Many a book shares the steps to success, going into great detail when describing the type of habits one ought to have in order to be successful. We go to many motivational and leadership seminars that teach us to have self believe, confidence and a great attitude towards life. We are told that what is important in life is how we respond to the curve balls life directs our way... That if life serves us lemons then we should make lemonade.
While I value and appreciate these teachings; continually applying the principles in my own life and teaching other people to do the same- I somehow find myself questioning my own abilities today. I understand and acknowledge that life does not owe us a thing, nor does anyone we meet or work for. However, what I do know is that being good at what you do may not always be good enough to the next person. This sadly, is the raw truth.
I stand in front of the mirror every morning, reminding myself that greatness requires hard work and drive. I set daily targets, putting plans and strategies in place in order to achieve the targets. I exercise regularly to keep my energy levels high. I read books that uplift me and engage with people who are a positive influence, but today I sit in the parking lot of the local mall asking myself if I am good enough. I do not make it a habit of playing the victim nor do I enjoy wallowing in self pity. However, the more I thought about this question, the more confused I got.
So I ask you my friends, what does it take for someone to feel like they are good enough? To what extend must one go in order to prove they have what it takes , in order for others to acknowledge their efforts? How much more should one invest and sacrifice to convince himself/herself that they are in fact great?
I sit in this parking, with many thoughts and questions going through my mind. The more I try to rationalize based on my reality, the deeper I sink into the darkness.
I ask you again my friends... When is good, good enough?
To smile brings you happiness. To laugh makes you feel better. To live makes life worthwhile.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
Thursday, 27 November 2014
PILLAR OF STRENGTH
With less than 5 weeks left of what can generally be classified as a tough year, 2014 has been a year where a great deal of things happened-both pleasant and unpleasant. We lost the lives of many people we loved dearly; our colleagues suffered the loss of their jobs; our economy experienced slow growth while the political instability of many countries made headline news. Whilst it's easy to fall in the pattern of feeling sorry for ourselves and focusing our energies only on the bad things; I look back and I realize that many of us have survived despite the negativity and hard aches of 2014.
I look at my own person life for reference and I acknowledge that always staying motivated and positive is generally a daunting task. It becomes increasingly harder when plans are derailed, opportunities missed or deals cancelled. More often than not, playing the victim seems more rewarding because then you get to blame other people for the things that are wrong in your life. It is also easier to get sympathy from people who take stock of your pain, your anger and the reasons you feed them to justify why you are the victim. And yes, for a greater part of 2014, I played the victim too.
It seemed justifiable to play the victim because in more cases than not, someone played a role in derailing my plans. It seemed okay to feel sorry for myself when I didn't seal that deal because I convinced myself that I had given it my all, when in fact I hadn't. I allowed myself to be depressed because I had no control over the situation (or at least I thought) and I was happy to share all the bad in my life with anyone willing to listen, forgetting the great things that were also happening in my life.
I was talking to a dear friend who also (strangely) was complaining about the bad in her life too. It was at this point that I realized that in life we need pillars of strength that will help us get through the challenges of life ( let's face it, we cannot avoid them). And these pillars come in obvious and indirect ways. Reading has always been a hobby I thoroughly enjoyed doing because it allowed me to reconnect and refocus. It opened up my world to different ideologies and perspectives that taught me many lessons. Catching up with motivated and positive friends also empowered me to work harder at my own goals. These are things that I neglected to do during the year, sadly. And I believe they could have provided me with the strength to deal with my complications.
We often expect that to find strength, one must sacrifice something ;when we can find the strength in the things we love such as church, reading, talking to friends, traveling, or sports. The fact is we cannot avoid the unpleasant things in our lives nor control everything bad that happens to us. However we can learn to accept them and find pillars of strength that will pull us out of our dampened moods towards making our dreams a reality. I know for a fact that so many of us wanted to give up during the year because the pain and the disappointed seemed unbearable. I encourage you to stay strong and find your own pillar of strength. I encourage you to find that source of positive energy that will make the last 5 weeks of 2014 better. Stay strong and focus on a greater and better 2015.
Smile. Love. Live
I look at my own person life for reference and I acknowledge that always staying motivated and positive is generally a daunting task. It becomes increasingly harder when plans are derailed, opportunities missed or deals cancelled. More often than not, playing the victim seems more rewarding because then you get to blame other people for the things that are wrong in your life. It is also easier to get sympathy from people who take stock of your pain, your anger and the reasons you feed them to justify why you are the victim. And yes, for a greater part of 2014, I played the victim too.
It seemed justifiable to play the victim because in more cases than not, someone played a role in derailing my plans. It seemed okay to feel sorry for myself when I didn't seal that deal because I convinced myself that I had given it my all, when in fact I hadn't. I allowed myself to be depressed because I had no control over the situation (or at least I thought) and I was happy to share all the bad in my life with anyone willing to listen, forgetting the great things that were also happening in my life.
I was talking to a dear friend who also (strangely) was complaining about the bad in her life too. It was at this point that I realized that in life we need pillars of strength that will help us get through the challenges of life ( let's face it, we cannot avoid them). And these pillars come in obvious and indirect ways. Reading has always been a hobby I thoroughly enjoyed doing because it allowed me to reconnect and refocus. It opened up my world to different ideologies and perspectives that taught me many lessons. Catching up with motivated and positive friends also empowered me to work harder at my own goals. These are things that I neglected to do during the year, sadly. And I believe they could have provided me with the strength to deal with my complications.
We often expect that to find strength, one must sacrifice something ;when we can find the strength in the things we love such as church, reading, talking to friends, traveling, or sports. The fact is we cannot avoid the unpleasant things in our lives nor control everything bad that happens to us. However we can learn to accept them and find pillars of strength that will pull us out of our dampened moods towards making our dreams a reality. I know for a fact that so many of us wanted to give up during the year because the pain and the disappointed seemed unbearable. I encourage you to stay strong and find your own pillar of strength. I encourage you to find that source of positive energy that will make the last 5 weeks of 2014 better. Stay strong and focus on a greater and better 2015.
Smile. Love. Live
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
VICTIMS OF WORDS
It is every young graduates dream to complete their qualification and start their careers in the different fields. More often than not, many of us had to prove ourselves to a panel of interviewers that grilled us with many tough and often confusing questions. One would think our university professors had already done a great job in that regard, but I had since learnt that the corporate sector was a totally different experience all together.
It is common knowledge that work experience forms the bulk of the weight in the corporate sector, or at least this is what we are told. It is also a well known fact that the more senior colleagues often brag about how hard they had to work to get to where they are,sometimes reminding us of how little we know and how far we still need to go. Well this maybe a bit of stereotype because not everyone does this, but I am sure many can relate.
I start my mornings with three things in mind- to offer value and quality to my client's business, to add value to the lives of the people I work with and lastly to add value to the business and the bottom Line. I regard these my 3 rules of value adding, hoping they will generate me long term benefits. I know I do not have enough experience to be as efficient as I'd hope to be , but I have drive that keeps me motivated to learn and improve my skills.
However there seems to be a trend in many organizations across different industries where more experienced colleagues continually make it their core business to break younger colleagues with words. Having met many young people working within different industries- Mining, Consultancy, Insurance and Retail to name a few; I was sadden by some of the things people say to young people.
I've been told that words can shatter dreams and inhibit growth. I've also been told that these hurtful and negative words can destroy ambition and drive, especially if they come from a person you looked up to.
We have all been victims of this situation- yes I know that the corporate sector is no place for a baby; but it was until I fell victim that I realized that words could destroy ones career, their drive and growth. I was a victim for a while because I allowed the bitter words of other people become relevant in my own life; I was a victim for a while because I allowed their perception of me over shallow my ambition and hunger to succeed. Yes I played victim because I allowed someone's insecurities become my own insecurities, not realizing the damage this was doing in my life.
I woke up today, and I took charge of my own future. I woke up today and remembered my 3 rules of value adding. I woke up today and remembered how badly I have been grilled to get to where I am today, and I embraced the opportunities that lie ahead within the industry I work within. Yes, I may lack the experience (for now), but I have dreams and ambitions that cannot be stopped by anyone but myself. So I am done playing the victim.
Are you still playing the victim in your own life? If yes, the time to take charge is now.
Smile. Laugh. Live
It is common knowledge that work experience forms the bulk of the weight in the corporate sector, or at least this is what we are told. It is also a well known fact that the more senior colleagues often brag about how hard they had to work to get to where they are,sometimes reminding us of how little we know and how far we still need to go. Well this maybe a bit of stereotype because not everyone does this, but I am sure many can relate.
I start my mornings with three things in mind- to offer value and quality to my client's business, to add value to the lives of the people I work with and lastly to add value to the business and the bottom Line. I regard these my 3 rules of value adding, hoping they will generate me long term benefits. I know I do not have enough experience to be as efficient as I'd hope to be , but I have drive that keeps me motivated to learn and improve my skills.
However there seems to be a trend in many organizations across different industries where more experienced colleagues continually make it their core business to break younger colleagues with words. Having met many young people working within different industries- Mining, Consultancy, Insurance and Retail to name a few; I was sadden by some of the things people say to young people.
I've been told that words can shatter dreams and inhibit growth. I've also been told that these hurtful and negative words can destroy ambition and drive, especially if they come from a person you looked up to.
We have all been victims of this situation- yes I know that the corporate sector is no place for a baby; but it was until I fell victim that I realized that words could destroy ones career, their drive and growth. I was a victim for a while because I allowed the bitter words of other people become relevant in my own life; I was a victim for a while because I allowed their perception of me over shallow my ambition and hunger to succeed. Yes I played victim because I allowed someone's insecurities become my own insecurities, not realizing the damage this was doing in my life.
I woke up today, and I took charge of my own future. I woke up today and remembered my 3 rules of value adding. I woke up today and remembered how badly I have been grilled to get to where I am today, and I embraced the opportunities that lie ahead within the industry I work within. Yes, I may lack the experience (for now), but I have dreams and ambitions that cannot be stopped by anyone but myself. So I am done playing the victim.
Are you still playing the victim in your own life? If yes, the time to take charge is now.
Smile. Laugh. Live
Sunday, 4 May 2014
FINISH WHAT YOU START
Young people are usually too quick to embark on new and different projects, believing that it would generate multiple benefits. In more cases than not, these so called projects do not last long enough to see the claimed benefits, except for the few that really put in the hours and effort to see these projects through. Success is often associated with setting goals that will lead you to achieving the things you dream about; however it often requires a lot of hard work and determination to see this happen.
As my new cycling "career" slowly but surely picks up momentum, I challenged myself to cycle a few kilometers over the set target. I knew my fitness level wasn't up to standard but I decided to cycle further anyway. I had many doubts and I came up with excuses as to why I should abort this mission that I was clearly not prepared for, but I went ahead anyway. As the pain in my chest became worse and unbearable; every muscle in my legs pleading with me to stop, I realized that if one is determined to achieve a goal it truly was possible.
In life we often start something and we are excited by the prospects that we can achieve. In many cases, we often just focus on the end product, neglecting the amount of work required to see the project through. When faced with challenges and obstacles along the way, we give up and move on; we make excuses to justify why we cannot see the project through to the end or we blame our "failures" on our circumstances.
I am not a professional cyclist yet, but I am learning valuable life lessons through each cycling session I have. It is not easy staying motivated to see a goal through to the end but on that Thursday morning of Workes day, I learnt that it is rewarding to finish what you start. The energy and enthusiasm I felt when reaching my destination on the bicycle was amazing.
If something as small as cycling all the way to a goal I had set generates such positive feelings; how happy and motivated would we feel if we finished the tasks we have at work? At home? At school? In our lives?
"Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough" OG Mandino
As my new cycling "career" slowly but surely picks up momentum, I challenged myself to cycle a few kilometers over the set target. I knew my fitness level wasn't up to standard but I decided to cycle further anyway. I had many doubts and I came up with excuses as to why I should abort this mission that I was clearly not prepared for, but I went ahead anyway. As the pain in my chest became worse and unbearable; every muscle in my legs pleading with me to stop, I realized that if one is determined to achieve a goal it truly was possible.
In life we often start something and we are excited by the prospects that we can achieve. In many cases, we often just focus on the end product, neglecting the amount of work required to see the project through. When faced with challenges and obstacles along the way, we give up and move on; we make excuses to justify why we cannot see the project through to the end or we blame our "failures" on our circumstances.
I am not a professional cyclist yet, but I am learning valuable life lessons through each cycling session I have. It is not easy staying motivated to see a goal through to the end but on that Thursday morning of Workes day, I learnt that it is rewarding to finish what you start. The energy and enthusiasm I felt when reaching my destination on the bicycle was amazing.
If something as small as cycling all the way to a goal I had set generates such positive feelings; how happy and motivated would we feel if we finished the tasks we have at work? At home? At school? In our lives?
"Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough" OG Mandino
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED?
It is so easy to fall into a pattern that is comfortable and very secure- doing the things we know we can do well or visiting the same places each time. Many of us find trying new things so daunting that we are terrified by just the thought. We become so comfort with what we are used to, that sometimes we get stuck in the same place, doing the same thing for a long time.
I began 2014, hungry with passion to try new things- something that would challenge my regular and safe routine. Well off course I had my doubts: in fact I still do-but I decided to take a leap of faith and try it. "What's the worst that could happen? " I keep asking myself. So I went ahead and took that step.
I decided to start cycling( commencement date 1st May 2014). I then went out and bought an affordable beginners bicycle- we all have to start somewhere right? As I rushed to the car, eager to get home to assemble my new acquisition, I felt a new sense of life rise within me- a new level of energy propelling me to go out and try something new. I spent my Sunday putting the bicycle together, calling people who I thought would be interested to join me- eager to test drive the bike.
So often in life we forget how something a little different from our norm can awaken a renewed spirit within our lives. How this can release the kind of energy that we so desperately need to change our situations at work and home. It is often so interesting to see people transform their lives by simply trying something a little different-be it cycling, running or joining the gym and how this improves their lives.
I constantly challenge myself to do one thing that unleashes the "Tk craziness" in hope of maintaining my levels of self motivations high. And it's truly amazing to see how something as minor as deciding to start cycling can get me so excited- so driven to make it a success.
That being said, I cannot help but wonder: If we all found something this small to get excited about, wouldn't it ultimately get us excited about making our careers and personal lives that more successful?
My question to you is, what gets you EXCITED about your life?
I began 2014, hungry with passion to try new things- something that would challenge my regular and safe routine. Well off course I had my doubts: in fact I still do-but I decided to take a leap of faith and try it. "What's the worst that could happen? " I keep asking myself. So I went ahead and took that step.
I decided to start cycling( commencement date 1st May 2014). I then went out and bought an affordable beginners bicycle- we all have to start somewhere right? As I rushed to the car, eager to get home to assemble my new acquisition, I felt a new sense of life rise within me- a new level of energy propelling me to go out and try something new. I spent my Sunday putting the bicycle together, calling people who I thought would be interested to join me- eager to test drive the bike.
So often in life we forget how something a little different from our norm can awaken a renewed spirit within our lives. How this can release the kind of energy that we so desperately need to change our situations at work and home. It is often so interesting to see people transform their lives by simply trying something a little different-be it cycling, running or joining the gym and how this improves their lives.
I constantly challenge myself to do one thing that unleashes the "Tk craziness" in hope of maintaining my levels of self motivations high. And it's truly amazing to see how something as minor as deciding to start cycling can get me so excited- so driven to make it a success.
That being said, I cannot help but wonder: If we all found something this small to get excited about, wouldn't it ultimately get us excited about making our careers and personal lives that more successful?
My question to you is, what gets you EXCITED about your life?
Monday, 21 April 2014
THE POWER OF ASSOCIATION
For as long as I can remember, I've been told that the friends you keep and associate with influence who you become. So it became increasingly important to look beyond what common characteristics you shared with the people you met, but to also appreciate their attitude to become successful, their drive to achieve their dreams and how much they were willing to sacrifice to become better people.
At first, I thought this criteria of selecting friends was very shallow and pathetic. Friendship was supposed to be about the good times and the laughter; the short trips and Instagram pictures. It was only recently when I took a hard look at who I was becoming and some of the friends I associated with, that I realized there maybe some truth to this.
I had breakfast with a dear friend I hadn't seen in a while,when I realized that the power of association was a reality. The passion and determination she had to achieving her dreams; the drive she illustrated in going after what she wants inspired me. I asked her about the people she associated with and it confirmed what I am writing about. As a result I find myself asking a lot questions.
" Are my friends a positive influence in my life ? Am I a positive influence in the lives of the people I associate with? " Do I play a role in helping people achieving their goals?" " Am I a change agent?
These are some of the questions I am facing since the breakfast session with my friend.
I have taken the truth for granted, denying that the people I associate with either influence me positively or negatively. I don't deny that I am ultimately responsible for the choices I make. I am responsible for who I become and not my friends. However the people we hang with; their mentality; their attitude rubs off on us. It is their drive or lack there off that triggers our drive. It is their attitude- positive or negative that determines how sustainable our attitudes are.
The truth is, who we associate with influences how our lives roll out ;although it's to a certain extent. We have a duty to associated with friends that help us become better people. Friends who will encourage us to go after our dreams. Friends that constantly tell us it's possible and you can do it.
My question is...
Are you that friend?
At first, I thought this criteria of selecting friends was very shallow and pathetic. Friendship was supposed to be about the good times and the laughter; the short trips and Instagram pictures. It was only recently when I took a hard look at who I was becoming and some of the friends I associated with, that I realized there maybe some truth to this.
I had breakfast with a dear friend I hadn't seen in a while,when I realized that the power of association was a reality. The passion and determination she had to achieving her dreams; the drive she illustrated in going after what she wants inspired me. I asked her about the people she associated with and it confirmed what I am writing about. As a result I find myself asking a lot questions.
" Are my friends a positive influence in my life ? Am I a positive influence in the lives of the people I associate with? " Do I play a role in helping people achieving their goals?" " Am I a change agent?
These are some of the questions I am facing since the breakfast session with my friend.
I have taken the truth for granted, denying that the people I associate with either influence me positively or negatively. I don't deny that I am ultimately responsible for the choices I make. I am responsible for who I become and not my friends. However the people we hang with; their mentality; their attitude rubs off on us. It is their drive or lack there off that triggers our drive. It is their attitude- positive or negative that determines how sustainable our attitudes are.
The truth is, who we associate with influences how our lives roll out ;although it's to a certain extent. We have a duty to associated with friends that help us become better people. Friends who will encourage us to go after our dreams. Friends that constantly tell us it's possible and you can do it.
My question is...
Are you that friend?
Thursday, 30 January 2014
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The corporate society has for many years been obsessed with the details that go into your resume-curious about your personal details, educational background and off course work experience. And what usually surprises me about preparing my resume is how meticulously the follow of information must be represented-there MUST be a sort of pattern illustrating your growth. What I am referring to here is a pattern that goes something like this...
You start working as a intern doing filling and admin;you work very hard and get promoted to junior clerk. Inspired by this promotion,you work harder to be Supervisor with 4 people reporting to you. Off course the quest to become manager and eventually a partner consumes you and this is great. This shows ambition,determination and growth. A similar pattern is seen across many industries and is considered the rule of thumb, what is referred to as "climbing the corporate ladder"
However what happens when you decide to abandon the ladder you've spent years climbing to start a fresh journey where up you are required to start at the very bottom? How best does an individual give up everything(position, benefits, relationships) they have spent time working on to follow a dream that has no guarantees?
We are often told to take a risk and to pursue the dreams that burn us with passion, but many of the philosophers forgot to mention how hard giving up everything is. Many of the them did not tell us how scary this process is or how terrifying the uncertainty can be.
Developing a career that you can be proud of, comes with tough decisions I believe. The pressure we place ourselves under, trying to develop impressive resumes can also ruin the dreams many young people have. Some of us are so scared of making a fresh start within different industries, because we are worried of losing the comfort we have established. We are so scare of losing the benefits we are currently enjoying because we want to follow the corporate pattern described above.
Shouldn't this year be about what you think is best for you and your development? Shouldn't our career development be our responsibility? Shouldn't we follow our dreams against all odds?
What is your take on career development?
Smile.laugh.live
You start working as a intern doing filling and admin;you work very hard and get promoted to junior clerk. Inspired by this promotion,you work harder to be Supervisor with 4 people reporting to you. Off course the quest to become manager and eventually a partner consumes you and this is great. This shows ambition,determination and growth. A similar pattern is seen across many industries and is considered the rule of thumb, what is referred to as "climbing the corporate ladder"
However what happens when you decide to abandon the ladder you've spent years climbing to start a fresh journey where up you are required to start at the very bottom? How best does an individual give up everything(position, benefits, relationships) they have spent time working on to follow a dream that has no guarantees?
We are often told to take a risk and to pursue the dreams that burn us with passion, but many of the philosophers forgot to mention how hard giving up everything is. Many of the them did not tell us how scary this process is or how terrifying the uncertainty can be.
Developing a career that you can be proud of, comes with tough decisions I believe. The pressure we place ourselves under, trying to develop impressive resumes can also ruin the dreams many young people have. Some of us are so scared of making a fresh start within different industries, because we are worried of losing the comfort we have established. We are so scare of losing the benefits we are currently enjoying because we want to follow the corporate pattern described above.
Shouldn't this year be about what you think is best for you and your development? Shouldn't our career development be our responsibility? Shouldn't we follow our dreams against all odds?
What is your take on career development?
Smile.laugh.live
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Change Requires Effort
We start our year with an uncommon burst of energy; eagerly writing down our resolutions for the new year. Our excitement and hope in making each new year different, brings about a renewed sense of obligation to truly make this year one that actually counts.
But so many of us get to the end of year and it seems like we haven't moved from where we were on the 1st of January.
I find myself at the start of a new year, hoping to make 2014 a meaningful year. Now you may ask yourself what will make this year different from the other years.
Too often we set ourselves big dreams based on our past performance, hoping that with the same amount of effort put in, we will yield the same result. We convince ourselves that by doing the minimum requirement we will be in the league to show positive results. We maintain the same routines and carry on with the same habits; and we are then surprised when we achieve less than average at the end of the year.
I learnt that to be a part of the winning team, we need to change. And to do that, it is important to change how we approach things. We need to change our attitudes and develop new habits because the old habits are no longer enough. Einstein once said that we cannot keep doing the same thing time and time again, then expect a different result.
I stopped to reevaluate the dreams I have for 2014 and I asked myself, " what am I going to do differently this year to achieve my dreams?" Am I doing the minimum requirement to achieve this goal? Does my attitude this time warrant for me to go the extra mile? How am I different from who I used to be previously?
Now I ask you the same question. What are you doing differently this year to ensure your dreams become your reality?
Are you doing enough to make that happen? If not, then when?
Smile.love.live
But so many of us get to the end of year and it seems like we haven't moved from where we were on the 1st of January.
I find myself at the start of a new year, hoping to make 2014 a meaningful year. Now you may ask yourself what will make this year different from the other years.
Too often we set ourselves big dreams based on our past performance, hoping that with the same amount of effort put in, we will yield the same result. We convince ourselves that by doing the minimum requirement we will be in the league to show positive results. We maintain the same routines and carry on with the same habits; and we are then surprised when we achieve less than average at the end of the year.
I learnt that to be a part of the winning team, we need to change. And to do that, it is important to change how we approach things. We need to change our attitudes and develop new habits because the old habits are no longer enough. Einstein once said that we cannot keep doing the same thing time and time again, then expect a different result.
I stopped to reevaluate the dreams I have for 2014 and I asked myself, " what am I going to do differently this year to achieve my dreams?" Am I doing the minimum requirement to achieve this goal? Does my attitude this time warrant for me to go the extra mile? How am I different from who I used to be previously?
Now I ask you the same question. What are you doing differently this year to ensure your dreams become your reality?
Are you doing enough to make that happen? If not, then when?
Smile.love.live
Thursday, 2 January 2014
2014...Year of Greatness
Good evening on this very hot Wednesday. I trust all the festivities aimed at welcoming 2014 were great and that we are all ready for Greatness. This year is dedicated to making our own individual lives a success and I sincerely hope that 2014 will truly be a year to remember.
Wishing you the very best as we pursue our individual goals.
Continue to smile, laugh and LIVE.
Wishing you the very best as we pursue our individual goals.
Continue to smile, laugh and LIVE.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Renewed Working Approach
It is increasingly becoming difficult for many organizations to cope with the ongoing labour strikes, rising fuel costs and the depreciating rand. Admittedly things aren't easy for all the stakeholders involved, be it the striking employees, the labour unions or the organizations ; and with emotions high and in some cases violent attacks and service delivery protests on the rise, I cannot help but notice a declining trend in attitudes amongst the various stakeholders.
The purpose of this article is not to debate how unfair the renumeration policy of some companies are or how unrealistic the demands of the striking workforce might seem. The article was inspired by how easily we as employees ,working in different organizations are keen to be repressive in our approach in addressing customer needs.
Strategic Management experts mention that in order for organizations to really survive, they ought to find a market inspired by their product offering. An organization's product offering must be different from the ordinary and must be dynamic enough to attract customers. Further more they mention that an organization must be entrepreneurial and consistently reinvent their products and positioning in the market. However, in order for them to be competitive, an organization needs to move from what is called the repressive context to a renewed context.
Repressive context is defined as a rigid and strict environment where compliance with policies is mandatory and where standards are closely controlled. At first, I thought the repressive context was how business ought to be done until I learned how policies( if not reviewed)can inhibit an organization's growth. The experts suggest we move towards a more renewed approach where employees have the support of their senior management team, where trust -prevails allowing for transparency and where being disciplined is the norm. But how true is this situation in practice? How many of us have the support of our management team? How many organizations actually renew polices that are no longer adequate in the environment where they operate?
The problem I have with employees I've worked with and interacted with from different organizations is that we are always waiting for someone (management or a hero of some sort) to get things done for us; we continue blaming the system for its inadequacies,policies for being old and any other problems. What we fail to do is to initiate change ,even though it seems impossible. We fail to get up and be counted. We fail by not doing anything different, or trying to make the difficult the restrictions work for us. Instead we wait around and loose profits that pay our salaries.
What I've learnt is that the nature of business is rough;and we need to do what is necessary to survive. And in order to survive we need to be innovative in how we service the clients paying our salaries and how to work around the red tape organizations Impose on us. Because the reality is that if the organizations we work for aren't profitable, retrenchment is a reality we live with. I'm done blaming the red tape affecting my productive, instead finding solutions to work within the constraints. The question is what are u doing?
Smile. Laugh. Live
The purpose of this article is not to debate how unfair the renumeration policy of some companies are or how unrealistic the demands of the striking workforce might seem. The article was inspired by how easily we as employees ,working in different organizations are keen to be repressive in our approach in addressing customer needs.
Strategic Management experts mention that in order for organizations to really survive, they ought to find a market inspired by their product offering. An organization's product offering must be different from the ordinary and must be dynamic enough to attract customers. Further more they mention that an organization must be entrepreneurial and consistently reinvent their products and positioning in the market. However, in order for them to be competitive, an organization needs to move from what is called the repressive context to a renewed context.
Repressive context is defined as a rigid and strict environment where compliance with policies is mandatory and where standards are closely controlled. At first, I thought the repressive context was how business ought to be done until I learned how policies( if not reviewed)can inhibit an organization's growth. The experts suggest we move towards a more renewed approach where employees have the support of their senior management team, where trust -prevails allowing for transparency and where being disciplined is the norm. But how true is this situation in practice? How many of us have the support of our management team? How many organizations actually renew polices that are no longer adequate in the environment where they operate?
The problem I have with employees I've worked with and interacted with from different organizations is that we are always waiting for someone (management or a hero of some sort) to get things done for us; we continue blaming the system for its inadequacies,policies for being old and any other problems. What we fail to do is to initiate change ,even though it seems impossible. We fail to get up and be counted. We fail by not doing anything different, or trying to make the difficult the restrictions work for us. Instead we wait around and loose profits that pay our salaries.
What I've learnt is that the nature of business is rough;and we need to do what is necessary to survive. And in order to survive we need to be innovative in how we service the clients paying our salaries and how to work around the red tape organizations Impose on us. Because the reality is that if the organizations we work for aren't profitable, retrenchment is a reality we live with. I'm done blaming the red tape affecting my productive, instead finding solutions to work within the constraints. The question is what are u doing?
Smile. Laugh. Live
Friday, 28 June 2013
REVIEW YOUR PROGRESS
It is true when they say that time waits for no man and as such 'time is money'. It is 4am and I lie in bed, hoping to fall asleep again. Sadly I tossed and turned until such time that my mind went on a journey. As much as I tried to divert the mind to focusing on getting back my two hours of sleep, it chose to direct me to questions that have bugged me for days.
It is truly amazing how quickly time goes by. It feels like it was just yesterday when we wished each other 'happy new year' and discussed our hopes and dreams for the 2013. It seems like it was just yesterday when we excitedly noted our New Year's resolutions, committing ourselves to achieving them against all odds. Yes, we were all motivated to pursue our dreams, to improve our attitudes, go to the gym more often, make the climb up the corporate ladder or save that amount of money we were so keen to save. But how many of us are actually doing what we said we would do?
Strategy experts often talk about reviewing progress. Reviewing progress is about taking a moment to reassess if you are still on the right track. It is about comparing what you initially set out to achieve against what you are actually achieving and should there be discrepancies, then corrective action should be taken. It against this background that I pose this question again,. How many of us are actually pursuing the resolutions we've set ourselves in January ? And for those who are actively pursuing them, how well are you doing?
Our weakness as human beings is our inability to see things through. We are happy to commit ourselves to doing something. We then start it but along the way we completely abandon it. Why is that? Now it would be unfair of me to challenge you and not be held accountable myself. So yes the question about how well I'm doing in pursuing the goals I've set myself in January is also applicable.
The beginning of 2013 saw me committing myself to 5 goals. And like anyone, I was motivated to achieve all of them. With lots of discipline and commitment I continue to hold myself accountable to achieving them. I review my progress on a monthly basis to ensure that I take one step closer towards my goals and in cases where I need to adjust my goals, I take corrective action , implement and incorporate the changes into my initial goals. However, it is not as easy as I make it seem.
The pursuit of goals requires motivation and dedication . It takes a disciplined person to sustain the drive and commitment towards achieving their goals. It takes guts and resilience to believe in your goals when things don't go as you had hoped. Achieving goals is about marching on even when you feel tired and ready to quit.
With 6months of the year gone , it is important that we reassess how well we are doing in terms of achieving our goals. It is important that ask the hard questions and be brutally honest with ourselves. Are you living up to the standard you've set yourself? Are you doing the things you committed yourself to doing in order to move up the corporate ladder? Have you changed your negative attitude like you said you would? Are you saving money like you said you would? Are you committed to going to gym like you said?
It is easy to fall short of the commitments we set ourselves. It is easy to give up and walk away. However, I urge you to stay strong. I urge you to soldier on and continue pursuing your goals. I encourage you to take it one step at a time and to continually reassess your progress. The pursuit of goals is a tough journey, but it's not impossible.
Take the time to evaluate how far you've come and be proud of your achievements thus far. Waste no time being mediocre but investing in building up momentum towards December;when you can really look back and be proud.
It is truly amazing how quickly time goes by. It feels like it was just yesterday when we wished each other 'happy new year' and discussed our hopes and dreams for the 2013. It seems like it was just yesterday when we excitedly noted our New Year's resolutions, committing ourselves to achieving them against all odds. Yes, we were all motivated to pursue our dreams, to improve our attitudes, go to the gym more often, make the climb up the corporate ladder or save that amount of money we were so keen to save. But how many of us are actually doing what we said we would do?
Strategy experts often talk about reviewing progress. Reviewing progress is about taking a moment to reassess if you are still on the right track. It is about comparing what you initially set out to achieve against what you are actually achieving and should there be discrepancies, then corrective action should be taken. It against this background that I pose this question again,. How many of us are actually pursuing the resolutions we've set ourselves in January ? And for those who are actively pursuing them, how well are you doing?
Our weakness as human beings is our inability to see things through. We are happy to commit ourselves to doing something. We then start it but along the way we completely abandon it. Why is that? Now it would be unfair of me to challenge you and not be held accountable myself. So yes the question about how well I'm doing in pursuing the goals I've set myself in January is also applicable.
The beginning of 2013 saw me committing myself to 5 goals. And like anyone, I was motivated to achieve all of them. With lots of discipline and commitment I continue to hold myself accountable to achieving them. I review my progress on a monthly basis to ensure that I take one step closer towards my goals and in cases where I need to adjust my goals, I take corrective action , implement and incorporate the changes into my initial goals. However, it is not as easy as I make it seem.
The pursuit of goals requires motivation and dedication . It takes a disciplined person to sustain the drive and commitment towards achieving their goals. It takes guts and resilience to believe in your goals when things don't go as you had hoped. Achieving goals is about marching on even when you feel tired and ready to quit.
With 6months of the year gone , it is important that we reassess how well we are doing in terms of achieving our goals. It is important that ask the hard questions and be brutally honest with ourselves. Are you living up to the standard you've set yourself? Are you doing the things you committed yourself to doing in order to move up the corporate ladder? Have you changed your negative attitude like you said you would? Are you saving money like you said you would? Are you committed to going to gym like you said?
It is easy to fall short of the commitments we set ourselves. It is easy to give up and walk away. However, I urge you to stay strong. I urge you to soldier on and continue pursuing your goals. I encourage you to take it one step at a time and to continually reassess your progress. The pursuit of goals is a tough journey, but it's not impossible.
Take the time to evaluate how far you've come and be proud of your achievements thus far. Waste no time being mediocre but investing in building up momentum towards December;when you can really look back and be proud.
Sunday, 23 June 2013
REINVENT YOURSELF
I've often been reminded that when life serves you lemons, then you ought to make lemonade. This has served as a tool of finding the brighter side in what appeared a raw deal, or when life really seemed unfair. More often than not, it seemed easy enough to say it, when in actual fact it was harder to implement; especially when it felt like everything was spiraling out of control.
We often carry with us baggage we collect along the way; baggage from our failed relationships, baggage from our hostile working conditions and some we find ourselves carrying unnecessarily. The burden of the baggage we carry daily presents itself in multiple ways, that in turn manifests in unimaginable ways.
I have carried baggage over the last few months, the kind of baggage that was starting to poison my soul. Baggage that blinded me of opportunities I could pursue. I carried baggage that weighed me down and made me doubt my potential. Not only was my potential undermined, but my worth too. I allowed the baggage I carried to dictate how people treated me. I allowed this baggage to define how I saw myself and value my potential. I allowed myself to be the victim, constantly seeking approval from those I deemed superior.
In moments of doubt, I would look to others for acknowledgement and depend on their interpretations of my situation because I thought they knew best; when in fact they didn't. I tried, many a time to express how I felt in hope that they would understand what I was going through, hoping to also prove to myself that I wasn't insane to feel what I felt. I allowed this baggage to manifest itself in my life for months, to destroy me inside and then allow myself to put on a mask, portraying a picture perfect life.
It was on Friday evening when God sent down my guardian angel to remind me that I was worth more than I imagined, to tell me my feelings were not unjustified. He sent down this angel clothed in normal clothes, with a beautiful smile and an understanding heart. She told me I was not mad to feel the way I did, she held my hand and told me to be the best person God intended me to be. She smiled and told me I was perfect in God's eyes.
I listened carefully and took note of the words this angel spoke. She had no wings or a halo like angels, but she carried a message that gave me hope. She delivered a message that allowed me to take another look in the mirror to see and understand my worth. It was at this point that I saw my potential unfold and my worth materialise; not because I'm arrogate, but because I started to believe in myself again.
There are many young people carrying baggage in there lives. We seek approval from our supervisors at work to validate our worth. We allow their perceptions of us dictate how we value ourselves. Some young people allow bitter relationships determine how their lives turn out, we fail to cut ties with people that poison our lives.
I have seen a lot of pain, frustration in the lives of young people and my own life. But I have learnt that God provides us with guardian angels that will remind us of our worth. We are all blessed with the opportunity of meeting someone that will hold our hands and reassure us it be okay. Take note, listen and reinvent yourself.
As a new week starts, I have made a conscious decision. I choose to let go of the baggage that poisoned my life. I choose to have self confidence, to value my worth and to pursue opportunities. Allowing other people's perceptions dictate my career or personal life ends now. I am a brand and I acknowledge myself as one. I encourage you to do the same, because you are worth more than you thought.
Smile this week. Laugh because you can. Live like a valuable brand God made you to be. Go one, reinvent yourself and make lemonade.
We often carry with us baggage we collect along the way; baggage from our failed relationships, baggage from our hostile working conditions and some we find ourselves carrying unnecessarily. The burden of the baggage we carry daily presents itself in multiple ways, that in turn manifests in unimaginable ways.
I have carried baggage over the last few months, the kind of baggage that was starting to poison my soul. Baggage that blinded me of opportunities I could pursue. I carried baggage that weighed me down and made me doubt my potential. Not only was my potential undermined, but my worth too. I allowed the baggage I carried to dictate how people treated me. I allowed this baggage to define how I saw myself and value my potential. I allowed myself to be the victim, constantly seeking approval from those I deemed superior.
In moments of doubt, I would look to others for acknowledgement and depend on their interpretations of my situation because I thought they knew best; when in fact they didn't. I tried, many a time to express how I felt in hope that they would understand what I was going through, hoping to also prove to myself that I wasn't insane to feel what I felt. I allowed this baggage to manifest itself in my life for months, to destroy me inside and then allow myself to put on a mask, portraying a picture perfect life.
It was on Friday evening when God sent down my guardian angel to remind me that I was worth more than I imagined, to tell me my feelings were not unjustified. He sent down this angel clothed in normal clothes, with a beautiful smile and an understanding heart. She told me I was not mad to feel the way I did, she held my hand and told me to be the best person God intended me to be. She smiled and told me I was perfect in God's eyes.
I listened carefully and took note of the words this angel spoke. She had no wings or a halo like angels, but she carried a message that gave me hope. She delivered a message that allowed me to take another look in the mirror to see and understand my worth. It was at this point that I saw my potential unfold and my worth materialise; not because I'm arrogate, but because I started to believe in myself again.
There are many young people carrying baggage in there lives. We seek approval from our supervisors at work to validate our worth. We allow their perceptions of us dictate how we value ourselves. Some young people allow bitter relationships determine how their lives turn out, we fail to cut ties with people that poison our lives.
I have seen a lot of pain, frustration in the lives of young people and my own life. But I have learnt that God provides us with guardian angels that will remind us of our worth. We are all blessed with the opportunity of meeting someone that will hold our hands and reassure us it be okay. Take note, listen and reinvent yourself.
As a new week starts, I have made a conscious decision. I choose to let go of the baggage that poisoned my life. I choose to have self confidence, to value my worth and to pursue opportunities. Allowing other people's perceptions dictate my career or personal life ends now. I am a brand and I acknowledge myself as one. I encourage you to do the same, because you are worth more than you thought.
Smile this week. Laugh because you can. Live like a valuable brand God made you to be. Go one, reinvent yourself and make lemonade.
Thursday, 20 June 2013
Happiness is a choice
The pursuit of happiness is increasingly becoming a challenge many of us struggle with. For some unknown reason, we have gradually shifted the responsibility of finding happiness to third parties, with the hope that they will fill the void that occupies our lives. We have become dependent on other people to make us happy; in some cases, we have gone to extremes in trying to get these people to bring us the happiness we so badly need. Many of us compromise so much in pursuit of this happiness;a few actually end up unhappier in the process as a direct result of the very people we count on to bring us happiness.
We continue shifting this responsibility to 3rd parties despite the disappointment. We continue to be victims of self pity, wallowing in our self created puddle of depression, hoping that our colleagues at work, our friends or members of the families will step in to help. Why we do this to ourselves is baffling.
I have been a victim of self pity recently. Although I felt my reasons were justified for walking around with my shoulders hanging and chin struggling against the forces of gravity, I knew there was a fundamental lessons I had to learn. Yes, I felt down for various reasons and I felt overwhelmed by the size of the problems presenting themselves in my life. As easy as it was to blame the problems that were bringing me misery on those responsible, it somehow felt unjustifiable to blame them for my unhappiness too.
But, you might argue that if someone is a problem in your life, then that very person is the source of your unhappiness. And while I might find common ground to agree with that, I learnt a different lesson and here it goes.
I encountered a number of problems at work and as much as I wanted to address these problems, I felt like each attempt failed. Worse, the people I knew were responsible for the problems (or the people to blame ) were not aware they were responsible for my unhappiness. Yes I made them aware but to no success. I spent weeks going to work unhappy, spending all day in a mood and eventually going back home unhappy. And the people I blamed for my unhappiness, lived their lives, laughed and went through the day in good spirits. It was at this point that I realized that I had a choice to make. It was either I continued going to work unhappy because I blamed other people for it, or to really reclaim my unhappiness and change that.
For the people I blamed, they felt it was enough to say sorry and move on, and they didn't care if I allowed that to influence my unhappy state too. I was so focused on the problems that I gave away my choice to be happy. I was so focused on blaming other people for what went wrong, I gave them power over my state of happiness (without them being aware).and worse, they couldn't be bothered.
Being happy is a state that we all individually create. We are responsible for our happiness and no one else. We cannot afford third parties the luxury of deciding what will make us happy or allow other people to take away our happiness as a result of foul play and problems they bring into our lives.
Let us do away with wallowing in our self pity and take responsibility. Happiness is yours to create, consume and enjoy. So be happy because you can, not because you depend on anyone to make you happy.
Smile. Laugh. Live
We continue shifting this responsibility to 3rd parties despite the disappointment. We continue to be victims of self pity, wallowing in our self created puddle of depression, hoping that our colleagues at work, our friends or members of the families will step in to help. Why we do this to ourselves is baffling.
I have been a victim of self pity recently. Although I felt my reasons were justified for walking around with my shoulders hanging and chin struggling against the forces of gravity, I knew there was a fundamental lessons I had to learn. Yes, I felt down for various reasons and I felt overwhelmed by the size of the problems presenting themselves in my life. As easy as it was to blame the problems that were bringing me misery on those responsible, it somehow felt unjustifiable to blame them for my unhappiness too.
But, you might argue that if someone is a problem in your life, then that very person is the source of your unhappiness. And while I might find common ground to agree with that, I learnt a different lesson and here it goes.
I encountered a number of problems at work and as much as I wanted to address these problems, I felt like each attempt failed. Worse, the people I knew were responsible for the problems (or the people to blame ) were not aware they were responsible for my unhappiness. Yes I made them aware but to no success. I spent weeks going to work unhappy, spending all day in a mood and eventually going back home unhappy. And the people I blamed for my unhappiness, lived their lives, laughed and went through the day in good spirits. It was at this point that I realized that I had a choice to make. It was either I continued going to work unhappy because I blamed other people for it, or to really reclaim my unhappiness and change that.
For the people I blamed, they felt it was enough to say sorry and move on, and they didn't care if I allowed that to influence my unhappy state too. I was so focused on the problems that I gave away my choice to be happy. I was so focused on blaming other people for what went wrong, I gave them power over my state of happiness (without them being aware).and worse, they couldn't be bothered.
Being happy is a state that we all individually create. We are responsible for our happiness and no one else. We cannot afford third parties the luxury of deciding what will make us happy or allow other people to take away our happiness as a result of foul play and problems they bring into our lives.
Let us do away with wallowing in our self pity and take responsibility. Happiness is yours to create, consume and enjoy. So be happy because you can, not because you depend on anyone to make you happy.
Smile. Laugh. Live
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Service delivery... Do we understand it?
I sit in my room, anxiously trying to get through the many chapters I need to cover before my exams next week. As I try crasp the many concepts, models and diagrams, I cannot help but try adopt the concepts to the type of work I do.
I currently work with many clients from different backgrounds and with different expectations. My sole responsibility is to understand their business needs and come up with solutions, be it business financing, account management or processing various transactions that will enable their business to achieve their business goals.
Now, it's clear that this type of job is service intensive, and unless you really understand what being service orientated means, you will have all your existing and potential clients rushing for the exit door. And with the competitive nature of the industry within which we operate, one cannot afford to ignore the importance of service.
Service goes beyond the technical aspect of the job, it also involves the psychological aspects that appeal to customers, that work on their emotions and creates an unforgettable memory. Many service orientated organizations fail to capitalize on the small features that can see their customers being loyal, inviting more clients via word of mouth which ultimately result in increased profitability.
Academics state that service quality has a number of dimensions. Service quality is influenced by the technical delivery of the encounter; how well does your organization provide service when addressing client needs? Do your employees demonstrate competence when helping clients? Do you deliver orders on time? Do you return calls as promised? These may seem minor but are you aware of the impact it has on your bottom line?
Service quality also has what academics refer to as functional aspects of quality. This explains how service is delivered. These aspects create good or bad experiences. Working for a service orientated organization, employees take it for grant how important appearance impacts service. Yes, how you look influences a client's perception of the organisation. We are often told that service with a smile results in a happy client, but many organizations don't do this. Our colleagues and managers come to work grumpy,with no interest in providing quality service. How then are we to be profitable?
Service is about showing interest in customer needs and providing solutions. We can win over clients by showing competence, which gains us customer trust. If a customer is assured you know what you doing, they are more likely to trust you and your organisation. By being friendly and providing service with a smile, customers are more likely to approach you for help. Service is about being helpful, making a client understand and providing alternatives.
We cannot afford to drop the ball when it comes to service delivery, more so in these tough economic times. And given the competitiveness of the industries within which our organizations operate, it is time to adopt a service orientated approach if we are to stay profitable. Maybe the time to provide service with a smile should start now.
Smile. Live. Love
I currently work with many clients from different backgrounds and with different expectations. My sole responsibility is to understand their business needs and come up with solutions, be it business financing, account management or processing various transactions that will enable their business to achieve their business goals.
Now, it's clear that this type of job is service intensive, and unless you really understand what being service orientated means, you will have all your existing and potential clients rushing for the exit door. And with the competitive nature of the industry within which we operate, one cannot afford to ignore the importance of service.
Service goes beyond the technical aspect of the job, it also involves the psychological aspects that appeal to customers, that work on their emotions and creates an unforgettable memory. Many service orientated organizations fail to capitalize on the small features that can see their customers being loyal, inviting more clients via word of mouth which ultimately result in increased profitability.
Academics state that service quality has a number of dimensions. Service quality is influenced by the technical delivery of the encounter; how well does your organization provide service when addressing client needs? Do your employees demonstrate competence when helping clients? Do you deliver orders on time? Do you return calls as promised? These may seem minor but are you aware of the impact it has on your bottom line?
Service quality also has what academics refer to as functional aspects of quality. This explains how service is delivered. These aspects create good or bad experiences. Working for a service orientated organization, employees take it for grant how important appearance impacts service. Yes, how you look influences a client's perception of the organisation. We are often told that service with a smile results in a happy client, but many organizations don't do this. Our colleagues and managers come to work grumpy,with no interest in providing quality service. How then are we to be profitable?
Service is about showing interest in customer needs and providing solutions. We can win over clients by showing competence, which gains us customer trust. If a customer is assured you know what you doing, they are more likely to trust you and your organisation. By being friendly and providing service with a smile, customers are more likely to approach you for help. Service is about being helpful, making a client understand and providing alternatives.
We cannot afford to drop the ball when it comes to service delivery, more so in these tough economic times. And given the competitiveness of the industries within which our organizations operate, it is time to adopt a service orientated approach if we are to stay profitable. Maybe the time to provide service with a smile should start now.
Smile. Live. Love
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Last Man Standing...
I've been told many a time to always look for the silver linings amongst the clouds that cover the sky;to make lemonade when served lemons and to see the half full glass rather than half empty. As wonderful and fulfilling as these lessons have been, one cannot help but feel a little sad-negative even when things do not work out as you had hoped...
With 14 months working as a Graduate Trainee at a reputable organization, I had hoped to be appointed two months ago. I had hoped I would have proven myself as both competent and efficient, ready to take on the next step in my career. I had plans, plans I hoped would initiate change;plans that would inspire people.
To my disappointment, I am still working as a Graduate Trainee. By default I found myself wallowing in self pity and resentment. At times, I was tempted to apply to other organizations hoping I would fill the void I now had. I was so blinded by my disappointment, I started missing the opportunities I had available working as a Trainee. Now you may ask where the silver lining is in this particular story.
Just this week, I learnt new things from the department I am now based in. Lessons that are currently transforming how I think. I am learning the art and science of customer service-proper customer service. And as life would have it, I have the privilege of imparting my knowledge to the new interns within our department. This is a journey that is making me a whole new person;the type who inspires and transforms thinking.
Being the last trainee to be appointed, doesn't necessarily mean that I'm incompetent or efficient. It is an indication of a different role I need to play within the organization. We are often to quick to give up or lose hope because we want to compare our career paths to our colleagues. I have learnt that we have different roles to play and not to compare our success to anyone's success.
You may also find yourself in a situation of resentment or disappointment, I urge you to broaden your horizon and look beyond the resentment. It is by doing this that you will see the opportunities that life has lined up for you. It is then that you will inspire change and transform lives.
Go on, find the silver lining and be the type of guy that transforms thinking. Be the last man standing within your organization.
Smile... Laugh... Live!
With 14 months working as a Graduate Trainee at a reputable organization, I had hoped to be appointed two months ago. I had hoped I would have proven myself as both competent and efficient, ready to take on the next step in my career. I had plans, plans I hoped would initiate change;plans that would inspire people.
To my disappointment, I am still working as a Graduate Trainee. By default I found myself wallowing in self pity and resentment. At times, I was tempted to apply to other organizations hoping I would fill the void I now had. I was so blinded by my disappointment, I started missing the opportunities I had available working as a Trainee. Now you may ask where the silver lining is in this particular story.
Just this week, I learnt new things from the department I am now based in. Lessons that are currently transforming how I think. I am learning the art and science of customer service-proper customer service. And as life would have it, I have the privilege of imparting my knowledge to the new interns within our department. This is a journey that is making me a whole new person;the type who inspires and transforms thinking.
Being the last trainee to be appointed, doesn't necessarily mean that I'm incompetent or efficient. It is an indication of a different role I need to play within the organization. We are often to quick to give up or lose hope because we want to compare our career paths to our colleagues. I have learnt that we have different roles to play and not to compare our success to anyone's success.
You may also find yourself in a situation of resentment or disappointment, I urge you to broaden your horizon and look beyond the resentment. It is by doing this that you will see the opportunities that life has lined up for you. It is then that you will inspire change and transform lives.
Go on, find the silver lining and be the type of guy that transforms thinking. Be the last man standing within your organization.
Smile... Laugh... Live!
Friday, 22 March 2013
Being Educated...
It has been a few days since my return from what was a hectic weekend of partying and catching up with good friends. After weeks of mounting excitement, I finally arrived in Pretoria with two objectives in mind. Firstly, to have a hectic weekend of partying and secondly to find inspiring stories from my friends who are working hard to achieve their goals.
Now, if you've spent time in Pretoria, you would understand how vibrant this city is and how alive it becomes just after 5pm. So in terms of a great partying weekend, I was sorted. Next was an outfit fitting for what was to be a great night. However, I do not want to dwell on the details of the social scene.
I sat down with a group of my good friends and it suddenly hit me-we travelled a tough journey and here we are. I had a flash back of the hard times we endured during our student days. The tests we failed, the dead lines that seemed impossible to meet and the struggle we all faced of staying positive.
Our different goals seemed out of reach- over shadowed by the difficulty of our studies. I remember us marching on, fighting, trying... At times we had no fighting strength left,, but giving up was not an option.
Years later, we sit in this restaurant laughing and enjoying what is a new chapter of our lives. We sit in a group of professionals- Mining Engineers,Chemical Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Investment Bankers discussing the challenges we face in the corporate sector.
We sit here discussing projects that have the potential to change lives, personal goals, growth prospects and our achievements as we continue on the journey to becoming great,competent and young Africans.
This for me was a reminder that there is a reward that comes from being educated- that the sacrifices we make in pursuit of being educated yield a return. It might seem like its not possible currently, but with patience, hard work and determination.... You will reap the rewards!
Smile, laugh , live
Now, if you've spent time in Pretoria, you would understand how vibrant this city is and how alive it becomes just after 5pm. So in terms of a great partying weekend, I was sorted. Next was an outfit fitting for what was to be a great night. However, I do not want to dwell on the details of the social scene.
I sat down with a group of my good friends and it suddenly hit me-we travelled a tough journey and here we are. I had a flash back of the hard times we endured during our student days. The tests we failed, the dead lines that seemed impossible to meet and the struggle we all faced of staying positive.
Our different goals seemed out of reach- over shadowed by the difficulty of our studies. I remember us marching on, fighting, trying... At times we had no fighting strength left,, but giving up was not an option.
Years later, we sit in this restaurant laughing and enjoying what is a new chapter of our lives. We sit in a group of professionals- Mining Engineers,Chemical Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Investment Bankers discussing the challenges we face in the corporate sector.
We sit here discussing projects that have the potential to change lives, personal goals, growth prospects and our achievements as we continue on the journey to becoming great,competent and young Africans.
This for me was a reminder that there is a reward that comes from being educated- that the sacrifices we make in pursuit of being educated yield a return. It might seem like its not possible currently, but with patience, hard work and determination.... You will reap the rewards!
Smile, laugh , live
Monday, 14 January 2013
MASTER OF ALL OR NONE..?
Opportunities come in different ways- be it
through graduate development programs coordinated by various institutions or by
being given a permanent position immediately after completing your studies. For
some graduates, it’s the thrill of embarking on entrepreneurial opportunities
or being your own bosses that gives you that kick start to leave a legacy,
while for others such as ourselves- it’s about climbing the corporate ladder.
Unfortunately not all of us are as lucky as to be our own bosses. However, we
are all masters of our own destinies and that is a huge task.
I am fortunate enough to be working for an
reputable organisation as a Graduate Trainee and while the last few months have
been both tough and fun- it is hard to ignore the lessons that came with it.
Being a graduate trainee means that your sole purpose within the organisation
you work for is to learn, learn some more and to do more learning. But it’s not
just about the learning- you soon become part of the culture and also a change
agent to making the organisation better. Yes, this means that you need to
contribute ideas- innovative ideas that will move the organisation forward.
With just nine (9) months working, I’ve
worked in 5 departments –each with about 4 subdivisions. Now for someone who is
analytical, it is not hard to miss that a lot of learning and remembering was
done in these months. I’ve had to make notes for each department, making sure I
do not miss anything. I’ve also had to
separate the different departments’ roles and responsibilities, yet realising
their compatibility. Not only has it been fun to work in so many departments,
learning new things- but also about meeting new and interesting people.
As fun as this process has been, I cannot
but help ask myself if “I am a jack of all trades- but master of none” and the
more I hear it around my surroundings- the louder it replays in my mind. While
it’s easy to let something so small get me down or allow the purpose of this
programme be tainted with negativity, I took a moment to reflect on the what,
why, where and when.
Becoming a master of your career is a
choice that we all make, and that choice starts with defining WHAT we hope to achieve- and there are a
lot of things we all hope to achieve. Clearly setting out what you hope to
achieve helps you to set parameters of how you want your life to roll out. This helps you to set goals that give meaning
to your career- “I want to be a manager” for example. And here is my choice- I choose to become a
“Jack of all trades and a master of all”- in business, at home and in
society. I believe it takes a real man
to accept the things he cannot change and focus on the things he can.
Once you’ve made a choice as to what you
want to achieve- it is important to ask yourself why? Why do you want to become a Master? Becoming
a master of your career requires you to understand the role you play within
your organisation. It is about understanding why it is important to deliver
great work all the time and on time. Understanding “why” you need to do things,
prepares you to take responsibility for your actions, career and your future.
When you understand ‘what’ and ‘why’, it
paves the next step in the journey of becoming a master of your career. It is important to have goals of where you
hope to be. Having a clear picture of
where you see yourself drives you to give your best. This is the kind of
motivation that gets you out of bed in the morning and gives you the drive to
give your best- every day. Harvey Mackay
quotes “a dream is just a dream; a goal is a dream with a plan and deadline”.
This quotation leads to the next step in the process- when?
In order for goals to materialise, it is
imperative to set time frames detailing what needs to be done when and how.
Time frames are complimented by action plans, which stipulate how you plan to
get there.
I thought about my question again, “Am I a
jack of all trades and master of none- or am I better than this?”, and it was
at that point I made a break through. I had a choice- to either place the
limitation on myself or to refuse to limit myself. I had a choice to entertain
people’s negativity or to see the silver lining this situation had to provide.
What I realised was this; the more you learn, the more you know and that makes
you a master. Becoming a master is not about knowing everything, but embracing
the opportunity to learn something new every day. The more you see, the more you understand.
Becoming a master is not about being the best at everything- but understanding
what you can do best.
I have seen how things are done in the
different departments and I have learnt a lot. The real question is not whether
“I am a master or not” but rather what I do with what I know. Do I share what I learnt with those who don’t
know? Do I share this knowledge with my
colleagues and integrate it to what they already know in an effort to create
the bigger picture? There are many questions to be asked, but the point I am
trying to make is this. It is not about being a master of all, but instead
about becoming that guy that uses this knowledge to create a holistic picture-
a picture that connects departments; that creates compatibility between
different roles and mostly importantly- about bringing people together who
share the same vision.
I believe becoming a master is about
embracing the opportunities life has to offer you and using these opportunities
to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the people you work with; the
people you stay with and the communities you live in. Being a master is not
about power nor is it about status- it is about understanding your own
potential to initiate positive change.
NEW YEAR...NEW START
With 14 days into the New Year, I believe
it is still relevant to continue the common trend of “niceties” and good wishes
for the New Year. So here goes, “I
genuinely hope 2013 will not only be a good year, but a year of positive
change.” For some, 2013 has started on a
positive note, while others still struggle to let go of the previous year. Be
that as it may, we all have a chance to survive and make something of this
year.
As
the trend continues, we are all subjected to a particular question: “what are
your New’ Year’s Resolutions?” “What do
you hope to achieve this year? “While many of us simply give a brief response
as a means to meet the status quo and give the impression that our lives have
direction, I took time to actually think about this question- to really think
deeply about it.
We are often told that a new year gives us
a chance to start over again. We are led to believe that it’s an easy exercise-
where you simply flip the page and rewrite the chapter. But is it really this
easy? Is it as simple as the experts make it seem? I ask these questions because, I believe in
the theory of New Year’s resolutions and it continues to work for me.
I believe in setting goals- goals that you
hope to achieve by December 2013. And as
it appears, I have written on the importance of setting goals in my previous
blog posts and I believe this topic is still as relevant in 2013. I have spent days thinking about which
direction I want my life to take in
2013; I have thought about what I hope to achieve- be it the amount of
money I plan to save, the kind of friend I hope to be or even where I hope to
see my career go. And the efforts of those days were delicately written down to
ensure that the goals were binding. I
took it a step further and decided on action plans to execute my goals and set
time frames. And as I continue planning for 2013 and putting plans in action, I
cannot ignore the fact that many other people might not be as fortunate.
Many people suffered the tragic events of
2012- strikes, unemployment, below par matric results, failure and many other
sad things. Some of our friends lost loved ones, and others suffered
accidents. 2012 was honestly a bad year
for some people and we cannot ignore the damage it caused. As 2013 picks up
momentum, I realise that a lot of my friends still struggle to let go of the
mistakes of the previous year and as a result fail to cease the opportunities
the New Year has to offer. They torture themselves for their failures made in
2012 and constantly remain prisoners of their thoughts. They fail to see the opportunity to start
afresh, to let go of those goals we thought were important and to set better
and bigger goals. They struggle to let go of the pain 2012 brought into their
lives and give 2013 a chance to heal their pain.
Starting afresh is not about forgetting the
past, but accepting the things you no longer have control over and embracing
those you can change. I believe that setting resolutions is not about looking
smart in front of your family and friends or giving people the impression that your
life is perfect. New Year resolutions for me are about setting a bench mark for
your life-a standard that you can measure how well you are doing or how you can
improve. It is about trying new things- doing things that make you a better
person.
I believe in setting a theme for the year
ahead, a theme that will give your life direction and meaning. My theme for
2013 is to begin my journey from being good to becoming great. This theme guides and inspires me to give my best
in all that I do and I believe setting your own individual theme will do the
same for you. This is a chance to rewrite your mistakes of the previous year; a
chance to initiate positive change in your personal life.
As 2013 quickly picks up momentum towards
December, let us jump on the train and begin our journey to a better life. A
resolution is a simple guide that gives you a reason to get up and do something
meaningful- whether you hope to save money, change your attitude, touch lives-
give it your absolute all because the reward will be worth it.
All the best for 2013 and to making this
the best year.
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
MENTAL PRISON
It is Sunday evening and I find myself in a state of depression. What brought about this state is unknown to me. Initially, I thought it was the dreaded feeling of Monday or the prospect of a new week and the challenges that come with it. I searched far and wide, desperately trying to pin point the source of this new feeling of self pity.
For weeks, I’ve found myself filled with feelings of anger and self pity and the recent drama at work just pushed this poison deeper in my system. It feels like I am loosing grip on who I am; on what I want and where I want to go.
Waking up in the mornings has started becoming problematic. My usual positive nature has slowly been fading away. Could I have resentments? Could I have given people power over my life? Could I have underestimated my potential?
It gets worse, not only have I been feeling sorry for myself, but have begun doubting my potential. I used to wake up feeling motivated to make a difference both at work and in society. I used to overcome setbacks and pick up myself each time I fell. My mind feels locked up- caged by steel and thick locks. What used to give me a reason to wake up and work hard, no longer gives me this feeling. What used to inspire me to become a better person feels like it’s gone. My mind has become a prisoner of negative thoughts. My thoughts are prisoners of my limitations; limitations I am placing on myself.
On this Sunday evening, I find myself lying on the couch trying to find my spark. I find myself begging to find something that will give me a reason to wake up tomorrow morning. In my desperate attempt, I page through the pages of the new Destiny Man issue and the first sentence on one of the articles is “Brilliant One, its 3am and I’m writing you a personal note to remind you that your brilliance has been repressed long enough.”
At this moment, I felt a new feeling surge through my system, so I read further. Simon T Bailey has a way with words that will reignite your spark and I quote, “There’ll never be a better time than right now for you to become the person you’ve dreamed of becoming”. I read this article to the finish and read it another 3 times.
He reminded me that when we are worried our brains get stuck in survival mode and doesn’t invest in new thinking,. It is when we start growing our brains , that we start living. He further says that when we start living, we begin to believe.
I am aware that it takes a while to get back to my positive self, but I can start developing new and innovative ideas that will inspire me. I am prepared to get up tomorrow morning with a hunger to become the person I’ve always dreamt of becoming. I have a choice to leave my mind a prisoner of me imposed limitations; to get influenced by the bitterness of some of my colleagues or I can decide to become the person I want to be every day.
Simon Bailey concludes his article with a quote from James Allen’s book, “whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your vision, and your ideal. “
As Monday approaches, I challenge myself to be the kind of business man, I’ve always wanted to be and I challenge you to do the same.
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