Thanks Team BOLEH

03rd August 2014, Sunday

Rainy - Muar, Johor

It's almost a month after we stepped down as Executive Board of AIESEC in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. It has been a year full of learnings.

This is a story about a guy who wish to change the World. In a micro level, he wish to start from Malaysia. 

On March 2013, he was presenting his passion & vision on leadership to a crowd of 50-60 university students. He went into the crowd with one (1) thing in his mind - "Whether or not I pass this Confidence Vote, I will give a slap on everyone's face - Leadership is relevant to Malaysian society. Firstly, we need to be the change we want to see in Malaysia." Of course, this is echoed from Mahatma Gandhi's quote, "Be the change you want to see in the World."

He knew it is not going to be an easy journey, but it is going to be worth it. It all started with taking a risk to Trust.

"Be careful, she is somehow childish." 

"It's okay, she genuinely care about people's development.", he said. 

"Be careful, he is too emotional." 

"It's okay, I am going to challenge his leadership limit. Give him the biggest & most connected function.", he said. 

"Be careful, she may not be able to juggle between academic and work." 

"It's okay, she will learn and I believe she is a responsible person.", he said. 

"Be careful, he cares too much about the people and do not open up to the team." 

"It's okay, he genuinely care about people, hence, he care about intern experiences. That's what we need.", he said. 

"Be careful, she has laid back attitude." 

"It's okay, she is full of passion. Most importantly, she can communicate passion.", he said. 

"Be careful, he may quit halfway when he do not see the relevance." 

"It's okay, he is just lacking of confidence. I believe he can do it.", he said. 

"Be careful, she is not from this campus." 

"It's okay, she will be involved.", he said.

He is thankful of this journey of leadership - the road less travelled by.

1. Thanks for developing my habit to Read.

I had zero knowledge on leadership & management. It was the first management book that I read - "Making Ideas Happen by Seth Godin". Thanks Lay Sin Ang for getting it for me with your book voucher. After all, it's about read, think, reflect and apply. Thanks for being part of the platform for me to apply what I learn from books. Next, I moved on to read "Taking People with You by David Novak". In one year, I began to fill up my bookshelf with more books. It range from :-

Personal Development, Leadership & Management, Business Magazines, The Economist, Malaysian Authors, Published Journal - History etc. 

Thanks for enabling me to build up this reading habit. It has became the most powerful foundation for me to pursue my leadership dream.

2. Thanks for teaching me to Live, Love, Laugh.

I failed in relationship, friendship and family while pursuing my leadership dream. In short, I was totally lost. Thanks for this experience which enable me to get back on my feet and think, what's the core values that I uphold? What makes me happy? What I care the most? I came to a conclusion that, life is as simple as - love & happiness. However, when I climb up the ladder, I lost my ability to love and to be happy.

It was a tough December 2013 for me, when I stop and rest for one (1) week to think about life.

You taught me work life balance is the key for higher productivity.You taught me health is the pillar of leadership.You taught me people seek for love & understanding.You taught me humans communication, interaction & relationship building.You taught me to appreciate more.

3. Thanks for teaching me what's Leadership

Once I thought leadership is all about goal, strategies & action steps. The more skilful and knowledgeable is your people, the better is your organisation. I do not deny the fact that, we tends to measure the success of a leadership in an organisation with the result we achieved as a team. However, what is the root? The root is actually the people.

You taught me leadership starts with the people within an organisation. The culture of an organisation is determined by the leader, and most importantly the people within the organisation. 

As much as skills & knowledges are concerned, values, attitude & mindset of the people within an organisation are more important. Once the people are of right values, attitude & mindset (something that are build in - affected by how ones is brought up in a community - something related to Anthropology), skills & knowledges are something that we can develop from time to time.

This realisation re-defined my dream to be the change I wish to see in Malaysia. To focus on the people, which we shall start to shape the right values, attitude & mindset of our people through a proper educational & family culture.

I do not know how am I getting there, but thanks for being part of this journey which bring me closer to my dream.

This gratitude note has been 'on hold' for a month. I can't finish all in one day. It's amazing to realise how much I learn from this experience with you all, and the list goes on.

As much as you think I am a shaper who is trying to shape you , I wish to say 'Thank you' for shaping me to be who I am today. =) The matter of fact, my Belbin Team Role changed for Shaper (in LC) to Team Worker (in MC).

P/S :  I know some of you don't like shaper. Don't get it wrong, Shaper's role is more than what we think. Read more about Belbin Team Role to understand more on each role and the purpose of this team role test. Shaper's role is not to shape a person. Shaper is a person who provids the necessary drive to ensure that the team kept moving and did not lose focus or momentum.

Wonder why I suddenly miss you? This video from Simon Sinek makes me reflect on my experience - miss you. =P

Enjoy~

Regards,

John Lau C.K.

3 Things I learn about Communication

On 27th July 2014, I posted a status in Social Media - "Humanise our approach, when technology became an important tool of communication."

Why? This is because I value communication from the bottom of my heart.

I am currently working as a part timer in an organisation - AIESEC , which I need to do virtual conference calls to stay engaged with my team who are working in office / all over Malaysia. Thanks to email, Podio, Google Hangout, Skype, Facebook and Watsapp which allows me to stay connected with my team.

"As much as we value the advancement of Information Technology, we learn to value human connections & interactions." At least, it works for me. =)

So far, these are the 3 things I learn about communication.

1. Human are Social Animals with 5 Senses
God gifted us with 5 senses - touch, smell, taste, seeing, & listening. These allows us to exchange information (communicate) and learn. While delivering a session, make sure we touch at least 2 out of 5 senses to whom we wish to deliver the information. It works the same while we are communicating with people virtually or physically. Of course, if we are able to touch 3 out of 5 senses, that will become a powerful presentation.

How I do it? Whenever the internet connection allows us to do so, always open your webcam during conference call. Make sure everyone can see your expression, gestures and listen to you. Gotcha! You touch 2 senses.

2. Email is not the only tool of Communication

"...for over 100 billion emails sent and received per day. Email remains the predominant form of communication in the business space. This trend is expected to continue, and business email will account for over 132 billion emails sent and received per day by the end of 2017." - source Email Statistics Report, 2013-2017 - The Radicati Group, Inc.

We can't deny that email is very important for exchange of information and to keep paper trail. It's also a fact that, emails are boring. Why? Because it only touches the sense of seeing of the reader. 

Email is important, but we need to learn how to make our email engaging. It comes with our understanding on how to use the suitable word and grammar. Enrol yourself to : Writing For Specific Purpose class. =)

Once we get used to email communication, don't forget there are still a lot of ways of communications.

Email is a tool for us to exchange information and set appointments. It is not a tool for discussions. Get off your seat and get to the person to talk. Otherwise, set a conference meeting and lets talk and listen to each other.

3. We invest more time on operations, and forget to communicate.
Often, we got our head into a problem and try hard to figure out a solution ourselves. We put on our headphone to seek for a 'me time' and inspiration through music. That's what I respect, but I don't think it's good to keep a problem to ourselves in a work place.

As much as we care about operations and strategies, we learn how to talk to our team mates to gain new perspectives. I enjoy talking to people who are out of my functional area, because they can see my product from a customer's perspective. 

For both listeners and perspective seekers, put this in our mind - "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." - the principles of empathetic communication from Stephen R. Covey (Author : The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). We have one in our office. =P



This is a personal sharing on what I learn about communication and human interaction. Hope it helps.

I am happy to spend 2 hours of my Saturday to slow down, reflect and share my thoughts about communication. How about you? What makes you happy today?

Also inspired by : 

Simon Sinek: If You Don't Understand People, You Don't Understand Business

Cheers.

John Lau C.K. 

Fighting Dengue, what's your role?

Published by : The Malaysian Insider
Article : Without Change in Public Attitude, Fighting Dengue, A Losing Battle Says Senior Doctor

News link : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/without-change-in-public-attitude-fighting-dengue-a-losing-battle-says-seni


It was few years ago, when I was still in my secondary school - Muar High School, teachers used to give us 'Karangan' (essay) topic for us to do factual writings. I miss those moments, and wonder if it is still the same now?

'Dengue' is a topic that were often discussed in class. It was clear in my mind, once we were done with the writings, teacher will provide us 4 facts from the schema answers. To encourage critical thinking among students (which is one of the wish from Ministry of Education), I believe an open space is needed for students to read, think, write, present, debate and feedback. It shall not be judged merely by grades.

For Malaysians who had gone through the same education as me, the first thing that comes into your mind as a solution to cope dengue may be 'gotong-royong'. Am I right? I hope so. Haha!

I imagine a school where students are updated with news early in the morning not by force.
I imagine a school where students have a democratic platform to share their thoughts on news.
I imagine a school where students are given spaces to do friendly discussion on an issue happening around the World.
I imagine a school where is back to the basic of human's needs of love, happiness and belongings.
I believe Malaysian can do this. :)

I can't agree any more with the title, "Change in Public Attitude". Before we put our blames on Government, let's change our attitude and behaviour from within and our family. It will be hard, but shall we be accountable? Yes. At least I was brought up in a family that taught me to prevent stagnant water at home as a contribution to cope Dengue fever. Oh, I appreciate my family education a lot. :)

As an undergraduate in Civil Engineering, I am shocked that stagnant water in construction sites are the main source of to breed Aedes (Mosquitoes transmitting Dengue). Temporary drainage systems on site are often taken lightly. To educate more value-based engineers seems like a must in university. Of course, we shall educate value-based leadership in construction industry too.


In short, only if each individual are taking responsibility as a global citizen to stop dengue, then we are able to talk about enforcement of laws and policies. Why? Because it's our nature to break rules? Don't we?


Cheers. =)

John Lau C.K.

'Unity'. We need a change within.

This is about the first 'trophy' I got in my life, back in 1996 (should get a confirmation from Mommy). It was a colouring competition. It was also the day I left Dungun, Terengganu and get back to the place I was born, Muar, Johor.

Back then, I was an introvert, and started to draw and write even before I get enrolled into kindergarten studies. I loves to fill blank pages with colours, and draw. Just before I left Dungun, my Mom get me to a colouring competition - which is my passion. (I feel thankful, and blessed to be in this family. My Mom is a good educator.) It was a care-free competition, which I got to colour the blank page as usual, but my art work will be judged. After I done my coluring, my family got me to a good breakfast/lunch, as a reward of me completing the piece of art. Fair enough =P

With pure passion, and without the goal of wining in mind, I got my first trophy in life. I was just 5/6 years old, when the word 'winning' does not even appear in my vocabulary list. Of course, this brought a lot of happiness to my family back then.

"Winning a race is so important that, most of the time, we unconsciously end up losing our character."

"Winning a race is so important that, most of the time, we unconsciously end up losing our humanity to love."

Things got different when my life goes on to preliminary studies, secondary studies, pre-university studies and now in my third year degree. We found out knowledge and examination result are the way the society judge our success. Students are even labeled as 'A' class, 'B' class and 'E' class. We segregate the students with good results and those who cannot score good results.

Before we talk about unity and 1 Malaysia, this question strikes me on 7 January 2014. It was from a conversation with my course mate after a chilling dinner at Fat Boy's Burger. 

"How much segregation are we promoting among our people in our daily 'systems'?"

Segregation among people, which can be similarise as label and classification, become a trend in our social circle. If we talk about social circle, we need to study the causes from family system, education system... Yes, I am talking about the entire ecosystem where human exist. A developed democratic country with unity should not be a political effort, but it should be a collective effort by all the people who are living within the system. It is easy for us to blame the leaders and politician, but, are we playing our role as a citizen to unite our children, and all the differences in our people? It starts from within.

Of course, I respect those who have great realisation in this matter, and started the change from within. However, we need more realisation. At least, start the change within the family.

It was a heartbreaking news featured in NST on January 6, 2014. "Mental Health Screening for More Students." Since when, we thought we are providing education to our children, but within the system, we found out our children do not even learn how to live a better life as a human being? 

If you don't act on life, life has a habit of acting on you. Looks like life is acting on us like never before in 21st century.

A lesson learnt. Always get back 'home', to a place where you are being yourself with clear life purpose, values and passions. Only when we stay grounded on the values, then we could lead a life of virtue.

"Arts of Living", I love this phrase more than ever while writing this post.

Well Trained Slaves

It was a Monday morning, kicked off with a cup of black coffee and a great book, accompanied by twilight and shower. Read and write to start off a day, it was a milestone in experiencing the Arts of Living.

Back then in my 13th year of living, I was forced to copy 20 essays in Bahasa Malaysia on weekly basis. It was a terrible night-mare. It was my secondary education, that a teacher can easily spot which tuition centre you went or which reference books you referred to for your revision. 

We have this so called 'Buku Nilam' system, which every students are 'forced' to read, and write the book review in a small blue booklet. The person who wrote the most review (read the most) will be appraised with a certificate. It was a good system back then, to foster and track the reading habit among students, but somehow, the system fails when the art of reading is not valued. Students end up getting 10 to 20 books from the library and copy the review within the book. Yes, it somehow indicates that we are superheros who could read 10 to 20 books in 1-2 hours, even, with a great review.

Don't it worth a Guinness World Record? 

Obviously, this is not reading, this is an 'activity' to serve the Ministry of Education's needs. A good read is accompanied by deep thoughts, reflection and learning from the writer. This makes a good review for a book, genuinely from the reader's thoughts and perspectives. Yet, my friends and I survived 'reading' like a superhero for 5 years. Is the educator out there blinded enough to not even spot this habit of copying, or they consciously chose to close one eye because they don't really care?

Of course, there are still students (my friends) who do read with heart, as well as educator (my teachers) who read the students' review. I am just speaking about the majority.

It was 10 years later when I am now in my tertiary studies, I found the why of reading and writing. I hope the system back then is reviewed, improved and followed through by educators. First homework, we need educator who educates with passion.

We are the 21st century's Well Trained Slaves. The grades of an essay is neither judged by how much the students read, nor how mature is one's thoughts process. This is the saddest part in the history of civilisation and literature. A great piece of essay is judged by how well the students write according to the schema answers provided by the ruling body. Looks like we are expecting our children to be fortune teller, who are able to read the teachers' mind. When was the last time you get excited, reading a great piece of writing from a student?

Somehow, I wonder what is the purpose and joy of educating our children? Or our educators are handcuffed with the rights to value a piece of art from an authentic student? Is there any meetings being called among educators, just because a student wrote a good piece, which was not even according to the schema answers? There is a need for us to realise, the value of the arts of reading and writing. These are great thoughts from the students, which worth educators' encouragement. They are the dare devils who voice out their inner thoughts in young age when everyone don't. 

I believe school is the best place to build up a civilised, and democratic country, backed with the freedom to deliver our thoughts.

This is a wake up call for a better education for future generation. It's time to get back to the basic of education, and stay grounded to bring out the best from our people.

Let's study the Arts of Education. We are still in time to make a good progress. =)

How It Started?

It was in the end of 2013, while most Malaysian Degree students (those studied in Local University) are going through examination week, a youth in his early 20's did a deep reflection on his life journey. The reflection process took about 1 week. He was longing for a care free life since his secondary studies, it was during his mid-10's. 

It was a flash back on how his life changes from 15 to 22. It had been 7 years, which we do allowed a huge change and turning point in a youngster life. Same goes to this young man, who realised he had been living in guild for years. It can be similarise with self-doubt, which all the guilds are created by the inner self of this young man. The guild towards family, love ones, friends, teammates etc.

Follows is a quick run through of the one week happenings. He went to a simple count down party with his teammates from AIESEC (A global youth run leadership organisation); he took an examination paper on 3rd January; he picked a book from his shelf - Life Lessons From The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari - by Robin Sharma; he took a two hours bus back home for a family reunion party blessed by his one month old niece, Aidan. It was a tough week when he seldom speaks, just because he needs more time for himself.

He is a thought person, which sometimes also known as a 'thinker'. The decision was made after he communicates with Robin Sharma's piece of art. 

"Yes Robin, this is a nice book. However, I knew most of these. These 'mindset' or 'theories' to live a care free yet purposeful life.", he said.

"Looks like, I had been living under others' expectation for a few years."

"Nope, it's the high expectation I created for myself. The eagerness to succeed, and the egoism in me. I care how others' perceived me as a person. Till then, I did not live the life I longing to my fullest."

He lost his character in a daily basis, and get too taken away by the voices out there. He made up his mind to listen to his inner voice more often, hence, he decided to reborn and live one more time. It is just his early 20's, which he decided to live to his fullest. 

He took out his note book and pen. Next, he asked himself, how he would like to make everyday counts without being distracted by the mainstream voices out there. He defined what is important for him, and reaffirm the values he uphold.

'Arts of Living' is a platform for him to record the milestone of his life journey, for him to connect the dot backwards, while moving forward with a life purpose.

The Artist started to paint the palette on 5th January 2014. Let's read the Artist's mind, and live a beautiful life.

"This site is dedicated to my family, friends and every soul on Earth. I love you, and let's enjoy our life with humanity."

Truthfully,

John Lau C.K.