Acknowledge positive contributions

"I never expected it at all," Stephie glowed. "Didn't expect to be given the award."

Numerous studies have shown that when people love their jobs, the amount of money they earn is 4th - 6th in the list of what's important to them. Alternatively, when people hate their jobs, money is #1

My 22 years in the corporate world has taught me that people seek validation and acknowledgement. Nothing feels better than a public pat on the back.

It's tough being in charge. There are always lots of daily crises and it's generally problems - not the wins and the victories - that come to the leader's attention.

I always try to publicly acknowledge those responsible for good news, as one of my mentors, Mr Lau put it "find the pony buried in the manure and publicly acknowledge and thank the pony."

Award winner Stephie (front row 4th from right holding red box)

MBA - Managing by adultery

"I feel appreciated here," Christine said. "My opinions are heard and valued."

"Managing by adultery" - that is, I treat my managers as adults with full authority, extraordinary freedom and they are expected to take the initiative.

Many managers continue to resist empowerment for fear of losing their own control, power and influence and a distrust of their staff.

Having climbed up through the ranks myself, I know that employees want to feel likeparticipants, not bench warmers.

from left: Jades. Pince, Stephie, Elly

We have less than 30-second

"I met Paul last Friday," Ibu Hanna said to her boss Pak Toto. "And we could click right away."

We know how quickly we judge others. I also appreciate that I am subjected to the same sizing-up every time I meet someone.

A survey by Professor Albert Mehrabian showed that - like it or not - 93% of how we come across initially has nothing to do with substance.

I think about the last drinks session or trade show night event I attended where I didn't know many people. I started chatting but really didn't remember a lot, to begin with, about what was said. Names flew around, I caught some business links but really not much in detail.

When surfing the net, ads try to grab us quickly or it's click....we're out of there - our time, attention and money spent on something else. Just like the the Net, we don't get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression.

Pathway to success

"Pak Paul," Hanna queried. "What's the secret of your success?"

I have always tried to maintain a sense of humour. I won't give up until the job gets done. I am disciplined to do what it takes to achieve success.

I try to have a good balance in my life. There is more to life than work.

I am goal-oriented and have a healthy self-image and have honed a good mental attitude. I don't take myself too seriously, but take what I do very seriously.

If it is to be, it is up to me. 10 words. Each only has 2 letters. But they provide a guidepost for my life.

Life begins at 40

"Those were the days when we were young," HP said soberly over the sup buntut. "I'll be 40 this year."

Growing up is not a one-way trip. We adults can be childish, just as children can act very grown up.

On a separate note, husbands and wives can be all things to each other. We can be parents and playmates, as well as lovers and partners.

Committed to success

"Paul is certainly driven, enthusiastic and passionate in what he is doing" This was posted as one of my greatest strength from the 360degrees Performance Measurement Process just completed.

Dedication is necessary to success, yes. But it must be the right kind of dedication.

I have always had a single-minded passion for what I do, an unwavering desire for excellence in the way I think and the way I work. I guess, that is a major factor which got me from a computer operator to where I am today.

I have worked with a lot of good and great performers in the past 23 years. I have noticed that there is a difference between going all out because you think hard work is one of the 10 Commandments or because you think it is what your boss expect and reward; and going all out because it thrills you.

Great performers truly cannot get enough of what they do.

Focus on customers

5 out of 5. Highly effective. That was how Erhard Hotter, ex-Area managing Director of Starwood SEA rated me in a previous 360degrees feedback for the core competency of "Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for our customers"

As a sales leader, my key objective is to beat the competition. The best way to drive the competition crazy is to make my customers happy. To make my customers happy, I focus on them.

There are some customers who didn't start off on the right footing with me but they've turn out to be my greatest supporter. Beatu and the beast didn't have a good start either, but they had a happy ending. This is not to suggest that you should create bad situations on purpose, but every customer interaction, even if it starts off as a problem, is an opportunity.

from left: Steve, Ricky, Athens, Evon

From left: Rosanna, Cherry, Ernie