How to enjoy your work

This post came out from The New Paper (13 April 2016)
Title -How to enjoy your work

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Focus on your passions
2. Work smart
3. Discover your calling
4. Enjoy working with people
5. Add value to your work
6. Get into the flow of things
7. Develop a strong sense of purpose

On Focus on your passions

• Where every working minute is actually passionate and full of positive emotions. 

On Work Smart

• Which simply means coming up with systematised methods that add real value, being efficient and effective, and making good money along the way.

On Discover your calling

• This is an inner sense of responsibility that makes you just want to do something. It is more than just your passion - it is an extension of you.

On Enjoy working with people

• Which is what working is about. If you like people and want to help others, working with people is a joy. You can go to great lengths and deal with all kinds of people without getting negative feelings.

On Add value to your work

• Over time, you will make good money from your work. When this happens, wouldn't you want to work harder and earn more?

On Get into the flow of things

• Where time passes without you realising. People who are in the flow often find that work is effortless, because it is so smooth and totally in line with their inner selves.

On Develop a strong sense of purpose

• Where you will get limitless energy and be able to go on when everyone quits. A strong sense of purpose is what keeps people awake, and it will make your work purposeful. It will help you to go on working without any mental fatigue, because you find your work meaningful. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Get the best out of millennials

This post came out from The Straits Times (6 April 2016)
Title - Get the best out of millennials

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Digitally savvy team players
2. Challenge the millennials

On Digitally savvy team players

• Millennials, having been brought up in a society and education system which places emphasi on results and efficiency, adopt the same mindset in their careers. Often, this means an ambitious and opinionated character, a vast difference from the 'keep a stiff upper lip' mentality practiced by the older generation.
• Born into a digital era, millennials are a natural in the online realm. Communication takes place in real-time through various mediums, from mobile messaging apps to e-mails. In a highly evolving world where communication tools are ever-changing, adaptability is a trait that is highly valued.
• Millennials are used to working in groups and teams. In contrast to the solo flyer attitude of earlier generations, millennials believe that team work accomplishes tasks more efficiently. 
• Work-life balance is a phrase that has been used often in the recent years. This is directly an influence of millennials, who value their personal lives highly. To them, work-life balance does not just refer to a reasonable work load or being able to leave the office on time. It also means having an enjoyable working environment and fostering healthy office relationships through team bonding activities. 
• Millennials are believers of structure. For example, reports should have monthly due dates, and meetings backed by agendas and minutes. This way, they are able to keep track of their progress and assess if a goal is achievable.

On Challenge the millennials

• Due to their competitive nature, a millennial is always up for a challenge. Having grown up in a time where information is easily accessible, answers to many challenges can be readily found online.
• As such, millennials have developed into a group that wants to work on new and tough problems that require creative solutions. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

5 pointers to deliver an engaging work presentation

This post came out from The Straits Times (6 April 2016)
Title - 5 pointers to deliver an engaging work presentation

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Know your audience
2. Be concise
3. Practice and rehearse
4. Body language
5. Do your research

On Know your audience

• Find out who will be listening to your speech. Include relevant content that will appeal to them. Weave in anecdotes or examples that your audience can identify with and understand. In this way, you can capture their attention for a longer time and establish a stronger connection with them.
• If you need to sell certain ideas or persuade your audience to see value in your suggestions, include relevant data, research studies and list down the practical benefits that can be achieved.

On Be concise

• Be clear and focused on your objectives. Make a conscious effort to be succinct. 
• If it is a technical or content-heavy topic, avoid overwhelming the audience with unnecessary jargon. Without eliminating essential content, use analogies and simple explanations to put across complicated concepts.

On Practice and rehearse

• There is no substitute for ample practice and rehearsals. Practice is key. Even experienced speakers can feel nervous and encounter problems on stage. You need to know your topic by heart and be prepared to cope. If you make a mistake, do not let that prevent you from continuing with the rest of your speech. 
• Stay confident and be alert. Do not simply read off your script. You need to engage the audience and make them feel you are really talking to them. 
• Visiting the venue beforehand to familiarise yourself with the audio and visual aid equipment. Even better, rehearse your speech there to get a feel of the ambience and learn how to project your voice. 

On Body language

• When making long speeches, ensure that the audience remains focused and attentive. Go for smooth transitions and draw obvious links between points. Allow the audience to follow your train of thought with ease.
• Refrain from using too much animation and transition effects in your slides. These can be distractions that disrupt people's focus.
• Speak at a steady pace. Neither rush through your speech nor go at too slow a pace. Project your voice and speak at a volume that will command attention and signal your confidence.
• A speaker's body language should be natural and complement what he or she is saying. Your stance, movements, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact add persuasiveness to your speech. 

On Do your research

• Having a firm grasp of the subject will give you confidence during the presentation and credibility during the question and answer segment. To provide well thought out responses, be an expert on the subject and possess knowledge beyond what is expected of you. 
• For instance, while it would be the bare minimum to understand how your department functions, it pays to find out the nature of the work of other units and departments. This helps you understand the challenges faced by each team, as well as the part each team plays in contributing towards delivering the final products. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Simply to influence - How you can make it easier for others to understand you

This post came out from The Straits Times (1 April 2016)
Title - Simply to influence

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Simplification 1: Needs versus Wants
2. Simplification 2: So What?
3. Simplification 3: Fluency is everything

On Simplification 1: Needs versus Wants

• People often assume that they would lose credibility if they miss out presenting information that shows how knowledgeable they are. In fact, the reverse is true. The more you present according to your expertise, the more people do not understand due to the jargon you use.
• It is not about how knowledgeable you are, but whether people perceive you to be knowledgeable by making it easy to understand concepts from their perspectives. 
• If people can't understand, it does not matter. Start the simplification process by asking, "What is it people want to know?"

On Simplification 2: So What?

• We should only give information by looking at what people want to know or have to know. The "so what?" challenges us to be more precise, forcing us to get to the point of what is most important. So stay true to your focal point by constantly asking "so what?"

On Simplification 3: Fluency is everything

• Fluency refers to the smooth transition of ideas and words that people can understand quickly. It is also best to remove animations and transition effects from slides. In today environment, people just want to get to the point. An animation is a distraction because it disrupts a person's train of thoughts. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Ge that job you want

This post came out from The Straits Times (1 April 2016)
Title - Get that job you want

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Create an eye-catching resume
2. Go small
3. Take up internships
4. Stay optimistic

On Create an eye-catching resume

• Ensure that there is consistency in font size, style, colour and spacing. Comb through your resume to avoid any spelling mistakes, and ensure that it is no longer than two A4 sides. 

On Go small

• Fresh graduates are encouraged to cast a wider net by looking at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start career. SMEs would make a good choice for fresh graduates before they move up the career ladder. In a multi-national corporation company, job scopes re more defined, with a specific function. 
• In a SME, one can wear many hats and take on many challenges to help the company to improve its productivity. This flexibility and opportunity to learn in various roles will hone their skills, increase their knowledge and competency which prepares them to take on higher responsibilities in future. 

On Take up internships

• Not only will internships give you a first hand experience in the working world, it signals to the employer that you are able to take on different challenges. 
• Fresh graduates should not be overly concerned if they do not get into the preferred industry that they majored in school. Interning in a different industry would offer fresh graduates a different perspective and provide a fertile ground for creative solutions that can be used later on in their career. 

On Stay optimistic

• When you do not receive favourable responses from companies you applied to, do not take it personally. One needs to frame the rejection in the right context and not allow the temporary rejection to constitute as something permanent. 
• Spend time and review the type of companies that you sent your resumes to. Do a post-moterm analysis of the number of resumes sent, interviews granted and rejections received. 
• Keep yourself occupied by doing other physical activities to keep your focus away from negative thoughts. If possible, take on temporary assignments to keep oneself active during this period of job hunting. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Survival tips to help you cope better if you are laid off

This post came out from The Straits Times (5 April 2016)
Title - There is life after retrenchment

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Reframe your beliefs
2. Work in a different industry
3. Upgrade your skills
4. Network
5. Work on your resume
6. Update your image

On Reframe your beliefs

• First, accept the fact that your services are no longer required by your current employer. It is natural to feel shocked and angered by this, but sooner or later, you will have to move on.
• You are probably afraid to step out of your comfort zone to experience new growth. You are not alone. Many people do not bother to stretch themselves. They remain in their comfort zone as they are complacent, safe and sound. 
• Your comfort zone is dictated by change. The harder you fight change and resist its force, the more difficult it is to break through and move forward. Begin with embracing small changes incrementally and adapting to new environment. Then you can move on. 

On Work in a different industry

• If your current industry is described as being in its sunset phrase, it is probably not a wise choice to stay in it. You may want to consider a career in another industry. 
• Although your salary package might be reduced, at least you are still engaged in the workforce. Alternatively, you can take on a part time job. This will help you manage any cash-flow problems and give you more time to decide what your next job to be.

On Upgrade your skills

• Enrol for courses to upgrade your skills. Business writing, communication, resume writing and presentation courses boost your soft skills and directly impact your chances of finding a job.
• Next, decide which technical skills you need to work on to make yourself more employable. Computer technology is advancing rapidly. Learn something that enhances your computer skills, for instance, marketing and blogging. 

On Network

• Avoid sitting in front of the computer or staying at home for too long. Participate in a variety of networking events to broaden your knowledge and build up your circle of contacts. You will be able to find people with common interests. Networking also provides fresh information about new openings and other career opportunities.

On Work on your resume

• If you have worked at the same company for a long time, your resume may be outdated. You may want to seek advice from a professional resume writer or attend courses on how to create an impressive resume. 

On Update your image

• It is not enough to be smart. You need to look smart too.
• Read up on how to present a professional and well-groomed image to boost your job search. You can even invest in the services of an image consultant if you think you need a dramatic image overhaul. 
• When you feel good about yourself, you will appear confident and make a good impression on your interviewers. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Watch your body language - Powerful tips for better communication

This post came out from The Straits Times (5 April 2016)
Title - Watch your body language

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Smile
2. Give a firm handshake
3. Watch your posture
4. Be in sync with the other party
5. Do not speak too loudly
6. Make eye contact
7. Offer positive feedback
8. Give the person your full attention

On Smile

• A smile triggers positive emotions, and demonstrates confidence, openness, warmth and energy. When you smile at someone, you are subtly instructing him or her to smile back. This increases your likeability for each other. 

On Give a firm handshake

• Your handshake should be firm but not tight. Research has proven that a good handshake can increase one's likeability. It also makes it easier for the other person to recognise you as the familiarity is triggered the next time you shake hands again.

On Watch your posture

• How we feel affects how we stand, and how we stand affects how we feel as well. 
• To look confident, stand tall. Doing this triggers the chemicals in our brain to make us feel stronger and more confident. This reflects credibility and strength.
• When you let your shoulders slump due to fatigue, this may give others an impression of insecurity, laziness or even unhappiness. 
• If you are at a function or party, do not hold anything close to your heart and the area around it. Doing so shows that you are guarded and distant. Instead, lower your drink and hold it at the waist level. 

On Be in sync with the other party

• When you speak to someone, try to match and mirror a person's voice, tone, tempo and movements. Mirroring a person's gestures effectively can build rapport over time.
• When two people making conversation are out of sync, this disrupts the rapport. It may make you look like you are not interested in what the other person is saying. At work, it might imply that you are not being a good team player. 

On Do not speak too loudly

• Lowering your tone and speaking more slowly shows authority and makes your message more credible.

On Make eye contact

• This is one of the most important components of non verbal communication. The ability to look at someone directly while speaking reflects authority, confidence and presence. Holding eye contact with someone while speaking also impacts how we persuade him or her. 
• If you need to break eye contact it is best to look to the left or the right, as looking down can suggest insecurity or secretiveness. Not making eye contact at all denotes possible distrust. 
• Avoid rolling your eyes at someone. Rolling one's eyes is a sign of contempt, frustration or aggression. It tells someone that you do not appreciate or respect what they are saying.

On Offer positive feedback

• Use your body language to show interest in what someone is saying and keep the conversation going. A raised eyebrow, smile or nod, verbal affirmations like 'uh-huh', as well as actions like leaning forward tell a person you are interested in his or her views.
• A lack of response gives the impression that you are not approachable. 

On Give the person your full attention

• Avoid looking at or playing with your mobile phone when you are trying to hold a conversation with someone. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Streamline your resume

This post came out from The Straits Times (26 March 2016)
Title - Streamline your resume

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Think before you write
2. Include a well taken studio photograph
3. Customise your cover letter and resume
4. Sell your skills and experience
5. Use a professional email address
6. Make your resume appealing
7. Sum up each job scope effectively
8. Show your personality
9. Highlight your achievements
10. Keyword-proof your resume

On Think before you write

• Be focused about what you want to convey in your application. Which are the key areas which would be more pertinent to the hiring manager? Frame this in your mind before you start any writing.

On Include a well-taken studio photograph

• This makes your profile much more memorable

On Customise your cover letter and resume

• A resume must include the type of information that employers want to see and read. Show they that you have done research on the company and have understood their most pressing challenges. Targeted, customised cover letters always get read by the hiring manager

On Sell your skills and experience

• Experienced workers should remember a resume is an advertising tool or sales brochure to sell themselves, instead of writing resumes or CVs in response to job postings. 
• Make it obvious that you are the perfect candidate. Highlight your relevant skills by tailoring your executive summary and content to fit the position. 

On Use a professional e-mail address

• Set up an email address that is as professional as the business you will conduct through it.

On Make your resume appealing

• Too many jobsekers will stick to the same Microsoft Word document template they used a decade ago. Having a well formatted resume show you have put in effort. But avoid using hard to read fonts or making your resume too colourful.

On Sum up each job scope effectively

• A recruiter or human resource manager reading your resume should know, in one line, exactly who you are and what you do, and why they should keep reading. This applies to both your executive summary, and each of your job scopes.

On Show your personality

• If your resume is ordinary, it is likely to be cast aside. Employers want to hire a person, not just someone to fill a position.

On Highlight your achievements

• Accomplishments should be presented as: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]

On Keyword-proof your resume

• To get past the initial round of resume screening conducted by automated robots which scan for keywords in the applicant's resume, applicants need to identify and use the right keywords in their resumes. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

5 secrets of successful people

This post came out from The Straits Times (14 April 2016)
Title - 5 secrets of successful people

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Be proactive and make things happen
2. Engage in lifelong learning
3. Turn failure into advantage
4. Focus on making small continuous improvements
5. Share what you can with the needy

On Be proactive and make things happen

• Instead of reacting to events and waiting for opportunities, successful people venture out to create their own chances, and in doing so, create their own destinies. They channel their time and energy into aspects within their control, or take concrete actions to improve situations. 

On Engage in lifelong learning

• Successful people believe that learning comes in many forms, beyond formal educational institutions like school and universities. They often continuously expand their knowledge and read widely across multiple disciplines. Most importantly, they apply their acquired knowledge to be more productive and efficient or improve the quality of their work.

On Turn failure into advantage

• Successful people know that failure is an opportunity to learn something new or to finetune the way certain things are done. They learn from their mistakes to increase their chances of success, and do not perceive obstacles as barriers to success but learning experience. 

On Focus on making small continuous improvements

• Go-getters take conscious control of their lives, set goals and work towards achieving them. However, it is easy to give up when our goals seem insurmountable. Divide your foal into small manageable ones that can be achieved one step at a time.
• Making minor incremental improvements will eventually culminate in significant changes over time.

On Share what you can with the needy

• When a person is successful, he or she is likely to possess extra resources to share with the less fortunate. Being charitable makes us aware of the hardships the lower strata of society struggles with, keeps us firmly grounded and deters us from being too caught up in our own success. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Develop your personal branding

This post came out from The Straits Times (15 April 2016)
Title - Develop your personal branding

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Extract what you want your personal brand to say about you
2. Express the right outlook and professional image
3. Exude good manners in your interactions with others
4. Engage your audience through various channels
5. Excite others to leave a lasting positive impression

On Extract what you want your personal brand to say about you

• It is important to align your values and vision, passion and purpose, and strengths and skills in life according to how you would like to brand yourself at work.
• Doing a personal assessment on your values and crafting out your personal brand statement to be successful in one's business is crucial. Top sales professionals create their brand strategy plan to make sure that their personal brands are translated correctly to their target audiences.

On express the right outlook and professional image

• After you have created your personal branding statement, projecting the right image in terms of dressing and presentation is next.
• Packaging determines the first impression. Dress your part and create the kind of image you would like others to have of you. Your image has an impact on people's impressions of you, and therefore affects your sales results. 

On Exude good manners in your interactions with others

• As the saying goes "Manners maketh a man", the next thing that you should be looking at to power up your personal branding is to demonstrate the appropriate business etiquette and corporate protocol. 
• Do you want to project yourself as a well-respected and well-mannered working professional, or a confident and dynamic sales personnel? Practise your mannerisms to project your personal brand correctly. 

On Engage your audience through various channels

• Marketing your personal brand to the world with a clear and consistent plan through the various communication channels is vital to transmit the right brand message. 
• Utilising the five vocal factors in conversations, displaying the right body language and sharing appropriate posts on various platforms will eventually translate your desired brand message effectively to your prospects and clients.

On Excite others to leave a lasting positive impression

• Lastly, try to excite the people you meet by creating an emotional link with them. Let your charisma charm everyone you meet. In doing so, people will remember you vividly for the brand that you have created for yourself. This will enhance your work and sales performance.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Stop your bad work habits now

This post came out from The Straits Times (15 April 2016)
Title - Stop your bad work habits now

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. The Good and The Bad
2. Obstacles to overcome
3. Commit yourself

On The Good and The Bad

• Doing well at work goes beyond turning up for work on time. Cultivating good habits of having a can-do attitude, being an attentive listener, and having a commitment to excellence in your work can help you build a good reputation at work.
• Tardiness in deadlines, displaying the 'lone wolf syndrome' and being critical shows a lack of professionalism and give others a negative impression of you.

On Obstacles to overcome

• The first is the lack of self esteem. This causes a person to enter a destructive cycle out of a fear of change.
• Poor disciple and a lack of will power also cause an employee to repeatedly fall back into old habits.
• Lastly, the lack of courage to face difficulties can prevent an employee from surmounting difficulties encountered along the way.

On Commit yourself

• The key to having good habits is to practice. Identify what you want to change and achieve. It is important to be specific. Once you have decided to inculcate a positive habit, it makes it easier to work towards your goal.
• Once you have done so, work the habit into your schedule and practicing it daily. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Get your work noticed - Get due recognition from your boss without blowing your own trumpet by following these steps

This post came out from The Straits Times (11 September 2008)
Title - Get your work noticed

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Key decision makers
2. Highlight success
3. Right timing
4. Strategic relationships
5. Publicise your efforts

On Key decision makers

• Within every office, there are a select number of people who make the decisions. Identify who they are and develop a target list. Look at their areas of responsibility and think about how you an come into contact with them.
• If you are involved in a piece of work that relates to their area, introduce yourself and pick their brain on how they think the project should be developed. The best way to do this is organise a brain storming session. As part of the session, provide a brief background on what has been achieved so far before going in to the latest project. The session will expose key personnel to your work, probably for the first time. 

On Highlight success

• Initiating contact with decision makers could be made part of a post project debrief to look at its results in a fact finding way. Solicit feedback from those involved on how processes can be improved. 
• When communicating a win, make sure you publicly thank the members individually for their efforts and contribution. Highlight the ownership and collaboration of the project. Your team members will appreciate your acknowledgement and will be more receptive to working with you in the future.
• When communicating successful results, offer it in a way that can help colleagues in their campaigns. You might develop the project into a case study. While the results and products employed in future projects may differ, the principles and project methodology used to achieve the results are timeless and can be reused. 
• It is also a good move to ensure the discussion positions your boss in a good way in front of his superiors. However, if he is taking all the kudos when delivering the news up the chain, take control of the communication process.

On Right timing

• Most middle and senior managers have gatekeepers who shield them from the barrage of people wanting a piece of their time and concentration. 
• When sending reports, include these people in the distribution list and send it after work hours, usually before 8am and after 6pm. The senior manager you are intending to target is more likely to open his own email at this time rather than rely on a personal assistant.

On Strategic relationships

• In today's work environment, where performance is more closely scrutinised, time in office and length of service counts for little. Career progression is still made through relationships.
• If you click with a senior manager and you gain his confidence, you have a greater chance of moving up. But do your research. Observe and understand their work style. Are they hierarchical, big on ideas, but lax on detail, micro-managers or collaborative types? Once you have pinned down the style, run your meeting in a similar fashion.

On Publicise your efforts

• If your company has an internal communication process such as a staff newsletter, approach the editor to see if he would be interested in profiling a story on your project. Emphasise that it was a team effort and ensure that it spreads the kudos evenly. You do not want to look self-serving. 
• When developing reports, you should tap into your manger's hot spots of interest. If he finds financial issues interesting, include return on investment data in your report. If sales is his forte, mention the number of additional clients on the books.
• In addition, provide comparisons to past projects, especially if your findings add new or better insights. You should also ensure that the report is easy to read. Information presented graphically works well. Put the most important and best results at the top, so that they stand out.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Perform like a pro - Nine strategies to help you become more effective at work

This post came out from The Straits Times (23 September 2012)
Title - Perform like a pro

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Plan and prepare
2. Be resourceful
3. Hone your skills
4. Be objective
5. Collaborate
6. Set targets
7. Free your mind
8. Stay vigilant
9. Be effective

On Plan and prepare

• When you plan, you internalise the events and have a better idea of how you should go about your duties. Apart from planning, you also have to prepare. Start by being clear about your roles and responsibilities and keeping abreast of the changes occurring around you. 

On Be resourceful

• One of the qualities that all organisations clamour for in their people is resourcefulness. Being resourceful requires you to develop the ability to look at challenges objectively and come up with strategies to overcome them.
• A fundamental quality of resourceful people is the innate ability to leverage o their strengths and overcome their weakness. 
• The ability to tap on the capabilities of others is also important. This means outsourcing what you cannot do well yourself to others to maxmise your core skills.

On Hone your skills

• Improve on your organisational skills by first being clear about the real nature of your job and what the organisation expects of you. To be proactive, you need to use your initiative to find out the best way to complete tasks and achieve the results your bosses expect.
• By meeting organisational goals, you also develop your own career goals as the management beings to take notice of your skills and give you more responsibilities.

On Be objective

• The key to thriving in the organisation is having the right attitude towards your work. Learn to see things objectively and positively. Analyse your personality and natural ability - your aptitude - and strive to develop these to their fullest potential.
• Having the right attitude also means that you see failure as an opportunity to find new ways to solve the problems that confront you.

On Collaborate

• The proactive person is the ultimate collaborator. When you develop the ability to collaborate with others in your organisation, you will be able to build rapport.
• This is crucial because you need to get things done with the help and support of other people. In today's workplace, your reputation as a team player will stand you in good stead.
• Building strong networks with your communication skills will give you an edge as you move up the corporate ladder.

On Set targets

• This activity helps you to have a clear picture of where you are heading and how you are going to get there. Targets help you to stay focused and effective - you do the right thing rather than do things right.

On Free your mind

• Having an independent mind allows you to view situations objectively. You weigh the options and consequences available rationally and come up with workable solutions.
• Do not allow yourself to be swayed easily by what others think.

On Stay vigilant

• Be alert to changes taking place around you. One way to become more vigilant is to record in a notebook your thoughts and feelings about certain incidents and carry it around with you.
• Note down the times when your gut feeling or intuition turned out to be correct or when you made a false assumption. 
• If you do this regularly, over time, you can become very good at spotting trends and taking a proactive approach to address the situation.

On Be effective

• Efficacy is about producing a desired result. This involves doing something efficiently and effectively. 
• Efficiency means doing something well; effectiveness is doing the right thing appropriately. There are many people who are highly efficient but totally ineffective.
• This is primarily because they have not figured out what their priorities are. Instead, they focus on tasks that are not important while the real problems remain unresolved. 
• If you have to choose between efficiency and effectiveness, you are probably better off striving for the latter. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Grow your relationships - Improve your business success by building strong ties with your associates

This post came out from The Straits Times (10 December 2008)
Title - Grow your relationships

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Focus
2. Target
3. Define
4. Align
5. Outreach
6. Renew

On Focus

• Know what you want, personally and professionally. Think of this as strategic planning over the next couple of years.

On Target

• Identify the people who are important to your goals. Create a map to clearly identify the appropriate groups and specific individuals.

On Define

• After identifying and prioritising the individuals, define what you can do for them (generosity) and create appropriate messages to reach out to them.

On Align

• Align your goals with your associates. Prepare, train and align your goals with people from your company and who are necessary to the execution of your plan.
• Externally, align your friends in charge of the key accounts and anyone else who can help. Ask yourself if these individuals are aware of your goals and whether they are aligned with them.

On Outreach

• Reach out to targeted individuals through a combination of meetings, events and something I call "pinging" - quick, casual greetings done in any number of ways.
• Establish regular contact with key people in your network so they constantly keep you in mind when opportunities arise. Remember, out of sight is out of mind. 

On renew

• Your goals and plans are dynamic and must be continuously refreshed and renewed at least twice a year. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Mind your meeting manners

This post came out from The Straits Times (20 June 2008)
Title - Mind your meeting manners

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Do's
2. Don'ts

On Do's

• Go prepared. Read the agenda prior to the meeting and bring along a notepad. If you are the meeting organiser, make sure you issue and agenda beforehand.
• Focus on the meeting's objectives. We all know what it is like to sit in meetings that go on and on, yet never achieve anything. Try to stick to the meeting agenda and keep others on track if you are chairing.
• Be punctual. Arriving late is rude and inconvenient for others. Don't assume the meeting will wait for you or that you will be given an update on what you have missed. Everyone's time is important and keeping people waiting is highly disrespectful.
• Pay attention and listen to what others have to say. It is often apparent to others when people being to let their minds wander. By not paying attention, you may also miss some important information or an action point and may have to admit to not having listened later on.
• Be aware of your body language. Sit up straight and keep your arms on the table. This will also help you to remain alert. Never slouch or spin in your chair as this does not project a professional image.
• Stand up to shake hands when you are introduced to someone you have not met before. Remaining seated when introduced sends the message that you don't consider the other person important enough.
• Switch your mobile phone to 'silent' mode - always! And refrain from sending text messages. Such behaviour says your mind is elsewhere.

On Don'ts

• Don't interrupt others, either to cut them off or to ask questions. Interrupting is always rude and displays self-importance. If you are unsure of whether or not questions should be held until the end, it is acceptable to politely ask whether or not this is the case.
• Don't criticise others ideas. This is especially true for creative meetings or brainstorm sessions. IF you need to disagree with a point someone has made, do so diplomatically and without criticism. 
• Don't whisper or speak to the person beside you while someone else is speaking. This is very distracting, not to mention rude. If you have something to say that you can't discuss with everyone present, leave it till later.
• Don't let the meeting run over time. Everyone has work they need to get back to and it is disconcerting for people to have to excuse themselves to get to another commitment. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Seize the day - Mange your time wisely with these tools

This post came out from The Straits Times (13 February 2012)
Title - Seize the day

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Adopt a positive mindset
2. Set powerful goals
3. Prioritise using the 80-20 rule
4. Set time limits for your tasks
5. Write down three important tasks a day
6. Uni-task
7. Learn to say 'no'
8. Maintain your energy and a clear mind

On Adopt a positive mindset

• What you believe and say to yourself is crucial in the results that you get. If you say nuturing statements such as "I am efficient" or "I focus on one task and perform it well", then you programme your mind to deliver precisely these results. 

On Set powerful goals

• Goals are dreams with legs. Remember to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) goals. 
• Most importantly, these goals have to be about you (not others) or accepted by you (if given from management).

On Prioritise using the 80-20 rule

• The Pareto Principle suggests that 80 per cent of the results come from 20 per cent of the time and effort. Choose your 20 per cent wisely and focus on them.

On Set time limits for your tasks

• Parkinson's Law stipulates that we will take as much time for any given task as we allocate for it. Decide a reasonable time frame and stick to it. 

On Write down three important tasks a day

• Research states that we can only accomplish a maximum of three big projects in any given day. Note them down.

On Uni-task

• Focus on one thing at a time. It is proven that the human brain cannot multi-task. When we switch between the tasks, it takes 15 minutes to resume concentration after we have dealt with the interruptions.

On Learn to say 'no'

Handle interferences like mail, calls and meetings only at certain times of the day. Mention this in your auto-reply or voice mail message.

On Maintain your energy and a clear mind.

If you feel panic and paralysis, get up and stretch. Go for a short walk, take a mental holiday. Take three to five  deep breaths and bring yourself to the present moment. Then start with the most important task and focus fully on it. Ignore the rest. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Assessing the obstacles that hinder your ability to make decisions can point you in a fresh direction

This post came out from The Straits Times (26 August 2008)
Title - Get to the root of the problem - Accessing the obstacles that hinder your ability to make decisions can point you in a fresh direction

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Lack of clear objectives
2. Lack of clear constraints
3. Lack of clear perspectives
4. Difficulty with emotions
5. Difficulty in selecting the right option

On Lack of clear objectives

• Making a decision requires a clear objective. For example, if you want to yo sell your property to quickly raise cash, but the developer wants to redevelop the place.  However, you prefer to sell it to someone else who will want to preserve the house.
• In this situation, until you figure out if your true objective is to raise capital or conserve the house, the sale is in jeopardy. Revisit your decision question (Should I sell my property) and your main objective (I need to fund for a business venture).
• Your objective is to identify the fastest way to raise the capital needed. This may lead you to take up the offer or look for other alternatives to raise the money.

On Lack of clear constraints

• When you hear words like 'budget constraints' you normally think that nothing much can be done about it. The focus is usually on the boundary of the constraint and not what can be done within it.
• A good decision maker embraces constraints and works within them to create the right outcome. Of course, too many obstacles make it difficult to arrive at a solution. So it is important to identify only the key constraints in the decision process.

On Lack of clear perspectives

• The lack of fresh perspectives is one of the key hurdles that hampers decision making. It is more difficult for a person to look at the situation from another angle if he has a vested interest in a decision. 
• A good decision maker must be able to shift his focus, look at his constraints and assumptions objectively and understand the limits of his thinking.

On Difficulty with emotions

• Almost all decision making models view emotions as a hindrance to good decisions. Yet many successful businessmen, fund managers and traders make decisions based on their gut instinct. This is not without merit.
• Your intuition has been honed by years of decision making success. The higher your rate of success, the easier the decision will be. And the outcome is not half as bad. Instead of ignoring the key element of our humanity, we should learn to use it to greater effect.

On Difficulty in selecting the right option

• Experienced decision makers face difficulties in selecting the right option because of the possibility of a bad outcome. This fear paralyses the decision maker as the outcome is being delayed waiting for the 'right time' or 'more information'. 
• How much more certain will you be if you wait for the appropriate timing and right amount of information? Sometimes, the longer you wait, the greater the chance that circumstances have shifted out of your favour and the higher the chance of a bad outcome. If a decision has to be made, make it fast. Choose the option that meets all your constraints, complements your decision objective and the amount of resources you have and hold the least or most manageable business risks. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Surviving outside your comfort zone

This post came out from The Straits Times (30 June 2008r)
Title - Surviving outside your comfort zone

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Break down your goals
2. Keep calm
3. Ask for guidance
4. Expect setbacks

On Break down your goals

• The ideal way to achieve career goals is to break them down into smaller goals. This helps to maintain a momentum of achievement which makes the end result easier to reach. Once these goals are safely realised, it is then time to set new ones. It can be easy to forget these principles of goal-setting when you find yourself thrown into the deep end.

On Keep calm

• The most important thing in a situation like this is to remember to keep calm. Take your time tackling difficult tasks or making difficult decisions. Try not to take unnecessary risks or let yourself be rushed. It is a good idea to develop your own method for working through these challenges.
• Your method may be something as simple as putting your thoughts down on paper in the form or pros and cons, or perhaps going for a walk outside the office to clear your mind.

On Ask for guidance

• When faced with a difficult decision, don't be afraid to ask for guidance from others. Ideally, you should have a mentor whom you can go to in times of difficulty. 
• Find someone you trust and respect, and don't be afraid to ask for help - it is not a sign of weakness and should not be perceived as one. Asking for feedback on the way you handled things is often the best way to learn.

On Expect setbacks

• Understand that you will probably have disappointments and setbacks. You will be required to do things you have never done before, and this means you may not always get things right the first time.
• Setbacks won't be much fund at the time, but once you have achieved your goals, you will look back and appreciate them for the invaluable learning experience they provide. Achieving your goals will be much sweeter if they took considerable effort and resilience to get there. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Practice five strategies to stand out and get noticed at work

This post came out from The Straits Times (21 February 2014)
Title - Rise and Shine - Practice five strategies to stand out and get noticed at work

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Be sociable and network
2. Help your colleagues succeed
3. Accept responsibilities
4. Get involved
5. Stay away from politics

On Be sociable and network

• If you are always hiding behind your computer and keeping your head down, no one will know you even exist. People may not even know who you are. Spend a few minutes at the start of the day or at lunchtime to meet and greet your colleagues. Chat to people you don't usually chat with when you see them in a lift or in the pantry. Smile at a stranger, you may make a new friend.
• It is important to develop and nurture relationships at work. When you are visible, you will be noticed. When you are noticed, you will be the top of mind for that new project, and you will get more help than someone who does not network.
• Keep building your network outside working hours too; socialising with colleagues after work is a great way to get to know them better and be a real team player.

On Help your colleagues succeed

• A lot of our careers are a direct result of helping others become successful. As we helped to create opportunities for others, doors have opened for us too. 
• Helping others is a great sign of collaborative relationship, great teamwork and self confidence. You can help others as well as yourself by developing a close relationship with all your colleagues. 
• Show you are constantly working together, helping each other, guiding each other and providing each other with hands on support. And don't forget it works both ways. While you are helping others, be just as enthusiastic about learning from your colleagues. In this way, you are building mutually productive and rewarding relationships where everyone wins.

On Accept responsibilities

• If you say "It's not my job", that will get you noticed for the wrong reasons. Perhaps take on something that requires creative thinking, or event organising, or something else you are interested in that is not particularly in your job scope.
• But a word of warning here: Be sure you still manage all of your current responsibilities well. The last thing you need is to get noticed for the wrong reasons.

On Get involved

• Don't be someone who just does his work and then goes home. Get involved in your company's events. These are ways to get seen and noticed, and to make new friends too.

On Stay away from politics

• Don't get caught up in any of the negativity in office politics. Instead, keep focused on being positive, effective and productive, and creating an impact at work. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Work like a new hire

This post came out from The Straits Times (31 May 2008)
Title - Work like a new hire

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Love what you do
2. Strive to impact others
3. Stay curious always
4. Mix with like-minded people

On Love what you do

• One way to rediscover your passion is remembering what got you into doing what you are doing now in the first place. Which aspects of your job are you truly passionate about?
• Start identifying what really matters to you and work on the areas that you value most in your career. Take pride in what you love doing and pursue it relentlessly. 
• If your current job does not allow you to do that, it might be best to rediscover that passion in an organisation or environment that does or encourages that - so that you can thrive and make a career out of the things you love to do.

On Strive to impact others

• People who constantly seek to impact others through their work often retain a high level of passion in what they do.
• If you want more meaning in your job, you might want to explore how you can transform your passion into a passion for others - how you can impact your environment or the people around you. It is not how you begin, but how you end that matters.

On Stay curious always

• Many people feel stuck in their careers because they are not learning anything new. One of the ways to keep that motivational flame in you going is to constantly fuel it with ideas, information and news relevant to your work. 
• Unless you are undoubtedly the best in the industry, there is always something to learn, something that you can do much better than your peers or your competitors. Identify the areas in which others are doing better than you, and make it your mission to outperform them.
• Incorporate continuous learning as an integral part of your job, and develop an insatiable curiosity and appetite for anything and anyone that is relevant to your line of work.
• When you are constantly on a quest for more knowledge to improve yourself, it expands your horizons greatly and keeps you from feeling stagnant and bored.
• You owe it to yourself to live up to your passion and let it drive your career, instead of allowing it to become a stumbling block in your life.

On Mix with like-minded people

• You will be surprised at the amount of positive energy you can get from being in the same room with like-minded people - people who share the same dreams, hobbies or passion as you do. This is something magical about listening and talking to others in the same industry or job - who may be equally enthusiastic or even more passionate about their work than you are - and hearing about their experiences first hand.
• Surround yourself with the "newly passionate" - people who are new to the job and brimming with fresh confidence and pride in their work. Their relentless pursuit of success and learning will serve as a strong reminder of how ardent you used to be when you first get into the job, and may help inject a fresh perspective to your work.
• You can continue to maintain a high level of energy and passion not only through learning from them, but also by teaching, coaching, mentoring and sharing with others what you know. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Birds of a different feather - Learn how to handle different personalities at work

This post came out from The Straits Times (8 July 2014)
Title - Birds of a different feather - Learn how to handle different personalities at work

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Owls
2. Eagles
3. Parrots
4. Doves
5. Smoothing ruffled feathers

On Owls

• These are low-assertive, low people-oriented types who are analytical, detailed, methodical problem-solvers. They are judgmental, thorough and are often perfectionists. They are left-brained and do not show much emotion, and they may not pick up on the emotional cues of others.
• Because they are risk-averse, they often speak slowly and choose their words carefully.

On Eagles

• People in this category have a high-assertive, low people-orientation. They are decisive, opinionated, tenacious and competitive. 
• They know what they want and can be relentless. Because these high-fliers are so task focused, they may be insensitive towards others.

On Parrots

• With a high-assertive, high people-orientation, Parrots are energetic, enthusiastic, talkative, animated and sociable. They are colourful and like being the centre of attention.
• They like fun and adventurous, and are often creative and unconventional. Parrots may also be hot tempered, obstinate and lack follow through as they move on to the next thing that captures their interest.

On Doves

• These people have a low assertive, high people-orientation, and are friendly, supportive, diplomatic, consensus-driven team players. 
• They are steady, easy-going and work behind the scenes. Doves are eager to please and easy to work with. However, they shy away from conflict and confrontation, and may be indecisive. 

On Smoothing ruffled feathers

• Once you have identified the type of bird you are dealing with, modify your behaviour accordingly. Choose the amount and type of information, structure and language to suit their style. 
• If your boss is an eagle who like clear-cut choices, present him with two or three options. Be prepared to give your reasons if he asks. Do not launch into a systematic analysis right off the bat simply because it may be your preferred style.
• When writing a report for multiple readers, include something for everyone. Prepare a good executive summary for the eagles, but include detailed appendices for the owls. 
• Use personal language and a human touch for doves, while providing colour and excitement for the parrots. Take a similiar approach when giving a presentation to a group.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

How to be happier at work

This post came out from The Straits Times (11 March 2016)
Title - How to be happier at work

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Cultivate a positive mindset
2. Manage yourself
3. Assess your emotions
4. Be the change you want to see

On Cultivate a positive mindset

• When you keep focusing on the unhappiness in your workplace, it triggers a chain of negative thoughts that will affect your performance.
• Good thought bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit. Changing your interpretations of events from negative to positive is not as flicking a mental switch. We need to work on it. We need to focus and recharge our passion at work.

On Manage yourself

• Self-awareness is the understanding of your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour. You have to learn to observe your own thoughts and behaviour. If you are caught up in negative thoughts, practice self-management. Discipline your mind to focus on the good.

On Assess your emotions

• How you react to your circumstances affects how others perceive you. This in turn affects your happiness in the workplace. Whatever situation you are in, examine it and think about how it makes you feel. When you are aware of your emotions, direct your behaviour in a positive way and adapt to the circumstances. If the emotion is appropriate, act on it. If not, modify your response.

On Be the change you want to see

• Once you are able to manage your emotions, you are able to stop the negative thought cycle from happening again. Not only will this reduce the negative chain reaction in your thought process and environment, but it will foster good relations with your peers. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Give self-pity the sack if you lose your job

This post came out from My Paper (15 March 2016)
Title - Give self-pity the sack if you lose your job

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Add structure to your day
2. Re-assess your life
3. Grow your network
4. Practice emotional resilience
5. Start a job club or join one
6. Help others

On Add structure to your day

• You may feel compelled to sit at your computer all day trying to find a new employment opportunity. Or you may be tempted to sleep late, trying to catch up on the hours of rest that you missed while you were employed. Neither is good for you. 
• It is often better to find a happy medium and you can do so by adding structure to your life. For starters, wake up at a time that you would if you were going to work, though trying to give yourself more adequate sleep. Rather than stay in your pyjamas, shower and get dressed. It will make you feel more purposeful if you prepare yourself for a professional day.

On Re-assess your life

• Immediately after a job loss is the perfect time to re-assess your life. Evaluate your last job: What were the aspects you liked and disliked. Assess if it is time to make a change. 
• If the answer is yes, consider where you want to go next in your career. 
• Let your network of contacts know that you are available to work on projects until you find a new job. Create a life map of where you would like to be in three to five years.

On Grow your network

• Do it one person at a time. Given the job cuts that have been happening amid the sagging economy there is likely a growing number of empathetic people out there who know how to help.
• Build your pool of contacts on LinkedIn and Twitter. As your spirits improve, begin to meet with some of your old and new connections. Either way, start to get the word out. People cannot help you find a new job if they do not know that you are looking for one.

On Practice emotional resilience

• The job search process often takes longer than expected and it is easy to become discouraged.
• To keep up the momentum, research five companies or apply for five jobs each day. Or, connect with five people online or schedule five face-to-face meetings. 
• With this set of expectations in place, you can establish a sense of accomplishment in spite of not coming to the finishing line.

On Start a job club or join one

• Create or sign up with an existing job club to interact with other professionals who are in the same boat. Meet once a week to share ideas and act as peer mentors to each other. 
• You may find new employment opportunities by speaking with people. If not, just meting up lets you engage in a purposeful activity. 

On Help others

• You will be asking for a lot of favours and help during the adjustment phase. It will help you to know what you are also doing what you can give back. 
• Find ways to pay it forward: Send people in the industry the link to an interesting article that came up during your research. Drive your elderly neighbour to the grocery. Is there a skill that you would like to acquire or develop? Volunteer in a role that allows you to do that. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Five tips to facilitate employee engagement

This post came out from The Straits Times (16 March 2016)
Title - Five tips to facilitate employee engagement

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Provide direction
2. Build relationships
3. Invest in people development
4. Empower employees
5. Be open to change

On Provide direction

• Communicating an organisation's mission provides direction. Being aware of the company's mission gives employees a sense of purpose as they see the connection between their roles and decisions made by their employers. It creates the foundation for creating greater levels of engagement.

On Build relationships

• A strong working relationship between workers and their line manager is essential to facilitate trust and open communication. Connecting with employees makes them feel valued. 
• Organise team-building events or opportunities for your team mates to get to know each other socially. Another way to build relationships is for the company to invest in the latest training programmes so managers can learn more about coaching people.

On Invest in people development

• Employers can groom their people by providing them with challenging opportunities. It shows that they have their employees' interest at heart and promotes loyalty. Consider offering mentorship programmes where senior leaders are paired with potential leaders. 

On Empower employees

• This can be achieved through autonomy. Give your people the authority to perform their roles effectively. Remove unnecessary red tape and simplify all decision-making processes.
• Letting employees participate in and contribute to such processes makes them feel empowered. It creates trust, and a culture where people want to take ownership of problems and their solutions. 

On Be open to change

• Responding to change and feedback is key to an organisation's survival. Employers need to remember that what works today may not work tomorrow. Employers should listen to what their employees are telling them, and consider ideas from all levels of the organisation. Doing so not only makes employees feel valued, it also creates a culture of engagement. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Political savvy is a skill - not a game

This post came out from The Business Times (19 March 2016)
Title - Political savvy is a skill - not a game

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Reframing workplace politics
2. Critical leadership competency
3. Well defined purpose

On Reframing workplace politics

• The politically savvy keep their integrity and values intact, while building relationships at work to sell ideas, drive organisational efficiency and grow their careers. 
• They also practice workplace diplomacy by remaining attuned to political undercurrents but don't allow themselves to get pulled into situations that could compromise their working relationships or reputation. 
• Many people like the idea of avoiding office politics, but it is impossible to do so in reality because all life is political and there are so many people striving to attain power. 
• People can remain credible only if their integrity and values are not compromised. Political savviness gets a bad rap because of people who compromise their "fundamental beliefs". 

On Critical leadership competency

• This includes facilitating workshops or individual coaching to build this skill in staff for the good of the organisation.
• One must be able to read people or situations. Most people are not born with high EQ or emotional intelligence, but it can be learnt. Reading people requires interest, boundless curiosity and perseverance. For example, if you see your boss looking stressed or unhappy, the worst thing you can do is to drop another bombshell. 
• This ability also helps you to be aware of your workplace dynamics - where power lies does not always depend on titles and positions. While it may be tempting to stick to cliques or associate with the "people in power", it is better to lobby for the respect and trust of all colleagues. 
• Giving credit when it is due and delivering on promises are some ways to win people over. After all, it is impossible to know whose endorsement or help you may need in the future, so it always pays to be kind and professional. 
• If you think you can get away with being rude to the office secretary, you will be surprised to know just what kind of reputation you have at the end of the day. Successful politics is a forward journey and not a backward stab. The politically savvy build other people up, not tear them down. 
• Likewise, if faced with people who overtake you by "foul means", build these people up as well. This will either make them feel shameful at what they are doing will stop them, or (more likely) the impact of their behaviour will work to their disadvantage. 
• Overly political offices where backstabbing and gossiping are rampant indicates a problem with leadership. If you have serious office politics that ends up disrupting things, then you are employing too many people, isolating them into silos and making their lives hell. 
• To fix the situation, find out who is the worst detractor, and either fire, or seriously warn him or her. Secondly, transparency in the office is a must. While office politics will never be fully eradicated due to human nature, an open office is one way to destroy gossip. 

On Well-defined purpose

• Businesses must ensure that their purpose is well defined and adopted by workers. When there is no clear purpose, everyone has their own goals and most of their time is taken up promoting them. 
• A cauldron of agendas is not the basis of a happy or successful business. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Influence without authority

This post came out from The Straits Times (22 March 2016)
Title - Influence without authority

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. People with authority
2. People without authority

On People with authority

• As a supervisor, you should not over-emphasise your authority. If you take the "It's my way or the highway" approach or make a habit of saying "Because I am the boss", you will create resentment within your team. Everyone already knows you have authority.
• For managers, the trick to applying this principle is to avoid throwing their authority in their subordinates' faces every chance they get, because this makes them appear heavy-handed. 
• Authority is not free. You do pay a price if you utilise it too frequently and inappropriately. The price is - you lose your credibility. Along the way, your authority diminishes as well.

On People without authority

• How do you go about it? By presenting yourself as an authority. You make your expertise in a specific skill, subject or discipline known. In short, what are you well known for in your industry? What is your expert domain? 
• While there may be other people who may have similar expertise in your office, you have to distinguish yourself in the best way possible. 
• You may reflect on your capabilities and discover a specialty. Since more people do not do this, you can establish yourself as someone of authority in a certain subject. This will work wonders for you at the workplace, because people will be much more willing to accept your expert ideas.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

3 common types of difficult behaviour

This post came out from The New Paper (3 March 2016)
Title - 3 Common types of difficult behaviour

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Brick Wall
2. Office Bully
3. The know-it-all

On Brick Wall

• The person exhibits passive-aggressive behaviour. He usually refuses to contribute or share his opinion on any issue.
• What to do: Keep asking questions. Prompt the person with suggestion of issues that they could be thinking but not voicing out loud. If the person still refuses to interact, highlight the objectives of the situation at hand and the consequences if he does not share valuable information that can be of use.

On Office Bully

• This person tends to be aggressive and forces others to give in to his demands.
• Don't fall into the trap of losing your cool. Be firm and assert yourself professionally to win the office bully's respect. Hold your ground and exercise patience. Find opportunities to communicate with the person and present your feedback without letting your feelings of annoyance get in the way.

On The know-it-all

• This person hates to be corrected and likes to be seen as an expert on every issue.
• What to do: Let him have all the attention he desires. Make sure that you are certain of the facts before you talk to this person. If the person has some facts wrong, make suggestions respectfully rather than be direct with him about his mistakes. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

Five mistakes you should not make at job interviews

This post came out from The Straits Times (8 March 2016)
Title - Five mistakes you should not make at job interviews

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Talking about salary and staff benefits too soon
2. Complaining
3. Focusing too much on the job title
4. Asking irrelevant questions
5. Criticising other candidates

On Talking about salary and staff benefits too soon

• Do not be hasty when it comes to the salary discussion and staff benefits. You may come across as presumptuous and taking it for granted that the interviewer is keen to hire you. Wait for the employer to mention the subject. It is appropriate to talk about the pay only when you have convinced the hiring manager that you are an ideal candidate. 

On Complaining

• When asked the reasons for your departure from your previous job, steer clear of negative comments about the working experience. You should let the interviewer know what you are capable of contributing. Don't say anything negative about your former employer, workplace or ex-colleagues. 
• Focus on the positive aspects of the role you applied for and the company you applied to. But there is a need to strike a balance between being authentic and overly positive. An 'overly positive' candidate can come across as insincere or evasive.
• Reflect on what you have learnt about your own preferences and strengths from working in your previous company. Instead of complaining, adopt a more reflective attitude.

On Focusing too much on the job title

• Strike a balance between the position and the company. Avoid focusing solely on the role and title, and neglecting to explain why you are keen to be part of the organisation. Doing so gives an impression that you do not really want to join the company specifically, but merely using the company as a stepping stone to acquire a more senior title.

On Asking irrelevant questions

• Avoiding asking questions that have already been answered on the company's website. You may come across as being too lazy or negligent to conduct basic research before the interview.
• Ask questions that show you are genuinely keen to be part of the company. Be interested to learn more even after doing ample research and keeping up with the organisation's developments. Demonstrate a passion for the field or position you have applied for. 
• Asking questions about projected industry trends, or how the latest industry news will impact the organisation or department, are ideal. Some organisations may not just want candidates who have what it takes to complete the job. Instead, they may be looking for people who have a strong desire to be part of the organisation or make the effort to go the extra mile. 

On Criticising other candidates

• During group interviews, which are commonly held for fresh graduates or management trainees, do not put down other interviewees. Spare a thought for others in the interview. They may eventually become your future colleagues. Although you should have your own voice and opinion, be open and listen to others' perspectives. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

How to enjoy your work - Hard work does not have to be a chore

This post came out from The Straits Times (10 March 2016)
Title - How to enjoy your work - Hard work does not have to be a chore

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Focus on your passions, where every working minute is actually passionate and full of positive emotions.
2. Work smart, which simply means coming up with systematised methods that add real value, being efficient and effective, and making good money along the way.
3. Discover your calling. This is an inner sense of responsibility that makes you just want to do something. It is more than just your passion - it is an extension of you.
4. Enjoy working with people, which is what working is about. If you like people and want to help others, working with people is a joy. You can go to great lengths and deal with all kinds of people without getting negative feelings.
5. Add value in your work. Over time, you will make good money from your work. When this happens, wouldn't you want to work harder and earn more?
6. Get into the flow of things, where time passes without you realising. People who are in the flow often find that work is effortless, because it is so smooth and totally in line with their inner selves.
7. Develop a strong sense of purpose, where you will get limitless energy and be able to go on when everyone quits. A strong sense of purpose is what keeps people awake, and it will make your work purposeful.

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big

You can do it - To achieve any goal, you have to own it first

This post came out from The Straits Times (29 February 2012)
Title - You can do it - To achieve any goal, you have to own it first

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Obstacles to look out for
2. Moving forward

On Obstacles to look out for

• Feeling overwhelmed - Trying to do too much can leave you feeling overwhelmed and over-extended. Prioritise your commitments and learn to say "no". Give yourself some thinking space.
• Holding on to self-limiting beliefs - Many people live in a prison of self limiting beliefs. If you do not believe that you can be successful, you will not. 
• Feeling afraid - People sometimes shy away from the success they desire because they fear failure even more. Yet, it is crucial to summon up your courage to take that first step and venture out of your comfort zone. You have to learn to master your fear of taking calculated risks and embrace the possibility of making mistakes. Even if you did fail in the past, it does not mean that you are going to fail again. What is more important is for you to learn from your mistake and ensure that you do not repeat them. 

On Moving forward

• Decide what you want in your life - You must first be clear and precise about what your 'dream' job is before even sourcing and applying for it. When you know exactly what you want in your life and why you want it, it gives you power and motivation to work towards it. 
• Be an 'independent thinker' - Be prepared to stand by your ideas, even though other people ridicule them. Don't allow other people's thoughts and negative suggestions to influence your decisions, or you will always be asking "what if...?"
• Never give up - Persistence is the key factor to unlocking success in any endeavor. 
• Own your dreams - Have you been able to stay true to your dreams, even in the midst of constant rejection and ridicule? If you have, it is because you have understood the essence of ownership. When you have own your goals or dreams, you are motivated to go the distance to achieve them. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big