch.

Here's what struck me this afternoon:

"You will move to the direction you set your eyes upon"

Hear me well; Whatever you look towards, there you will end up.

Do you know where is the riches place in the world? USA..? United Kingdom..? Russia, where all the rich oil foundries are located? No... the riches place in the world is probably few kilometers away from your home. Cementary!

There in the grave lies, "dreams that were never fulfiled", "potential that was never achieved", "Vision that never came to pass".

Why did so many people live through a defeated life, a mediocre life. Without fulfiling their greatest calling!

Why? Because these people have set their eyes on things that could not help them fulfiled their lives' greatest potential. They set their eyes on the pleasure of this world that could never help them attain their true ability.

What ever a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

If you think you will not succeed in life, then you already laid the path that is infront of you. The choice lies on your hand, or should i say 'eyes'!? Where do you want to end up, you set your eyes on that.

Life is just a "-", (dash). What you get at the end of your life is on your tombstone. 1983 - 2050. But what lies inside this "-" is decided by you.

Think about it, i find this really true. Comments?

Questioning.

2006-04-15T09:03:00.000+08:00

Have you ever asked why does the sun rises in the east and sets in the west?

Are you the kind of person who would question just anything and everything? I've been through many presentations/ lessons and most of them are not engaging enough. It's always a one-way communication.

I realized that people are afriad to ask questions. What would others think if i asked a non-relevant question, or simply a 'stupid' question.

To me, 'stupid' questions does not exist. Questions are all interesting and worth a thought.

My boss likes to flood me with assignments, although i enjoy working on challenging assignments, i never accept blindly. I would assessed the feasibility of the assignment and feedback to him. Sometimes i do make him realized that the assignments are a waste of time and redundant.

Does the sun really rise and set? Most think it does.
But the truth is, it don't. The illusion of rising and setting is created by the rotating of the earth.

Didn't know that huh?

Lack of Post..

2006-03-15T21:35:00.000+08:00

No entries for a month since. Have been real busy @ work, working from 0830 - 2230hrs almost everyday. And today, i got quite sick of everything and decided to stop every assignments i have on hand and just leave on time.

Time to get some rest!

Well, at least should be getting some great returns this month.

"Thoughts"

2006-02-12T21:46:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking a lot lately. Everything! My future, studies, career, money, family and friends. But mostly on career.

And i have been especially struggling at work. Not because of the stress from work but i suddenly felt inferior when i look at people with degrees. I mean, they are earning like 1.5times more than me and we seem to be doing the same things.

And sometimes i feel that i can contribute more than some of them.

Just 1.5months into the job, i came out with a new reward system to encourage people to abide by the environment protocol. It was given green light by my boss.

I will also be embarking on a new program to speed up records storage.

Although i am a strong believer of 'Talents will not go unnoticed'; but there is always a company policy on salary grouping. Meaning there is a cap on salary based on your educational background.

Now, i've also decided that i will resign by Jun 06 if i don't get any pay increment. It is a practice in the company to reward good performer once they are confirmed(I am under probation now).

So, to leave a backdoor for me if i really resigned. I've decided to apply for Uni again this semester. Here are some choices:

1) Bachelor of Science (Economics), Singapore Management University
2) Bachelor of Accountancy, Singapore Management University
3) Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, National University of Singapore

I'll probably be going for a tour in Jun if that really happened.

Again, some choices here.

1) Europe
2) South Africa
3) Egypt or Turkey

"Fireworks @ River Hong Bao"

2006-01-31T23:42:00.000+08:00

"THE MERLION"

2006-01-25T21:08:00.000+08:00

"Fear Factor"

2006-01-20T23:22:00.000+08:00

When the word scared is said other words such as phobia, fright, fear, or anxiety comes to mind. The most common of them all being phobia, which is a Greek word meaning fear.

There are many different types of phobia/fear, just to name a few:

1. Thanatophobia - Fear of death or dying.
2. Kakorrhaphiophobia - Fear of failure or defeat.
3. Altophobia - Fear of heights.
4. Achluophobia - Fear of darkness.

Most fears are bad. But I got a story to illustrate otherwise;

One day, a king was inviting the brave and honourable man in his country to marry his daughter.

And thousands came and only 3 eligible ones were selected. The king decided to put them through an ultimate test to determine their sincerity and love for his princess.

He got the 3 young man to him and said: "Over the other side of the land is my precious and beloved princess, whoever can swim across this pool of crocodiles infront of you will become my son-in-law."

The 3 young man were astonished and stunned by his request. One of them even gave up and left. The remaining 2 were still thinking of ways to get across but to no avail. They concluded that it was and impossible task.

"Splashed~~~!!!" Out of nowhere, someone finally jumped down. This young man was using all his strength and might to swim across the pool of crocodiles. You can imagine the kind of anxiety and worries that was going in his mind as he swims across.

Well, fortunately he managed to get himself across the pool. Guess, what is the first word he said when he got out of the pool?

"Who pushed me down!!!!?"

Almost all fears are unpleasant and intolerable. But i think there is only one and just one fear that is good.

" Good Fear is able to make a person break free from his limited thoughts and releases his fullest potential."

"APOLOGETIC"

2006-01-20T21:42:00.000+08:00

First, let's get to the meaning of this word; Below is the defination of "Apologetic" according to Oxford:

1. Offering or expressing an apology or excuse
2. Regretfully acknowledging an offence.

"Sorry", "Paiseh", "对不起", "不好意思" are different words used for being apologetic.

I think being able to apologise after doing something wrong or after making offences are good gestures that will be appreciated.

But i guess sometimes people got too casual with these words. Since primary school we've heard this lingo "SORRY NO CURE".

In army, since BMT, we were told by our sergeant not to say sorry because you simply can't make the slightest mistake!! How are you going to apologise when your best buddy dies in the battlefield because of an error you make?!!

But somehow, i get sick and tire of people making casual apologies and taking apologies for granted.

I think it's time for such people to wake up their ideas.

I am not against people saying sorry after doing something wrong. In fact, i admire people who dare to apologise. Why? Because it takes a lot of courage for a person to admit his mistake.

Imagine this; a teenager who got into trouble with the law; the shame and guilt he faced, the disgrace and embarrassment he brought upon his family. How could he faced his parents and say "Dad, Mum, I am really sorry for my actions, would you forgive me?."

Be frank with yourself, how many times have you apologise to your parents since you reached 16 yrs old? i think it can be counted.

The truth is, the older a person gets, the harder it is for to make apologies.

How about this?

A motorist, riding a bike with his girlfriend as pillion, lost control of his bike and both were thrown off the bike. Sadly, the girl died but even sadder the guy survived.

My point is, think before you act, say and behave.

"Don't think that your apologies must be or can be accepted all the time."

"Hey, i say sorry already what..., what else you want me to do"

I guess the answer is very simple: "Nothing!"

Is there any amount of sorry can revived the motorist girlfriend?

Here's my advice:

1. Think of the consquences before you act, say and behave.
2. The greatest virtue is to be able to "Forgive and Forget".

Night View @ Boat Quay

2006-01-10T15:48:00.000+08:00

I am learning photography now.
More to come....

"Thought of a Revolutionary"

2006-01-10T15:36:00.000+08:00

"Life as it is, is not worth living,
but the cause is worth dying for."

"SMU Withdrawal Email"

2006-01-10T14:11:00.000+08:00

Good Afternoon,

1. I would like to inform SMU that i will be giving up my place for academic year 06 admission.

2. Following are my particulars:

Name : Seow Jing Hong
NRIC : S830XXXXA
Course : Information System Management

3. This was not an easy decision and i regret not being able to be part of this world class institute.

4. I apologized for any incovenience cause as a result of my decision.

5. For your kind understanding, please.

6. Thank you!

Regards
Seow Jing Hong

"2006 Resolution"

2005-12-28T10:40:00.000+08:00

NIL.

Because my resolution for 2005 was not to have any more resolution.

......

No i am joking!

The "J" That I Lost

2005-12-26T19:32:00.000+08:00

I've known J for 8years. I got to know J through a friend who brough me to a BBQ when i was in secondary 2, 14 years old.

J didn't seem to attract me when we first met. J seem like a very far away person and didn't really caught my attention during the BBQ.

I came to realise shortly after that J was adored by many people. J's beauty, kindness and love for people made many' hearts melt.

I met J that sunday again. This time was a totally different experience i had, I could sense the beauty and the gracious heart, J had for others. J is unique.

Soon, i started talking to J every night, it started with a short 10mins and grew to a heart to heart 1hr conversation.

We talked about everything and anything, from daily activities to our very thoughts. You never believe it. This lasted for the past 8 years.

J was a counselor, mentor, teacher and most importantly, a best friend.

From a rebelious secondary 2 student, J was able to transform me to who i am today. It was not overnight, but J's patient and determination paid off.

From a mediocre student who barely made it in every examinations to someone who could scores A's and B's in school. J was always there for me and i could even sense J's presence in the examination hall. J's words of encouragement and support never seize.

J was always there for me even during my army days. Even though our conversation with each other was shorten, i always remembered the love, care and support J had for me.

I would remind myself of the words J spoke to me as an motivation for me to carry on even if the odds were against me.

My love for J grew even in the harshes condition. It was like we just met and there was always something to talk about every night. No matter how tired i am, i would still spend an hour talking to J.

Whenever i am going through difficult patches in my life, J's wise advice and peaceful words of encouragement always spurs me on.

J was part of me over the last 8 years. Until last year when the unthinkable happened when i left J.

This was not an easy decision and neither a rush one. The absense of J had been the most terrible and awful period of my life. I would feel so lonely when i am lost, no more wise advice and soothing words from someone who had been with me for the past 8 years.

I met J again last week during christmas eve. J was still as attractive and adorable as ever before. I managed to speak to J for a short while and it was one of the best conversation i had. I could feel J so close to me as before.

J was the greatest lost in my life.

I knew i would get J back. Back to how it use to be and i know and i know that it will happen soon...

10 Years Ago...

2005-12-15T20:03:00.000+08:00

Exactly 10 years ago....

A boy was talking to a girl over the phone:

He finally pop the question after having a crush on her for months,

Boy: I really like you! Do you like me?

~~long pause~~

Girl: Opposite of "NO".

Boy: huh?

Girl: Yes lah!

The boy was overjoyed hearing that. They were chatting on the phone almost everyday till one day...

The boy heard from his friend, Y; The girl had never liked him. He didn't believe Y.

Soon the truth unfolded..

The telephone rang; (same day and time as this entry)

Girl: Have Y told you about it?

Boy: About what?

Girl: That i never liked you.

The boy's heart was crushed hearing that.

They hung up and never met again.....

~ He can never forgets how he felt that night, everything seems to be thumbling and his world was crushed into pieces. ~

"In Seach of Greener Pasture"

2005-12-14T19:11:00.000+08:00

Imagine this:

3 man living in a deserted place for a very longgg time. No one have ever been to where they live, neither have they seen what was outside.

They have been living on leaves, tree shrubs and river water all their lives. Never tasted Laksa, Satay, Curry, Roti Prata etc

One day, unknowing, one of the man saw a very colourful red aluminium, cylindrical in shape and inside was few drops of black transparent liquid. He decided that he should give it a try, since he had never seen anything like that. BTW, the aluminium thing had "C", "O", "K" "E", on it.

He liked the taste and started wondering..........

Could there be something more to what i am seeing now? If i could just walk out of this place, maybe my life would be better.

Unfortunately, his friends were too afraid, they were very comfortable with where they are now. They were reluctant to change their current state and hope to remain as it is.

Finally, he made up his mind, to take a step out, in search of a greener pasture.

He started off very well, he saw colourful fruits, pretty animals and great atmosphere. He was sure that his decision was the correct one.

Soon, he started to get tired, he could not find water as easy as back in his home. He had to dig deep, n hopefully just to find a water source.

He no longer had the luxurious leaves n tree shrubs because he was walking through a desert.

His blistered legs kept him stagnant for long. This stagnation allowed thoughts of U turning to overwhelm him.

Thoughts like:
Why don't you just give up?
Why put yourself into these troubles?
Can you promise that you can really find a greener pasture?
Go back to your friends, that is where your best life will be.

A portion of him wanted to give in, yet a great sense of determination to wanting success made him carry on. Furthermore, if he gave up, he would become a laughing stock to his friends back home.

This was the toughest time he had ever faced in his life. Never had he went into starvation for days, never had he endured the loneliness in the wilderness, never had he suffered injuries so servered.

All the odds seems to be turning against him at this point of time.

Nonetheless, he persevered on with courage and fortitude .......................

(The ending is for you to fill in yourself)

Future!!

2005-12-13T20:50:00.000+08:00

I am currently on the verge of making one of the most important decision in my life.

I was being offered a position with an MNC. Everything was good except that i have to forgo my plan to study in SMU coming Aug 06. Not even able to do part time in the next two years.

The offer was really attractive and tempting. They are offering a salary package that exceed what some of my friends, who have been working in this industry for 2yrs, are getting.

Furthermore, if i take up this position, i would be the pioneer batch of people embarking on the new technology that the company will be implementing next year.

I foresee being the pioneers will open up great opportunities in the future.

And it was like my greatest fear finally came to pass.

Months ago when i decided to postpone my studies to 06. I knew deep down in my heart that such things will happen.

Will a degree be the deciding factor to your future?

The answer seem to be a "NO NO". But think of it, it could also be a "YES" looking at the competitiveness in the industry.

HELP!!

God knows your name!!

2005-12-12T20:59:00.001+08:00

I was reading through my bible recently when i came across a very interesting verse in First Chronicles. (For Non-christian reading this, First Chronicles is one of the book in the bible)

It was a whole list of names. And mind you, some are really difficult to pronounce.

Try pronouncing these:

1) TARSHISHAH 2) SHEPHATIAH 3) ZERUBBABEL 4) EPHRATHAH

Ok, these are just 4 of the few hundreds names mentioned there. Imagine reading through few hundreds names at one go!?

What was comforting was when i realise something. That GOD actually knows everyone by their names. Yes, you n me included.

"An Interview with Greatness"

2005-11-16T13:57:00.000+08:00

It is easy for us to imagine having a job interview, or interviewing to be accepted into a school or company.

What about greatness? What would it be to be interviewed for “Greatness” in your life? What if that’s all it took: to get past an interview with the gate keepers of Greatness. No special skill or connections, just an interview. I imagine it might go similar to this:

Before you give me your resume, let me tell you what we’re interested in to save us some time.

First of all, we’re not interested in where you come from. Tell us about where you’re going, and give us the details so we know that you’ve been there over and over and over again in your mind.

I don’t care about your degrees; tell me about your education. What have you taken from this life that you can apply? And how will that affect your future?

Tell me about your family, not the one you were born into, but the one that you’ve chosen, and now call friends. And tell me why you added them to your family and what difference you make in their world.

I don’t care how you look because one ugly action can make me blind to the outside of you.

I don’t care how much money you have, tell me about how much value you can create.

Tell me about love. Make me understand that concept. Don’t tell me about your broken heart, instead tell me about your beating heart and the possibility that creates.

To fully achieve greatness is to have almost everything that you want, but it will cost you much of what you currently have.

We’re only willing to make you two promises.

First, the path to Greatness will not be easy. Anything worth having is reserved for the few people who are willing to do what is necessary to obtain it.

Secondly, we offer you this. Every one of us, and all who have gone before us, and every great thing that we have created, and every great thought that we have ever had, will be put on the line for you to guarantee one thing: that greatness will be worth it.

Now, let us begin. Tell me, what is greatness to you?

When You Have to Go, You Have to Go !

2005-11-06T14:38:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of people saying learning bike is dangerous?

I've heard that many times especially since now that i'm close to getting my Class 2B licence.

Well, to a certain extend i must agree with the above statement. Endangering yourself in a ruthless and merciless stretch of granite with all sorts of metals travelling @ speed which may send you 20 - 30m during collision.

Yet, i am more to the disagreement side of that statement.

As the rampant threats of terrorism rises, why aren't people saying that going out of your house is dangerous? Terrorism is invisible and ubiquitous.

Who would think taking a bus in Israel be dangerous? Who would expect a 7.6-magnitude earthquake to struck northen Pakistan?

Even staying indoor runs the risk of having the whole building crushed by a plane.

The truth is nobody can expect what will happen next.

The reason why you are still breathing while reading this post is because your time is not up.

Do what you always wanted to do while you still can because you may not know when the your clock will strike twelve.

Procrastination will only result in regret.

Opposition, criticism and mockery will hinder you, but courage, perserverance and faith will see your dream(s) come true.

"ORD LOH"

2005-10-09T11:02:00.000+08:00

"ORD LOH"! How often do you hear people proclaiming this 2words?

These words have indeed become a lingo in every NSFs when their time are about to come. But i find it rather meaningless, although i must admit that i said them too.

It's a way to show off to your peers that you are finally leaving the organization. No more regimentation, no more under the command of somebody else, no more falling in and no more cookhouse.

Yes, you may be able to make people jealous but deep down inside your heart, i guess most would be having a sense of emptiness and uncertainty. I'm refering particularly to NSFs who could not get in to university and would have to move on to the society which happen mostly in my case. The fear of joblessness and zero income makes it even worst.

I went back with some of my colleagues to receive our Identity Card which were surrended to the orgaization on the day of enlistment. Most seem very exhilarated and one even suggested wearing pink(same colour as your IC).

There was one guy who told me he would probably cry when he received it. I was like, "Huh? are your sure?". To me, it's nothing much to be excited about, you may be able to show off to your peers but once you step out of the gate, you will have more problems ahead of you.

I am glad that i have overcome this milestone with great memories and achievement. I guess i'm more fortunate then most of my peers, enlisted into Hawk Company during BMT, performed well to get myself into Officer Cadet Course with Tango Wing. Manage to become a pilot trainee and flew with the RSAF, although just a short 3mths.

Was commissioned on 27 Jan this year, went to a battalion where i met many good friends. Although i'm their superior, i was able to clique well with all of them, even people who are much more older then me.

Got back my Certificate of Service with "Outstanding". Most people would get "Good" or "Very Good". I've never seen that among my peers or friends and was really glad that the effort i've given to the battalion was recognised. Also gotten a very impressive 2 paged testimonial.

Like what i told my company during ORD function which they organized: "Most of the things you learn will be useless when you go into the society, but please take away something invaluable with you, that's Friendship"

Now i will have to concentrate in my upcoming job which starts coming tuesday and my studies in SMU, Aug 06. And hopefully i will be able to bring such accomplishment into my job.

Well Done!

Won't You "Plan Ahead" ?

2005-09-21T09:21:00.000+08:00

P redetermine a Course of Action

L ay Out Your Goals

A djust Your Priorities

N otify Key Personnel

A llow Time for Acceptance

H ead into Action(s)

E xpect Problems

A lways Point to the Successes

D aily Review Your Plan

The Secret to Chelsea's Success

2005-09-17T11:40:00.000+08:00

I was reading an acticle by John C Maxwell, well-known as a dynamic communicator, he is in high demand on the topic of leadership, and he speaks to many American corporations and entrepreneurial organizations.

I simply can't help but to relate his article to the success of Chelsea Football Club. Inside the article was 7 keys of 'How to lead a team successfully' and these were fully demonstrated by Chelsea's manager, Jose Mourinho.

Just some backgrond information on Chelsea and Mourinho.

Chelsea FC was founded in 1905 by Mr H A Mears. With only one league championship in 1955 before the arrival of Jose Mourinho. He propelled them from a team without any trophies in 4 years, to the most feared team in European Soccer today, recapturing the league Championship in 04/05 season.

At 41, Jose Mourinho has established himself as the brightest of the younger generation of coaches. The son of Felix, the Portuguese international goalkeeper, Mourinho never played professional football. He famously took a virtually unknown Uniao de Leiria to the top five in the Portuguese league in just one year, before quitting to join Porto.

It was there he made his name. The club were languishing in the nether regions of the table but, by the end of the season, their fortunes had revived to finish third in the league, qualifying for the UEFA Cup. The next season they achieved the treble: Portuguese league and cup, and the UEFA Cup, with a 3-2 defeat of Celtic. Ambition undiminished, the next season was the greatest in Porto's history, successfully defending the league title and claiming the European Champions League for the first time, by thrashing Monaco 3-0. Before the applause had died, he announced his departure to Chelsea.

1st Key: "Gather the best players possible"

The better the players on the team, the greater the team's potential for success. The bigger the dream, the better the team you need. Start well, and the rest of the process is much easier.

In Mourinho's first season as manager, he brought in players he could trust: Paulo Ferreira and Carvalho from his old club, and Tiago from Benfica. They were joined by the best goalkeeper at Euro 2004, Petr Cech, the prodigiously gifted Arjen Robben, the free-scoring Mateja Kezman and the sensation of the 2003 UEFA Cup, Marseille's Didier Drogba. Shaun Wright Phillips, Asier Del Horno and Michael Essien were the latest multi millions recruitment in recent months.

2nd Key: "Pay the price to develop the team"
Team building has a price that costs energy, money and time. And when you build a team, you pay with your life. But if you do, in return you receive a better life.

Chelsea's new £20m training acadamy is located in Cobham, London. The state-of-the-art facility, which should open in July 2006, includes 15 football pitches, the latest player rehabilitation equipment, physiotherapy, Youth development facilities, indoor pitches, undersoil heating and a moat around the main building to allow light into the bunker.

In an interview with Jose Mourinho, he stated that having a modern and top training ground is important for first-team players. The club needs its own home for training and top players want to know about the facilities and their environment for work before they are wiiling to join a club.

3rd Key: "Do things together as a team"
Good team leaders know that you touch a heart before you ask for a hand. That's the Law of Connection. And the way you create that connection is by doing things together.

Mourinho wasted no time in establishing his style of management. On the first day of pre-season training, each player was given a dossier of internal rules, a code of conduct. This covered diet, punctuality, drinking habits and virtually every aspect of the players' lives. Training sessions started and finished to the minute, each session requiring full concentration and commitment. At a club associated with fashion and flamboyance, he introduced pragmatism and punctiliousness.

4th Key: "Stop investing in players who do not grow"
It's sad to say, but not every investment in people pays off. When that happens, you must stop giving your best attention to those who aren't growing. Life is short, and for every person who won't—or can't—grow, there is someone else who would love to benefit from what you have to give.

Potential trouble-makers - Hernan Crespo (Back to the squad after impressive season with AC Milan), Juan Sebastian Veron - were off-loaded; ageing stars - Marcel Desailly, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - were put out to grass; players who weren't good enough - Jesper Gronkjaer, Mario Melchiot - were sold; and we all know what happened to playboy Adrian Mutu.

5th Key: "Give credit for success to the team"
Too many leaders steal their team's ego food. If you want your team to keep fighting for the dream, remember that nothing motivates a team like recognition. Put the credit where it belongs—with the people who get the job done.

"We can play good football, we can fight," said Mourinho. "We can fight for points in a game like this - if you can call it a game.
"I think we can go over every barrier, the spirit was amazing and our players fought a lot..."

"Chelsea are a very good team and if you are a gambling man, which I am not, the chances are that they are going to be there or thereabouts for the foreseeable future. It's been one high after another for them."

6th Key: "Empower team members with responsibility and authority"
A team can achieve only when its individual members are vested with responsibility and authority. Responsibility gives them the desire; authority gives them the means. Empowered team members accomplish more and help the team to continually improve.

England defender, John Terry, used to make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Most notably for urinating on the bar of a London hotel, but Terry's bad-boy days seem to be far behind him. Now Chelsea's captain, Mourinho has impressed on him the importance of leading the club both on and off the pitch.

and finally,

7th Key: "Give the team the best possible chance to succeed"
In the end, the team fails or succeeds together, and the best way to serve the individuals on the team is to see that the whole team wins. Do that, and dreams can come true for everyone

Mourinho does not like to lose. He was greatly criticised for his narrow wins throughout the seasons. But who cares, as long as he gets the 3 points"
"Players do not win trophies, squads win trophies. I love players who love to win"

What sets one talented team apart from another equally gifted team?

It must be leadership.

Everything rises and falls on leadership, whether the team is made up of professional football players, military personnel or business people. The fact never change.

By the way, I'm a Manchester United's fan......

DecisionS in the Making

2005-09-16T23:30:00.000+08:00

Were you put in a situation where you have to make instant decision?

or

Are you in the mist of making one of the greatest decision in your life?

Read this before you make one(Decision):

Gen 25:29: Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary.

Gen 25:30: And Esau said to Jacob, "Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary." Therefore his name was called Edom.

Gen 25:31: But Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright as of this day."

Gen 25:32: And Esau said, "Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?"

Gen 25:33: And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

This was a classis example of what happen when someone is anxious, making decision under uncalm mind and desperation.

Esau was hungry at the time he sold his birthrights to his brother, Jacob, for a bowl of soup. A person with the birthright will subsequently inherit his father's inheritance. Can you imagine what foolish decision was made when someone is desperate for solutions?

Wait a second, just a sentences before;

Gen 25:27: So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.

You see it? A moment of deperation can detroyed a person's life. Esau could have hunt for food himself. But he chose the easy way out.

Are you making any decision at the moment?

It is likely that decision made during desperation will be a wrong one.

So Calm down, relax, take time to analyze and i believe you will make a right decision.

Next Phase of My Life

2005-09-16T22:54:00.000+08:00

As my ORD date is drawing to a close, 9 Oct to be exact. I am about to enter into the next phase of my life. A great sense of excitement filled my heart yet at the same time, anxiety was building up too. Having delayed my studies at Singapore Management University to a year later, there is a sense of urgency needing to find a full time job since i will no longer be getting my pay or allowance starting next month.

The need to become self sufficient and independent makes my heart pumped harder. I would not want to burden my parents having received zero allowance from them since enlisted.

Life will be very different starting 10 Oct 05.

I went for my first real interview just 2 days ago as an Engineering Assistance. Well, i must say that being an officer in SAF does help in jobs interview. You know what was the interviewer first sentence? "Wah, Officer" Good! Good!.

Of course, that was just a small added advantage; a lot will still be based on your knowledge and ability. I can see that he was out to test me. He brought in a whole stack of schematics diagram and requested that i analyzed them. It was really challenging as i've not touched them since graduation. Fortunately i managed to answer most of his questions. Furthermore, he was really impress with my Poly's result. Well done, Allan!

Like many other interviews i went through in the past, this one was much smoother then i expected. I ever when to an interview with 8 interviewers, so i guess i did not have much problem with this one. At least in my opinion, i would say the chance of landing this job is 85%.

Of course i am still open to more offers, hopefully better pay. I am going for another interview next Tuesday. Wish me all the best....

Are You In The Box?

2005-09-10T13:20:00.000+08:00

One of the most commonly used phrase in SAF has to be "Thinking out of the box". What this phrase means is that "one must not limit themself to the extend of their imagination." It could also mean that "one should think beyond the boundaries".

I've heard this almost in every SAF seminars, meetings and functions etc. People like to use this phrase when asked to give suggestions, innovative ideas and improvement to the management system.

Should one be asked to think out of the box?

Well, I'm certainly not in the box at all......

The "Magical" item in Army

2005-07-24T13:49:00.000+08:00

I think the most handy items in my army life so far would be Black Tape, commonly known as insulating tape in hardware shops.

These tapes comes in different colours, namely red, yellow and blue.

These tapes are simply amazing. They are used in virtually anything and anywhere.

For example, some torches may come with reflective parts that will reflect lights at night making you proned to enemy attacked. As such, you required black tape to cover the reflective parts. Remember the ET Stick? Simply use 1 row of black tape and you can get a nice black ET Stick.

These tapes are also use for tying the loose ends of your SBO and fieldpack.

Training in rough terrain usually leads to broken spectacles. Black tape comes handy as you can use it to attached the frame of your specs for the period of training. (If you do not know, the ARMY provides personnel with $30 subsidy for spectacles.) Black tape can be used on any braoken items.

Furthermore, during training, cuts and bruises are inevitable. Yet, there are no Handyplaste provided in the accessories pack. The only way to stop the bleed is by using tissue and blacktape as instant bandage.

Black tape can also be used to cover the muzzle, aiming sight other parts of the weapon that sand can enter. Just be careful not to let your superior see it.

Black tape aren't like scotch tape. They do not require sissors to break it. Simply apply some force and the tape will tear nicely for you.

Colours tapes are usually used for identification of items. For instance, platoon 1 will use yellow tape. platoon 2 red and platoon 3 blue. I belong to platoon 2 so most of my stuff comes with red tape. These includes fieldpack, SBO, water bottle, ET Stick and arc of fire stick etc.

Usually when you see... say a waterbottle, of different colours appearing among your colours, chances are it will be left untouched even though when most of the waterbottle are taken.

Black tape are very affordable. 1 row will cost you about $0.50. You can get them a Popular Bookshop at a cheaper price. 5 will cost you only $2.

The Little Foxes

2005-07-24T12:46:00.000+08:00

You would think that in a defence organisation, everyone is tough, physically fit and a place of regimentation?

But on a contrary, there are people who complain and whine a lot. . I would like to mention 2 kind of people i dislike most.

Whining People

Let me give you an incident i had with one of my technicians.

ME: Hey, let's go and do chin up to prepare you for your IPPT next week.
Technician: Sir, cannot lah, my hand very pain. If i do i will fail my test. (whining sound)
ME: Come on, the test is one week later, i promise i will give you sufficient time to rest.
Technician: Wah, i really cannot lah. My aching takes very long to heal. I must rest.
ME: Can you garanteed me that you will pass if i allowed you to rest?
Technician: Depends lor.

I feel like slapping him on his face and asked him to wake up! Never mind that, i give him the benefits of the doubt. Well, guess what, eventually he failed his IPPT and now he is to do his chin up regime 3times a day, every day.

Liars

I dislike these people the most. Simply because they like to take the easy way out by telling lies. Also known as "Smoke out" in army lingo.

ME: Can you please pass me Andy's interview booklet? I need it for investigation
Koh: i cannot find it.
ME: How can that be?
Koh: He ORDed 2years ago. It was destroyed.
ME: Are you sure? when was it destroyed?
Koh: Last year
ME: LTA Lim just drew out last month
~~Koh walked away~~
ME: Eh, i haven't finished talking to you. You come back.
Koh: ok, i'm lazy to look for it.
~~Again, he walked off in to the toilet.

Can you imagine a soldier behaving in such a way? Well, just wait and see.

I went back to my office, sent a mail to his superior,S1 and cc the mail to RSM. haha.
RSM replied and demanded that this serviceman behaviours be dealt with. S1 called me and promised me a satisfactory explaination.

3days later, Koh came in to my office with the interview booklet.

ME: Eh? i though the booklet was destroyed?
Koh: Sir, i found it in the drawer.
ME: Thanks for finding it. You can go now, go and take 3extras for lying to superior, 3extras for insubordination.

Later that day..
S1 asked Koh to bring her a pencil. Koh simple waked in to her room and threw it on the table. Let's not talked about the consequences.

Where did the tough soldiers we used to have gone? Don't forget, they are the people who would defend the country in time of need.

I must say that these are the minority. Of course, it is always the little foxes that would spoil the vines.

The Unromantic I Love You

2005-07-15T22:40:00.000+08:00

Ever heard of someone telling you that he loves you so much that he is willing to die for you?

I believe many of us have heard this not just on TV dramas but may have heard or said them yourself too.

But coming to think of it, it can be quite a selfish statement.

Can you imagine the pain and suffering your partner will have to go through without you? Day and night she thinks of you, longing for the usual touch and hug from you. The comforting words you would said when she is down, the teasing and fun two of you would have.

Things will never be the same again without you.

"I love You so much that i'm willing to die a day after you!"

Yes, it may be the most unromantic way to say i love you, but i guess if you really love a person, you will not allow her to go through the pain of losing someone so dear to her.

Just a simple 3words, mean it when you say them.

Love is about giving. Give everything best to her, let her feel as though this is heaven on earth.

Remember, you can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.

Being The "Commander" In Your Life

2005-05-31T20:16:00.000+08:00

In our lifetime here on earth, there are always someone whom you are under-command to and someone whom you have command over. Eg. Although i've got a platoon under my command, i'm still subjected to my OC's command and subsequently to CO's. Being in the platoon, there are section IC, team IC etc and it applies to them as well. Even to the lowest level, there is still one area which they have command over. When i was still a trainee, there has always been this phrase being mentioned which i felt really true and it goes like this
"No matter who you are, you are still a commander of your own life"

I would like to share a real life story of one of my serviceman. This serviceman, 32yrs old, is the only son in the family and still a 2SG. His performance was never acceptable and is always on MC and late for work. 2 month ago, he was charge in civil court for making nuisance call to the police in that state of drunkenness, scolding vulgarities and harassing the police.

Throughout the trial which ended last Wednesday, his dad borrowed thousands of dollars incurred for lawyer fees, fines(he could have been jailed) and other miscellaneous charges. He was fortunate that he still managed to keep his job as he was fine $950(A serviceman will be discharge from service if the fine is above $1,000).

This serviceman came back to work the next day after i gave him 2days off. I expected a better attitude and performance or rather at least some improvement since the incident was over. What i see was still reporting late for work and frequent MC. Instead of helping his dad paying off the loans, he continue to spend money on drinking till late nights and spending money staying in hotels because he was unable to go home and taking the remaining loans left over after the trial for entertainment purposes. Finally i decided to give him an ultimatum. I interviewed him and listed down certain rules and guidelines for him to follow, if his performance is still not up to standard, he would be discharge from service in 1/2yr time.

I think it is always good to let your man know able their performance instead of giving them the impression that everything is going well for them but end up the opposite and by the time it will be too late to salvage.

I believe that we are all 'commanders' in our own life. I mean, not everyone in this world are born into a rich family. But i believe we could all take responsibilty. I may not be rich, but i can certainly work hard because by doing so, i know that one day can lead a better life. I may not be the smartest person in my class. But i can take up ownership of my own life. I can spend more time revising and studying.

But instead, what i am seeing are people who just can't be bothered. They know they lack in certain area, but instead of standing up and say "Hey, i cannot carry on this way, there must be a change", they choose to live in self-denial and refuse to ace the truth.

I think it's time to reflect upon our own life and start taking up ownership of our own LIFE. This life belongs to you, be a commander over it ....

2005-05-03T22:41:00.000+08:00

This is my design for my unit Appreciation Dinner Publication..

2005-05-02T19:48:00.001+08:00

Please comment on my design ... I'm an amature to Adobe Photoshop.

Allan Seow

2005-05-02T19:48:00.000+08:00

"49th Commando Section Leaders' Course"

I like this a lot.

"DREAM" CALCULATION

2005-05-01T17:38:00.000+08:00

Annual Income(gross) : S$19,000 (next 4years)
: S$31,150 (thereafter)

Vehicle Model: Honda Integra 2.0 GSR 5AT i-VTEC

Price: S$89,500.00

Downpayment: S$17,900.00 (20%)

Loan: S$71,600.00

Interest: 1st - 7th Year : S$1790.00 (2.5%)
8th - 10th Year: S$1969.00 (2.75%)

Yearly Payment (First 7years) : S$8959,00
(Last 3years) : S$9129.00

Road Tax/year: $1000.00

Petrol: Synergy 8000 at S$1.607/litre (Figure as at 15 Mar 05)
Integra Fuel Tank: 50litres
Petrol/month: 50 X S$1.607 X 4 = $S321.40

Insurance Plan: S$752 (Quality Plan)

Total Payable per year: S$8959 + S$1000 + S$3856.80 + S$752 = $14567.80* (nice figure)

You think this figure is practical? Maybe not in the next 4years

*The above figure exclude vehicle maintenance and micellaneous

I Have A "Dream"

2005-04-26T22:27:00.000+08:00

Everyone has a dream. So here's mine ..

The new Honda Integra will cost me $89,000.
Let's set a realistic target and see when i can reach this goal.

Let's say my monthly income will be $1,900(too little huh?!) starting Jan 06 while i'm studying...

Stay tune (Need time to calculate) .

2005-04-26T22:20:00.001+08:00

Maximum Horsepower (kw/rpm):118(160)/6500
Maximum Torgue (nm/rpm) 191 (19.5) / 4000

2005-04-26T22:16:00.000+08:00

Sophisticated Driving Space.

2005-04-26T22:15:00.000+08:00

Refined and redesigned to glide through the air with the greatest of ease. Take off in the elegant and exhilarating new Integra, and let your spirits soar.

2005-04-26T22:13:00.000+08:00

Turn the road into your flight path in the aerodynamically sculpted new Honda Integra

Just a Little "Xtra"

2005-04-17T11:37:00.000+08:00

2 Kings 13:18-19 Then he said, "Take the arrows"; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground"; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times."

I was reading my bible the night before when i came across a very familiar verse again and decided that i should blog this down to encourage anyone who may read this.

Look at the king of Isreal, does he resemble someone you know or maybe yourself?

Many of times in our lives, we tend to be like the king of Isreal. We are afraid to try one more time, we thought that not matter how hard we try, and things will never change. What's the point of trying again since nothing seems to help? I already 'struck the ground 3 times', nothing had happen, i might as well stop.

Do you know that you could have succeeded in many things if you could just hang on for a little more, put in slightly more effort. But due to tireness, laziness, peer pressure, fear , stress or whatever it may be, you decided you should not continue.

Do you know that Thomas Edison took almost 3000 tries before he succeeded with the first ever filament light bulb? I would still be using my candle had he given up on the 2999 tries.

Think of this! What's the different between Ordinary and ExtraOrdinary? Well, just put an 'extra' in front of ordinary and you get extraordinary. If you want to make the switch, give a little extra in any aspect of life. Spend a little extra time. Seek a little help. Make a little change. That's all it takes --- a little extra.

Having said that, there are people who really try very hard but the saddest thing that happen is when they do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. No, i mean it's not going to happen.

Even MM Lee said "Can Singapore afford to say no?" In his generation he said 'no' but in this world, can you say no? There need to be change.

If you are wondering why aren't you getting the grades you yearn for even after spending so much time studying? Maybe just a little more effort, a little more time and seek a little help would do it. Why stick to the same study method when you know the result will likely be the same as last semester? What is the more effective way?

Giving up? Think again...

Art Of Communication

2005-04-04T21:46:00.000+08:00

Communication is not just about the words you use. In fact, you communicate more with your gestures and expressions, your body language. Did you know Body Language takes up 50% of how message is being conveyed while Tone of Voice and Words make up the remaining 40% and 10% respectively. To communicate effectively, we need to understand the driving force behind our Body Language. So what drives our body language?
Think for a second...

Attitudes are the established ways of responding to people and situations that we have learned, based on the beliefs, values and assumptions we hold. Attitude becomes manifest through our behavior. Attitudes drive behavior. Your body language is a result of your mental attitude. By choosing your attitude you get in that mood and send out a message that everyone understands, consciously or unconsciously.

I was tasked to organize a battalion event 2months ago. I was left to plan and execute the event after being briefed by my 2IC. I will never forget this meeting that i chaired. There was a MSG(Master Sergeant) who blew up and made nasty comments during the meeting of about 15people, all who were at least 6years older then me. He was unhappy that someone recommended him to be the IC in one of the segment and was only told in the meeting which was held 2days before the actual event. Well, it is common to see lazy people pushing responsibilities in any organization, so i could anticipate that. I was really angry when he directed his nasty comments at me since i was new and only just graduated. It is not uncommon to see people more experience yet holding a lower rank then you in the organization trying to embarrass young officer like me in front of others. I could not allow him to disrupt my meeting and decided to put that to a stop. I would be a fool if i sounded like him. I must make my presence felt by saying something sensible and make him keep silent
(better way of saying "Shut up").

Just before i decided to speak, I remembered a sentence from the bible.
***Didn't i tell you that the bible is full of knowledge?***

Proverbs 15:1
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."

Of course, just in case he doesn't appreciate what i said and it is not my nature to condone such childish behaviour from a person 20yrs older then me. Btw, i just turn 22 last month. I decided to add a bit of sarcasm, play a bit of rank and of course respond with a soft answer. This is the exact words i used.

"MSG, I know that you are unhappy being tasked to be the IC and was only informed now, which is somewhat last minutes. See, the objective of this event we are organizing is to build cohesiveness among personnel in this unit. By responding in such a way, you not only make yourself look bad in front of all of us, but you are already disrupting the cohesive atmosphere in this meeting. If you are unhappy to take charged, just let me know, and i'll get someone who is more willing to carry out the task."

The meeting continue smoothly .......

Almost always, you have a choice as to what attitude to adopt. There is nothing in any normal work situation that dictates you must react one way or another. If you feel angry about something that happens, for instance, that's how you choose to feel. Nothing in the event itself makes it absolutely necessary for you to feel that way. It is your choice. And since you do have a choice, most of the time you'll be better off if you choose to react in a positive rather than a negative way

Yes, I was angry at his nasty comment but i choose to react positively. Of course, I used sarcasm and rank in this illustration which i felt such must be used sensibly. It really depends on the situation you are in.

Your attitude is the first thing people pick up on in face-to-face communication. Before you say a word, your attitudes can infect the people who see you with the same behaviour. When you are operating from inside, a really useful attitude, such as enthusiasm, curiosity, and humility, your body language tends to take care of it-self and sends out unmistakable signals of openness.

Art of Communication

2005-03-31T20:05:00.000+08:00

It is not uncommon to see your man coming to you and feedback on certain unhappiness or disciplinary problems that happen in the platoon. I just got my first experience of handling such incident.

"Sir, I would like to recommend 3 xtras to this guy if i catch him sleeping during working hours again." I was doing my work this afternoon when 1SG Koh(First Sergeant)(not his real name) came into my office and told me about it. Koh feedback to me that this was not the first time he had caught him sleeping and attitude this guy showed when being told off. "You are just a 1SG, who are you to recommend me for xtras". That was the commend the guy talked to the 1SG Koh. At first i was thinking, "hey, so what you want me to do? just go and find the CSM(Company Sergeant Major) who is in-charge of discipline in the company, don't come and disturb me since i'm really busy with my work and i lack such experience. After a second though, I decided that I should not push the responsibilities to someone else, since i'm an officer and such an act should not be tolerated. How would you feel if you go to your superior with a problem and he asked you to go to someone else??

In my heart i was thinking "Wah, so what must i do??" How can i handle it in such a way that i can get my point to both of them and making them understand and learned.?

Firstly, sleeping during office hours would disrupt the morale of the platoon. Everyone is working so hard on the ground and you can actually sleep??!!! Secondly, talking to someone more senior and higher rank then you without showing any respect. Even i don't talked in such a way. My point is that there must be mutual respect when you communicate. Not just respect to your superior but also to someone who is last senior then you.

A little back ground of this 3SG Nick (not his real name). Nick is an armament technicians but due to skin allergic, have been excused from maintenance work. He has been around for a year and had reputation of bad attitude and the whole platoon disliked him. He would talk back loudly and arrogantly when people give him advice even with the right motive. Due to this, he was not given any job to do and everyone leave him alone. He can MIA the whole day or just laze around in the office till knock off.

I decided that i should not listen only to one party, so i decided to get Nick to my office and hopefully i can address the issue once and for all. Nick was quick to defend himself when being questioned. So i decided to allow only one to speak first before the next because both were so eager to speak.

In the end, I make it very clear to both that sleeping during office hours is an irresponsible act and would have undesirable effect. Therefore, anyone who is caught for sleeping next time would be dealt with. I decided to reprimand Nick for his disrespect shown to his senior and demanded better conduct from him. Nick apologies immediately to Koh without being told and acknowledge that he should have conducted himself better. Wheuuuuuu.............

I believe that this incident is more then just some attitude problems or a sleeping incident. It had something to do with mis-communication. How would the situation been different if Koh had sounded out the first time he saw Nick sleeping? Would Nick change if communicated positively instead of throwing punishment straight in his face only after being caught a few times? I cannot believe what would happen if i had listen to Koh and gave punishment without even hearing what the other party had to say.

Misunderstanding, rivalry, broken relationship and marriages etc etc. How many of these happened because of communication break down? Friendship torn apart because one felt cheated and betrayed by his best friend? Husband and wife ended up in divorce because both fail to communicate. Communication is an essential part of human race, without communication, problems surfaced, information flow would be interrupted. I would like to share on EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION for the next few entries, so stay tune....

Being An "A" Star Leader Part V (final)

2005-03-20T19:23:00.000+08:00

"AFFECTION"

Affection creates a thriving, flourishing environment. I would like to share an inspiring story of a true friendship which illustrate the important of the quality.

There were 2 outstanding Taekwando fighters vying to represent their country in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Both were the best of friends and also the fiercest of the competitors. Kay however suffered an injury during a final match of her class and had to be taken out of the ring. Esther won hers and there was a need for both to compete against each other to select the best of the best to represent the country. Out of love for her friend and magnamity. Esther said, " I will back out so that you will represent the country". Kay asked if she was just being sorry for her. Esther replied " No. it is not out of pity but i want to live my dreams in you. I want to be a champion through you".

Think about it... Is it always about you? To be seen doing things. When nobody is watching, you don't lift a finger. A Christian proverb says that the greatest love a man can show is to lay down his life for his friends. Let's not put on an act. True character is who you are when nobody is looking at you. You cannot act all the time. You may say that all these seems like a PERFECT MAN. Yes, the human spirit can scale heights. It's when there is no vision, then tragic is the end result.

Let me say this before i end. Affection is like a chain that holds the 4 other "A"s together. You may be doing the first 4 keys but without Affection, everything seem empty. Because it is not a motive of LOVE. Apostle Paul also proclaimed that if he did not have love, he would not be effective in anything he do as he would be empty just like an empty sounding brass. All the 5"A"s must go hand in hand to be effective.

Do not think that you will become an effective leader tomorrow, these are no magic or spells. It serve as a guideline and may take time before you see result. I hope that as you follow closely all the 5keys, one day people will flourish under your leadership...

Stay tune for more entries ....!

Being An "A" Star Leader Part IV

2005-03-13T22:38:00.000+08:00

There was a soldier, during the Civil war in America, whose two brother had died and a mother whose health was ailing. He felt lost and decided to go home to take care of his mother. His officer was sympathetic and signed a letter of authority for him to bring to the President for permission to go home to tend to his sick mother. However, when he arrived, the guard refused to let him in. He sat down at a bench nearby and looked so downcast that a little boy who was passing by stopped and enquired what happened. The soldier told him his sad predicament. The little boy said he could help. He took hold of the soldier's hand and let him to the guard again. The guard let him in withour any resistance. The little boy let him through a passage uninterrupted. Finally the soldier found himself in a room full of officers and there was the President! The President asked his son what he was doing here. The little boy told the President about the soldier's problem and the President called for a break to tend to his case as he said " I want to hear the soldier out".

The story illustrates how regimentation increasingly creates a barriers but relationship will break all barriers.

"ACCESSIBILITY"

Once in a while, i would have people coming to my office telling me their problems. Some had financial difficulties while some had relationship problem. As a platoon commander, i try not to turn them away no matter how busy i am. SunTzu said that if you treat your soldiers as your sons, they will stand by you in adversity. Good relationship must go beyond talk. I must admit that i do not have a solution for them most of the time, but i am always able give better advice from a third person's perspective. I made myself available for them, i am not a person beyond their reach, I will be there when they need me.

Crucifixion was a common mode of punishment among heathen nations in early times, this was regarded as the most horrible form of death. Hung completely naked before the crowd, piercing of the median nerve of the hands and rupturing the foot's plantar nerve with a nail which causes pain so incredible that even morphine won't help, "severe, excruciating, burning pain, like lightning bolts traversing the arm into the spinal cord.". Furthermore, the position of the body on a cross is designed to make it extremely difficult to breathe. The pain and damage were so devilishly intense that one would continually long for death, but could linger for days with no relief.

Are you wondering what have crucifixion to do with accessibility? Well, of course it has. One of the greatest accessibility made possible was done through crucifixion. 2000yrs ago, Jesus took upon himself your sins and mine on the cross of Calvary. Near the end, a criminal beside him mocked, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us." Little did this sinner know that the man he was speaking to hung there voluntarily. He was speaking to our Creator, capable of releasing all the power in the universe and beyond, and easily saving himself. Jesus remained in this agony and shame, not because he was powerless, but because of his incredible love for humanity. He suffered to provide the needed way of salvation for you and me.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The truth is all of us have sin and we need God in our lives. If your hands are dirty, you can use soap to wash them, but if your heart is stained by sin, how can you cleanse it? Jesus made all these possible because His blood is able cleanse us from ALL sins. Jesus made God accessible to all of us today and you are just one step away from the greatest experience, the experience of Salvation. If you are touched by this Love Story and like to invite Jesus into your heart, just repeat the prayer below:

"Dear Jesus,

I admit that I am a sinner.

Jesus, You are my personal Lord and Savior

Thank you for dying in my place

I asked for the blood of Jesus to

cleanse me from all my sins.

Thank you for making God accessible

to me today.

In Jesus name i pray, Amen."

Being An "A" Star Leader Part III

2005-03-12T01:15:00.000+08:00

What a busy week i had. I manage to complete most of my assignments and only minor adjustment left next week before the actual presentation. Something nice i would like to share when i was driving with my friend for a drink just now. i got an SMS from my Officer Commanding(OC), I shall typed out the exact sms below:

"I'm reading the CMAT process. Very well done."

Ops, i know shouldn't be reading sms while driving... As i was too engross with the msg, i didn't notice that my car was swerving to the other lane, my friend who was following behind had to keep up with my sudden change of lanes. Anyway, that's beside the point. The point is I felt very appreciated after reading the sms

"APPRECIATION" - 3rd key of an "A" Star Leader

While Accountability creates a SAFE environment and Acceptance creates a HARMONIOUS environment. Appreciation would create a GROWING environment. Criticism is opposite to Appreciation in that it always destroys rather than build up.Breathe life into people through your encouragement! Study have shown that a healthy organization has 70% people that will appreciate one another and only 30% would be criticizing other. Criticism burns and destroy the human spirit. Encouragement warms, water and regulate the environmental conditions that brings growth. King Solomon once said that " Life & Death resides in the power of the tongue." The words that we speak can either build up a person or pull down a person. Therefore it is very important for words that are spoken to be tactful and edifying(Builds up).

I always believe that lying is never the best thing to do. Just asked any of my technicians in camp and they will tell you that i never like to twist the truth. But just because i don't lie, that doesn't give me the right to go straight to a person who is "Horizontally Challenge" and him that he is FAT? Or even tell a person that he is stupid? Take note of this, "Not all truth have to be said." I think that there is always something nice you can say about a person.

Have you ever felt so dejected that nobody seem to appreciate what you do, even if you have tried your very best? I believe this is why most people got burned out and quit. They just can't seem to find the energy and motivation to carry on. During such period, a pat on the shoulder of you buddy telling him how much he had motivated you during training would be nice. Or even a small little gift to your colleague telling her how much you appreciate her effort would brighten up her day. Appreciation is like a battery charger, it is able to give life and energy to a person who is already exhausted.

I would like to offer a challenge for everyone. Go back to your school, company, army camp or even your family members, tell him/her how much you appreciate him/her for all the things that he/she had done for you. Maybe some of you needs to tell your mum, how much you appreciate her hard work, keeping the house clean and cooking dinner for you daily. Your boss on how he had guided you since you came to the company. For some, it may be your classmate for making the effort to teach you on a particular subject etc etc. Do something like that and i believe that you will see growth in your relationship with people..

Being An "A" Star Leader Part II

2005-03-09T21:25:00.000+08:00

One of the greatest thing being an officer is to be able to gain the respect from your man. Like how this Lieutenant from Black Hawk Down quoted

" Rank is what you wear, Respect is what you gain".

"ACCEPTANCE"

This i believe is the key to earning that respect you wanted which also is the 2nd "A" of an "A" star leader. Acceptance simply means "I accept the way you are". You may be the smartest, fittest, the most charismatic or you may be slower then others, not so out-going etc etc. I still accept you.

There was a course where the facilitator asked the group of trainees who they would throw overboard to prevent an over crowded boat from sinking. They discussed and presented their replies. They felt that the team leader, who was the strongest and cleverest should not be sacrificed as he was much needed for the group's survival. Next they felt that a few pretty girls on board should remain as they were too pretty to be sacrificed. Next there was a musician and they decided he too should remain because he could use his talent to cheer up the team. The last person they did not mention was an obese classmate. They refrained from discussing her. However she would not take that and insisted they discuss about her. The group could not find any good things to say about her, whereupon she simply said, "I'll jump". When the class started next day, the obese girl's seat was empty. News soon came that the girl had literally jumped off from a high building, killing herself

The tragic story illustrate how much today society place emphasis on looks and personal achievements. We attached a value first on PERFORMANCE, followed by EFFORT and then lastly do we look at their BEING. However, i believe we should value EFFORT more than PERFORMANCE; and BEING more than EFFORT.

There was once a beautiful lady wanted to marry a "Elephant Man" whose features were terribly disfigured by the disease. She was able to penetrate the exterior to see the beautiful inner spirit of this ugly man and accept him for who he is. What beautiful love this is

I would like to add that the degree you are able to accept others will depend on how much you are able to accept yourself. I would like to quote a famous verse from the bible to emphasize on my point.

" Love your neighbor as yourself"

In a time when regulations are ever changing and becoming more complex and stringent, we need to connect with the people. Working together, allowing and providing feedback, will be the foundation leading you to the top. Gaining your employees trust through acceptance is an instrumental step of forming the foundation that should not be skipped.

Being AN "A" Star Leader

2005-03-08T20:50:00.000+08:00

Leadership. A word that carries within so much substance. Something which some people dislike or shunned from yet some who would go all out just to have it.
I like this definition of leadership from John C Maxwell.

"The Definition of leadership is Influence"

I believe that everything rises and falls on leadership. The day the shepherd loses he's ability to provide guidance, the sheep scatters. It's the same in organizations, the day when the manager fail to manage his department, the staffs loses direction. Leadership plays an important role not just in an organization but also in families. There are 2.4millions marriages and 1.2 millions divorces every year in US, can you believe this? A 50% divorce rate. What could have cause such incident from happening? One reason which i can think of is when a man fail to rise up as a leader in the family.

Of course there are numerous reason for the cause, but i think i would rather share something which would address the problem rather then debating on it. This is what I called "5-As" Leadership.

I will share "1-A" everyday and hopefully by this week, i will be able to complete all five.

"ACCOUNTABILITY".

In this, you are telling your subordinate "I am responsible for your training, development and welfare." To your wife, it is something like "I will provide for the family", "I will always be there for you", it is like the marriage vow "Till death do us part." I once heard a very good story illustrating Accountability which goes like this....

A certain farmer placed an advertisement for a farmhand. However, not many interviewees took up the job after looking at the disadvantageous location of the farm. It was situated beside the coast and faced many problems should the weather turn bad. However, there was a man in his mid 40's when asked why he should be employed gave this answer " I can sleep in a storm". The farmer was puzzled but since there was no one else left to take the job, he gladly employed this peculiar man.

Indeed a big storm came!! The farmer woke up in the middle of the night and was aghast to hear the commotion wrought by strong winds. He rushed to his farmhand's room only to find him really sleeping in a storm. The farmhand looked as though nothing had happen and continued his sleep. The farmer angrily stormed out of the house wanting to fix the problem himself only to find that everything in the farm had already been secured and protected in anticipation of such events. The windows of the barns were fastened tight and nothing was left to chance. It was then that the farmer understood his peculiar statement on why he could "Sleep even in a storm".

Something closes to us. How many times have we hear stories of recruits who went missing after training only to realize that he was dead when a search was carried out. True story happened to a unit years ago in Pulau Tekong during route march. After a long distant of marching, the soldiers took a rest before continuing the journey, the leaders did not do a thorough counting of man before moving off, only to find this particular recruit missing upon reaching camp. They formed a search party but it was too late. He was found slumping against a tree, dead.

To conclude, I would like to say that accoutability work bi-directionally. As much as you want your subordinate to be accountable(The story of the farmhand) to you, you as a leader needs to be accountable to your man(The Missing Recruit Incident).

Success Or Failure? You Decide

2005-03-04T22:39:00.000+08:00

Success. Simple yet complicated. Does a person's success mean a failure to another?
In the quest of success, many had resulted in hatred, jealousy and even destroyed a relationship. Although some have led to a blessing to many.

I had a conversation with my technician recently, he said "I want to live my life to the fullest, then i will not let myself down". Then i asked him " How much is full?" "Rich & Successful" he replied.

How many people live their lives wanting to succeed? I don't see who don't? But how much is success? Can success be measured? Is getting a good degree, success? or having a sucessful career, success? Having a happiest family, success? The list goes on and on.

Just an illustration i read from a book few months ago. It's call the "Funeral Experience"
Imagine yourself oneday, walking into a funeral, tears of remourse and regret filled the whole place. Your family and relative still can't believe that the person just left them so suddenly.As you walk closer to the the coffin, you looked into it and saw yourself lying there. You can't believe what you saw! You are the one that is dead. Yes, It's you.!! The annoncement table invited 3 person to give a testimony of you when you were around.
1) Your sister 2) Your best friend, Jasmine 3) Your boss, Mr Wee
What do you want to hear from every single one of them?

Think about it before proceeding..........

He was a naughty since he was young, he never contributed anything but trouble to the family
He was a back stabber who betrayed his best friend in time of need
He cheated the company and leak out secrets to rival company
or
He was an obedient boy who provides for the family
He was always there for me when i needed someone
He was a loyal and hardworking staff

Which one would you like to hear? Many people didn't know what they want in life. They do not have a complete view of the desired end state they really wanted, or simply Vision. They wasted their lives away, many worked day and night just to climb up the ladder of sucess only to find themselves climbing the wrong one. Some are constantly searching for love everywhere and anywhere, they feel insecure in every thing they do, and though that a relationship would solve their emptiness only to go in and out of relationship again and again.

i'm sorry that i cannot give you the defination of "Success". But you can however, take some time to think of what you want people to say about you in the "Funeral Experience" and you will be able to define your meaning of Success.

Stay tune for more ...