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	Saturday, January 14, 2006

Two Different Interpretations on the Same Facts This gift of story came from Robert: Some years ago, a large American shoe manufacturer sent two of its sales reps to different parts of the Australian outback. The company hoped that it would drum up some business among the Aborigines. It was a risky venture, but the firm realized how many new customers could be gained if the venture was successful. After each rep had spent a few weeks in the outback, the shoe company received two faxes: “There is no hope for new business here,” reported one rep. “The Aborigines don’t even wear shoes! It’s not part of their culture. Couldn’t we have researched this earlier (more…) 6:34:34 AM     comment []   trackback []

The Pencil Story This one comes from Cliff. A pencilmaker told the pencils 5 important lessons: 1st: everything you do will always leave a mark 2nd: you can always correct the mistakes you make 3rd: what is important is what is inside you 4th: in life you will undergo painful sharpenings w/c will make you a better pencil and the most important is.. 5th: to be the best pencil you can be, you must allow yourself to be held & guided by the hand that holds you! 6:33:59 AM     comment []   trackback []

HOw to Stay Young Here’s one from Glendz on How to Stay Young: 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. ” 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often … long and loud. Laugh until (more…) 6:33:27 AM     comment []   trackback []

Execution is the Key I got this quote submitted by Chichi … It is a great quote from Theodore Roosevelt about the critic — we always know how things can be done better, but it is the doing, not the criticizing that get the medals. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. -Theodore Roosevelt As I keep telling the people, ” There never was a status of honor erected for the person for what he said he will do, or intended to do.” 6:25:33 AM     comment []   trackback []

A Life that Makes A Difference  Here’s the second Gift of Story. This is from Emmylou, which she says comes from a a story from Steve Goodier’s popular book ” A Life that Makes a Difference.” “How do you account for your remarkable accomplishment in life?” Queen Victoria of England asked Helen Keller. “How do you explain the fact that even though you were both blind and deaf, you were able to accomplish so much?” Ms. Keller’s answer is a tribute to her dedicated teacher. “If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller (more…) 6:24:29 AM     comment []   trackback []

Project Smile - Gift of Story1 During my birthday last week, I asked my colleagues that instead of giving me presents, they give me the gift of story…. something that is touching, and give us life’s lessons can be as valuable as any physical present, I said. Or any quotes, or life’s lessons that they have to share. Many of my friends responded, and I am going to slowly post them. In fact, I am creating a new category, the Gift of Story to put them. I hope even if it is not my birthday, if you have nice stories to share, send it to me! Here is one that came from Charis Bacolod. I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed (more…) 6:23:17 AM     comment []   trackback []

Great Business and Tech Links Here are some links you might be interested to read: - Is it better to franchise or to go solo? - The best and worst of Technology for 2005 - Web sites that allows users to send email to the future. - China now world’s fourth largest economy, if including service adjustments and Hong Kong. Only behind United States, Japan and Germany. 6:22:12 AM     comment []   trackback []

Lessons In Leadership Fortune Magazine in its Dec 12, 2005 edition have an interesting report on Lessons in Leadership, which asked some questions from seven respected CEOs about leadership. Here are some of the highlights and quotes: There is a heirarchy of commitments. On the highend, you have disciples — people who really believe in what you’re doing (more…)   The Greatest Management Secret in the World Sometimes, you have a once in a bluemoon chance to try to push your viewpoint. Last December 15 was my 40th birthday, and I took the opportunity of their goodwill to send a note to my colleagues in the business about certain management principles I wish they would remember…. Here’s the note, and I look forward to your opinion. ————– Thanks for all your greetings. I am feeling old,,, and feeling a little bit like an old sage who would now rather talk than run, I am going to share with you freely an advice that I think has been invaluable to my personal and business success. Just take it as my birthday gift to you…. 20 years ago, as I was nearing graduation of college, I bought a book entitled the greatest management secret (more…) 6:21:27 AM     comment []   trackback []

Knowledge Revolution Gems Here are some great excerpts from Newsweek 2006 special Issue, the Knowledge Revolution. 1. Given the ease with which capital can move to the smartest, most efficient, most reliable work force, having more skilled and capable workers than the next country becomes essential for attracting and holding the best jobs for the longest time. - Tom Friedman, author of “The World is flat: A Brief History of the Twenty First Century”. 2. The Popular Idea that America is one step smarter and more sophisticated than its rivals is a dangerous myth …. the United States not only has a deficit on commodities and cheap manufactured goods, it also has a deficit on agricultural products and high tech products…. From a surplus of $30 billion in 1998, the high tech trade currently runs at a deficit of $40 billion. - Clyde Prestowitz, president of Economic Strategy Institute. 3. We have to understand that competition can’t be shut out. In the end, it can only be beaten…. Success will go to those companies and countries which are swift to adapt, slow to complain, open and willing to change. - Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister 4. Amid a great information explosion, the share of knowledge that the world puts to good use is falling. History tells us this will end badly. - Danny Quah, professor of economics at London School of Economics. 6:19:24 AM     comment []   trackback []

Understanding what comes First   As managers, it is our duty to see that people are happy and productive. Many managers feel the obligation that their focus is to make their people happy with the fallacy that happy people are productive. That was one of the things that after so many years I found out not true. People are happy because (more…) 6:17:54 AM     comment []   trackback []

Who is the More Valuable Employee? I was reading this story to my kid, when it occured to me that sometimes values may differ, and sometimes, we have to look into things twice to make sure that we are teaching the right lessons. What do you think? —– There was once a king who wanted to choose a successor among his two sons. So he called them forward, and told them. “I am getting old. I am giving each of you a flower pot, and a flower (more…) 6:09:59 AM     comment []   trackback []

A week ago, I wrote that we are not that good to be humble yet. It means most of us have to constantly promote ourselves until we can make our name. Here is a nice poem from WS Gilbert on it. ” If you wish in this world to advance your merits you’re bound to enhance, you must stir it and stump it and blow your own trumpet, or trust me, you haven’t a chance. ” 6:04:19 AM     comment []   trackback []

For the last 2 days, I have enjoyed a chat with my friend, Wilton. He has had a rich and varied life, and he was once a leading executive of a store chain where he helped build it from 2 stores to more than 20. A few years ago, he had a near death experience. In fact, he was actually a flatliner for some half minute. Then miraculously, he was given a secnod lease to life. Two years ago, he retired. He now teaches entrepreneurship in a leading school, as well as do a lucrative consultancy and also invests in some startups. He now made a conscientious choice to do only the things he enjoys, and take it easy. “Everyday, when I need to make decisions, I have one criteria — do I want to earn more money, or live longer? After nearing death, you start to appreciate life better. Now, I spend most time mentoring people about my experiences. ” He is a respected consultant, and everybody goes to him for wisdom and advice, even the biggest corporations. But he says no to most of them. He is a success because instead of trying to get richer, he choose to live a richer life. 6:01:34 AM     comment []   trackback []