A "tough" leader @ work

I see many managers / leaders handled their staff with their own 101 ways. However sometimes they will start to question themselves if the method they used is the right one. For me, one of the “must read” book when you faced dilemma being a leader, is to refer to my favourite book called “The One Minute Manager” by Dr Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. Below is an interesting story from the book that makes me realised that as a leader, we must first master the method of “dush” before knowing the “sayang” to our subordinates.

Once upon a time, an emperor appointed a second in command. He called this prime minister in and, in effect, said to him, "Why don’t we divide up the tasks?" Why don’t you do all the punishing and I’ll do all the rewarding?" The prime minister said "Fine. I’ll do all the punishing and you do all the rewarding.” This emperor soon noticed that whenever he asked someone to do something, they might do it or they might not do it.
However, when the prime minister spoke, people moved. So the emperor called the prime minister back in and said, "Why don’t we divide the tasks again? You have been doing all the punishing here for quite a while. Now let me do the punishing and you do the rewarding." So the prime minister and the emperor switched roles again.

Within a month the prime minister became the emperor. Why? What happen?

The emperor had been a nice person, rewarding and being kind to everyone at first; then he started to punish people. People said, "What’s wrong with that old codger?" and they threw him out on his ear. When they came to look for a replacement, they said, "You know who’s really starting to come around now—the prime minister!". So, they put him right into office.

Start reading! And enjoy the journey to be One Minute Manager.

Celebrate your wins!

WOW~ Yesterday was my company (People Reengineering Consultancy) 1st year anniversary. Time flies! I only realise it this morning after my prayers. So I took some time to reflect on the progress I had made for the past 1 year. Hm.....still on the right track! :) In fact I know that many organization is now busy with the half yearly performance appraisal review too! Have you gone through your appraisal with your superior? Share with me if you want my advice. lols

This morning I log into facebook and saw my cousin ask this question "Why we need to celebrate our wins?" I shared "In life, we have ups and down. Very often, we tends to think about the "misfortune" (past bad experience/incidents) we had in life. Thus, celebrating our wins can anchor the good feelings in us and creating self-confidence and momentum to move on....". I always count my blessings despite all the challenges that I had to go through since childhood. Sometimes I even tell my friends that I am very happy now (我觉得自己很幸福) because along the way, I realised letting go the attachment of negative emotions make you feel lighter.

And most importantly I alway celebrate my success, be it SMALL, MEDIUM or BIG success. Treat myself a good sushi meal, entertain myself with an inspiring movie, go for a short holiday, or (save money) free myself one day doing what I like at home......as a mean of reward to myself. So nice isnt? Every part of it make you a better person, every part of it make your life more fulfilling! So, start celebrate your wins!