Ever came across people who answer and talk beginning with the word 'So!' or 'So?'? This is one of the characteristic of the arrogant people. The way they look at you, the way they talk could get you on your nerve. Sometimes, they are super sweet because they needed your help. And once they get it, they are back to their old and arrogant way. And mind you, they do have terrible mood swing.
We may want to smack them, criticize them, call them names or talk in disrespectful ways about them. We may want to break their arrogance and tell them how you really think. But sadly, people rarely tell them off or not give any clues about what we think.
The thing is, arrogant people feel inferior and insecure. They are self-conscious and want to be “special”. They cover their flaws by trying to appear perfect so they will not be criticized.
They tend to be defensive and they don’t hear what we say. They respond based on their own pre-conceived notions rather than on the actual situation. They may make statements that seem to be full of confidence even when they are completely wrong. (Very familiar?)
Some people say the way to handle arrogant people is never put them down by criticising them openly, instead, compliment them in a gentle and sincere way. But I think it work both way, nobody should openly criticise or judge anyone in anyway as well.
Friday, March 13, 2009
My Tolerance is Running Low
I encountered a lot of incidents everyday that were really testing my patience and temper. It is whether a not are you mindful of it and are you able to tolerate it.
Take this incident that happen to me in a public transport, person sitting next to me coughed without covering her mouth, (take note: plus bad breathe). Later on, she was searching in her bag for something and her elbow kept poking me. I mean, I really wanted to tell her off but I remained silent and continued reading my book.
Another incident, I held the door for this person, she just walked out of the door without a word of appreciation, not even a smile, not even looking at me. At that point in time, I really feel like letting go of the door and have it slam into her face. But then, I thought, "why so ungracious like her?"
Another incident, I was walking towards by destination, I saw in front of me a lady bumped straight into a man. The man got angry and shouted vulgarities at her. I mean, the lady was unintentional and harmless but why the man had to make a big fuss over it?
It keeps me thinking, I just wonder, when my tolerance level will get "empty"?
Rudeness is everywhere and it can be exhausting for us all. We get angry and worst, we could end up in a fight.
There’s no simple explanation for others’ inconsiderate behavior, and no easy
formula for avoiding the impact. But some people handle rudeness more adeptly
than others.
Inconsiderate, angry and rude people are everywhere. let's just hope that every places we go, we encounter the good ones..
Take this incident that happen to me in a public transport, person sitting next to me coughed without covering her mouth, (take note: plus bad breathe). Later on, she was searching in her bag for something and her elbow kept poking me. I mean, I really wanted to tell her off but I remained silent and continued reading my book.
Another incident, I held the door for this person, she just walked out of the door without a word of appreciation, not even a smile, not even looking at me. At that point in time, I really feel like letting go of the door and have it slam into her face. But then, I thought, "why so ungracious like her?"
Another incident, I was walking towards by destination, I saw in front of me a lady bumped straight into a man. The man got angry and shouted vulgarities at her. I mean, the lady was unintentional and harmless but why the man had to make a big fuss over it?
It keeps me thinking, I just wonder, when my tolerance level will get "empty"?
Rudeness is everywhere and it can be exhausting for us all. We get angry and worst, we could end up in a fight.
There’s no simple explanation for others’ inconsiderate behavior, and no easy
formula for avoiding the impact. But some people handle rudeness more adeptly
than others.
Inconsiderate, angry and rude people are everywhere. let's just hope that every places we go, we encounter the good ones..
Friday, February 27, 2009
Some Still in Denial
The days of easy credit are over and property prices have been too inflated. Risk of buyers’ default is expected to rise.
The property market outlook in 2009 remains weak and the slowdown in global economy still remains a major concern, thus keeping potential buyers out of the market. We expect mass market property prices to remain resilient. However, mid and high end properties could still see potential pricing downside.
The market has already started to correct with the official property price index. I would say people should invest on their own terms and not try to plan based on market trends.
Those who insist, should look to business cycles on market trends. Property market tends to lag some 6-12 months behind local economic growth indicators.
House will become cheaper but will they become more affordable?
Affordability will further deteriorate if banks tighten credit on mortgages or loan, and government cutting employers' CPF contribution to stimulate the economy.
While some are happy that affordability of the private residential market has improved, the reality is that majority of properties currently on the market are still not affordable to the general population.
One does not have to look too far back to realise how irrational buying property really is, regardless of price and affordability. Looking at last two to three years, many people bought property thinking that prices would continue to rise.
However, the opposite is also true.
The property market outlook in 2009 remains weak and the slowdown in global economy still remains a major concern, thus keeping potential buyers out of the market. We expect mass market property prices to remain resilient. However, mid and high end properties could still see potential pricing downside.
The market has already started to correct with the official property price index. I would say people should invest on their own terms and not try to plan based on market trends.
Those who insist, should look to business cycles on market trends. Property market tends to lag some 6-12 months behind local economic growth indicators.
House will become cheaper but will they become more affordable?
Affordability will further deteriorate if banks tighten credit on mortgages or loan, and government cutting employers' CPF contribution to stimulate the economy.
While some are happy that affordability of the private residential market has improved, the reality is that majority of properties currently on the market are still not affordable to the general population.
One does not have to look too far back to realise how irrational buying property really is, regardless of price and affordability. Looking at last two to three years, many people bought property thinking that prices would continue to rise.
However, the opposite is also true.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Car Boot Sales Experience
I took part in the Car Boot Sales at the Playground on the 14 & 15 Feb 2009. That's right, its on valentine day. Car Boot Sales aka Flea Market is for people to sell their unwanted items and to earn a little cash from it. If you are looking for serious profit from flea market, you can forget about it. The 1st day, my mind kept telling me to cover the rental cost of booking the space, that I forgot to truly enjoy myself. I end up feeling angry and kept thinking whether is it the way I placed the items that did not catch the attention of potential buyer.
The next day, I saw some vendors opening up their stores together with their family. They are laughing, teasing one another and seems to be enjoying themselves under the hot scorching sun. I came to realise, ya, why do I take things so hard and forgot my intention is to enjoy myself together with my family and having a fruitful experience from the event.
Time passes very fast after I started having fun, selling and negotiating. The end result - Good Sales profits and also a memorable time that I'll never forget.
Always remember to enjoy life to the fullest and also the intention you wanted to achieve.
The next day, I saw some vendors opening up their stores together with their family. They are laughing, teasing one another and seems to be enjoying themselves under the hot scorching sun. I came to realise, ya, why do I take things so hard and forgot my intention is to enjoy myself together with my family and having a fruitful experience from the event.
Time passes very fast after I started having fun, selling and negotiating. The end result - Good Sales profits and also a memorable time that I'll never forget.
Always remember to enjoy life to the fullest and also the intention you wanted to achieve.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Innovation in Troubled Times
I was doing some research at work today and had chanced upon the blog from Air Asia's CEO, Mr Tony Fernandes, and what I saw got me thinking. Why, you ask? The reason is simple. Mr Fernandes, who is a CEO of a highly successful CEO of a budget airline in Asia, was using his blog to connect with people. Here was an innovative man who was reaching out to his audience and connecting with them; he even had a live chat facility for people who wanted to speak to him.
What's the big deal about this? This aspect is significant because of the industry. Take a look at newspaper reports on the airline industry. The airline industry is a troubled industry since deregulation and has become a competitive space. With the introduction of budget airlines, the legacy airlines (traditional airlines like Qantas, United Airlines etc.) began to suffer and flaws were showing up in their business models. The rise of the budget airlines, though, has not been simple especially in Asia where, unlike North America and Europe, acceptance of such airlines has been slower. Legacy airlines have had a stronghold here in Asia due to their resources and regulations. However, one airline, Air Asia, has come forth and established a stronghold out of Malaysia and has grown year on year where they are currently offering flights to London. This growth is amazing considering that several dominant airlines with huge resources and established brands preside here.
The success of Air Asia can be easily attributed to entrepreneurship; the man at the helm is visionary and an entrepreneur. However, entrepreneurship is a broad term; there is no real meaning to what is entrepreneur. For example, if I decided to venture out and begin my business, I am entrepreneurial but it does not mean that I will succeed. My take on Air Asia and the success of similar companies though comes down to innovation and marketing.
So why is innovation important during these times? Innovation is actually key to business today. Innovation is the ability to create something new or develop a new process upon an existing process to improve efficiency. Continuous improvement, as such, is critical to a company's survival because this creates a competitive edge; the sooner and the cheaper we bring a product to the market, the higher the revenue will be for the company. For example, Henry Ford innovated the assembly line which allowed him to manufacture cars for less and in turn, increase sales and revenue for his company. Similarly, a company like Air Asia figured out the formula to attracting more customers for their flights through marketing and no frills flights, which, in turn, resulted in increased revenue and passenger traffic despite a lower per seat charge.
If we were to apply this view to the current economic situation, we can see that there are some critical lessons we can learn.
What's the big deal about this? This aspect is significant because of the industry. Take a look at newspaper reports on the airline industry. The airline industry is a troubled industry since deregulation and has become a competitive space. With the introduction of budget airlines, the legacy airlines (traditional airlines like Qantas, United Airlines etc.) began to suffer and flaws were showing up in their business models. The rise of the budget airlines, though, has not been simple especially in Asia where, unlike North America and Europe, acceptance of such airlines has been slower. Legacy airlines have had a stronghold here in Asia due to their resources and regulations. However, one airline, Air Asia, has come forth and established a stronghold out of Malaysia and has grown year on year where they are currently offering flights to London. This growth is amazing considering that several dominant airlines with huge resources and established brands preside here.
The success of Air Asia can be easily attributed to entrepreneurship; the man at the helm is visionary and an entrepreneur. However, entrepreneurship is a broad term; there is no real meaning to what is entrepreneur. For example, if I decided to venture out and begin my business, I am entrepreneurial but it does not mean that I will succeed. My take on Air Asia and the success of similar companies though comes down to innovation and marketing.
So why is innovation important during these times? Innovation is actually key to business today. Innovation is the ability to create something new or develop a new process upon an existing process to improve efficiency. Continuous improvement, as such, is critical to a company's survival because this creates a competitive edge; the sooner and the cheaper we bring a product to the market, the higher the revenue will be for the company. For example, Henry Ford innovated the assembly line which allowed him to manufacture cars for less and in turn, increase sales and revenue for his company. Similarly, a company like Air Asia figured out the formula to attracting more customers for their flights through marketing and no frills flights, which, in turn, resulted in increased revenue and passenger traffic despite a lower per seat charge.
If we were to apply this view to the current economic situation, we can see that there are some critical lessons we can learn.
- During an recession, let's keep our heads intact and not be reactionary, Take a look around you, there are still many companies that are figuring out how to succeed and are succeeding, so don't be down.
- As a Manager and leader, stop being reactionary, instead be innovative. Think of new ways to improve your bottom line. Bear in mind, cutting headcount and reducing pay is only a temporary measure. Don't believe me. Consider the following. A reduction in your cost base (i.e. layoffs and salary reductions) only constitute a one time improvement on your balance sheet for the year; however, if the company cannot generate new revenue the following year, the company would be judged on the previous year's temporary reduction. In this case, no new revenue may be generated. However, in troubled times, if a company focuses on innovating itself, the results would carry through for many years because it is a core improvement to the efficiency of the company. This can account for improved sustainability of the company. This is the difference!
- Having an MBA or a whole lot of credentials does not ensure success. Business is practical and not based solely on analysis. Learn to look at business realistically; sometimes looking at the simpler things like getting closer to your customers may be the simple key. No MBA will teach you that (mind you, I am not discriminating against people with MBAs or credentials but I am just advocating practcality and not theory).
- Innovate...innovate...innovate and focus on improving processes and bringing your product to the market for less; this is long term improvement and not temporary improvement for shareholders.
Ovearall, I believe that we should stop solely worry about controlling costs. Yes, cost control is important but we need to balance it out with innovation in order to ensure that revenue comes in. Bear in mind, many companies (even well known ones) have disappeared over the years because they have failed to grow with the times and have failed to innovate.
Believe me, there are great companies out there that are surviving the recession and growing; in my view, Air Asia's upbeat outlook is testament that vision, innovation and a good leader can grow a small company into a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Knowing What is Important in Life
The issue of stress is becoming a growing concern for many people. Every morning as I flip the papers, all I see in the news is about how bad the recession is or which company is axing how many people. When we come to work, we face the stress of knowing that we may be next on the chopping block as companies go on "cost reduction" exercises on the premise that such reductions will aid in sustainability of the company. We face paycuts and lay offs which are becoming a reality and a part of our daily lives regardless of whether we are the ones undertaking the act or the subject of the action. The stress levels are rising.
Through this stress, it is very simple to overlook many things in our lives as we battle to retain our jobs and maintain our wealth; we worry if we will lose our jobs, we battle and jockey at work for positions, we essentially undertake a battle both inside and outside. Today, work is becoming the central topic of our stress. Also, this stress is becoming a part of our lives at home. Through it all, though, we forget one very critical aspect of our lives; work is a means for us to survive (i.e. to sustain our daily needs) but should not become such a stressful activity that we overlook more important things in our lives.
What is more important than your job and money, you ask? Well, let's put it this way...health and your loved ones. Take a look around you for a minute and look at your attitude towards work compared with your attitude towards your family. I was very surprised when I first began working in Singapore 3 years ago that it was common for many people to work extremely long hours and even after the long hours, work is still brought home. This shocked me as in North America, an employee was only required to work 40 hours a week and this is your only obligation to the company. The result of such long hours here is that family time is now missing with kids being raised by surrogate parents (e.g. maids, nannies, and grand parents) instead of being by their natural parents, lower marriage rates etc. Couple this with the current stress, the resulting mixture is a very disjointed family life.
What I am trying to say here is that sometimes it is good to take a step back and look at the situation with your life and take stock of what is important. Money is good but ultimately when you pass on, this all becomes nothing and amounts to nothing. Money and possessions do not become you and the more you crave, the more stress you get beacuse you will never be satisfied.
Your loved ones and your family, on the other hand, are the people who are your pillars of strength; they are ultimately the ones who stand by you regardless of whether you are rich or poor. In good times and bad times, your loved ones want to be with you and are willing to go through the troubled path with you. This, to me, is more valuable than the riches and possessions that I crave because the love from your loved ones is permanent but the satisfaction from possessions is temporary. Do be aware, though, that we cannot take this love and support from our loved ones for granted; we must invest into it so that it will stregthen.
The reason that I write this is because I have the love of a beautiful lady who has decided to stand by me through the good and bad times. I will admit that I am one of those who did bring the stress of my work back home but she has patiently listened to me. I have realized that this love is richer and more satisfying than all the possessions that I can possess because it is from someone who genuinely cares for me. I am filled with remorse sometimes, though, from my obssession with running the ratrace and being the "Best" but at the same time, putting undue stress on my relationship with her. Such stress and lack of consideration cannot be excused. I, for one, feel that it is time for a change!
So what can we do?
Through this stress, it is very simple to overlook many things in our lives as we battle to retain our jobs and maintain our wealth; we worry if we will lose our jobs, we battle and jockey at work for positions, we essentially undertake a battle both inside and outside. Today, work is becoming the central topic of our stress. Also, this stress is becoming a part of our lives at home. Through it all, though, we forget one very critical aspect of our lives; work is a means for us to survive (i.e. to sustain our daily needs) but should not become such a stressful activity that we overlook more important things in our lives.
What is more important than your job and money, you ask? Well, let's put it this way...health and your loved ones. Take a look around you for a minute and look at your attitude towards work compared with your attitude towards your family. I was very surprised when I first began working in Singapore 3 years ago that it was common for many people to work extremely long hours and even after the long hours, work is still brought home. This shocked me as in North America, an employee was only required to work 40 hours a week and this is your only obligation to the company. The result of such long hours here is that family time is now missing with kids being raised by surrogate parents (e.g. maids, nannies, and grand parents) instead of being by their natural parents, lower marriage rates etc. Couple this with the current stress, the resulting mixture is a very disjointed family life.
What I am trying to say here is that sometimes it is good to take a step back and look at the situation with your life and take stock of what is important. Money is good but ultimately when you pass on, this all becomes nothing and amounts to nothing. Money and possessions do not become you and the more you crave, the more stress you get beacuse you will never be satisfied.
Your loved ones and your family, on the other hand, are the people who are your pillars of strength; they are ultimately the ones who stand by you regardless of whether you are rich or poor. In good times and bad times, your loved ones want to be with you and are willing to go through the troubled path with you. This, to me, is more valuable than the riches and possessions that I crave because the love from your loved ones is permanent but the satisfaction from possessions is temporary. Do be aware, though, that we cannot take this love and support from our loved ones for granted; we must invest into it so that it will stregthen.
The reason that I write this is because I have the love of a beautiful lady who has decided to stand by me through the good and bad times. I will admit that I am one of those who did bring the stress of my work back home but she has patiently listened to me. I have realized that this love is richer and more satisfying than all the possessions that I can possess because it is from someone who genuinely cares for me. I am filled with remorse sometimes, though, from my obssession with running the ratrace and being the "Best" but at the same time, putting undue stress on my relationship with her. Such stress and lack of consideration cannot be excused. I, for one, feel that it is time for a change!
So what can we do?
- Learn to move away from bringing your work home. When at home, devote your time to your family; this is truly your treasure.
- Talk about your problems at home with your loved one but don't drag it out into a protracted session or keep ranting and raving about work; nobody is interested in pure complaining with no conclusion. Also, your loved one is human and has feelings too; you are not the only one with problems.
- Learn to relax around your loved ones. Remember: Everything will take care of itself in its own time; this has always been the way the universe revolved since the beginning of time. We are not God and we cannot change things but we can trust that things will happen in its own time. For example, since the 1900s, we have seen many recessions come and go but we are still here; we need to trust that life goes on.
I, for one, have decided that I will take a fresh outlook with regards to my life. I shall begin to put what is truly important to me, my wonderful darling, ahead of eveything else. Building a life and family with her is more important and I can trust that everything else will take care of itself.
This, I believe, is the true calling of my life. Start today and truly understand what is important in your life. Take stock and you will see that work stress is nothing that we cannot handle. I know what is important in my life now, do you?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
No One is Totally Spared From Problems
Ever been in the circumstances where your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend was having a tremendous time coping with his life, it could be his career, health, etc. It got so bad that you feel you may quit on him or just break down and cry, hoping things will be good again.
I remember the incident, whereby, I held back and put on a brave front. It definitely help because the last thing that I wanted was to make matter worse. It also show to your loved one that you are calm and compose and that you and your loved one will work things out together.
In life, no one can be totally spared from problems. Problems can be very stressful not just for the person but also to the other people around. It can lead to anger and depression because the situation happened to him.
If this happen to your loved one, never avoid him. Even though he may not realize it at the moment, this is the time he needs companionship and understanding. Sometimes by just being around is enough to help the person through the tough time. Sometimes a short conversation expressing one's feelings can do wonders for him.
Never push him but offer suggestions. It will be up to him to decide what he wants to do next. The effort must come from him and support him towards the direction.
I remember the incident, whereby, I held back and put on a brave front. It definitely help because the last thing that I wanted was to make matter worse. It also show to your loved one that you are calm and compose and that you and your loved one will work things out together.
In life, no one can be totally spared from problems. Problems can be very stressful not just for the person but also to the other people around. It can lead to anger and depression because the situation happened to him.
If this happen to your loved one, never avoid him. Even though he may not realize it at the moment, this is the time he needs companionship and understanding. Sometimes by just being around is enough to help the person through the tough time. Sometimes a short conversation expressing one's feelings can do wonders for him.
Never push him but offer suggestions. It will be up to him to decide what he wants to do next. The effort must come from him and support him towards the direction.
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