Practicing what we preach. So many times we say "it should be done like this" but being the first one to do so is so so-called painful, or takes too much effort that we never get to it (and God forbid we work too hard - hey, work life balance!).
If one is not accountable, held responsible for one's screwups, then, one does not care so much when one makes them. Such is the fundamental flaw in this place - it's ok if you screw up! We have lots of money to fix it. You tabled it out so beautifully that we didn't realise you screwed it up, but we have no idea why our coffers are being drained so much faster than they should.
And the best part is, we really do believe that we are the best. And therein lies another fatal flaw - when one does not actively seek out improvement. Companies that command respect never say that they are the best. Most cannot afford to say that anyway. iWould it be acceptable, if, say, Toyota says that they don't need to get better? If Steve Jobs says that there is nothing he can do with the iPod anymore? I rest my case.
We are FAR from even having the right to call ourselves good. We just can't, not until drastic steps are taken and heads start rolling. Because we are not running a charity here. You can't get ahead on paternism/socialism anymore. Not when the rest of the world is best man wins - cutthroat and savage.
Well, that's my two cents' worth. All said and done, I'm grateful to be working with one or two people who are NOT long term employees of this place. And I am grateful that they:
1) Set the highest standards for not only themselves, but their work groups as well - regardless of the prevalent culture. They don't lower their standards, they just raise everyone else's.
2) Are not only afraid of change, they are not afraid of MAKING IT HAPPEN
2) Can take a step waaaaaaay back and say "we're not doing this right". They are the true leaders (and mind you, not the company-appointed ones, they just are by virtue of their influence and respect they gained)
3) Take the time and effort to explain their ways instead of shoving it down throats
4) Actually know exactly what they are pointing their fingers at, so it makes sense and instead of muttering "that *&%$" doesn't know what he's yelling at", we go "man, I wish I thought of that"
5) Give credit when credit's due - it's that simple
6) Ask the right questions, challenge the status quo - it's a cliche but oh! how wwe're missing that here!
7) Are not afraid of making other people feel uncomfortable - for the right reasons of course, unlike some jerks who do it for the sake of making themselves look better. These people then put them in their places.
8) Look beyond someone's image and focuses on what they do, not what they say and how nicely they say it (the fact is that credit is given to the person who outlines it in the nicest way irks all of the so-called lesser mortals, who actually DO the bloody job)
Anyways, these are lessons I have learn. To find better ways to do things and not just follow the program, because, way more often than not, this program plain sucks.
ADDED: Sadly a lot of our so-called leader have not read, or just can't be bothered to practice what's in this.
Live by my OWN standards, and never compromise with anything lower.
Digression:
I'm not unhappy, anyways. In fact, am totally excited! Might be assigned to a company joint-venture project next year, a huge one and a totally new operating and business environment to everyone, even the old timers. Must bust my butt this year so that the boss will see that it's worth giving it to me.
EDITED 28th January:
Disappointment - this assignment is no longer in the plan. Some miscommunication led the powers that be in my dept to think that they could assign it to me. Truth was it wasn't even theirs to give. Wish people would check out their facts before getting small fry like me all worked up over nothing. :(
And another one:
Lest you think this is turning into one of those bimbo blogs, I shall be documenting myself and my progress in regaining my university days weight. I seem to be plataeuing now to 3 kgs above my ideal. Truth is I don't work out like I used to, and thanks to my painful, wobbly loose kneecaps and watchamalit-this-doc-says-it's-spur-other-doc-says-it's not shoulder, exercise options are very limited. Ah well, blessings shall be counted (lost 2-3 kgs last year) and gratitude shown. Oh, and of course, am back to the office so dressing up is back in the game. Oh yes I feel damn perasan when taking my own photo, but am getting over it ;P
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