Lessons from a certain CEO on your career

Be a Busybody:

In a big company, your role is often very specialized and the things you do will naturally be of a narrow scope. Achieving mastery in what you do is desirable, but it is also important to know a bit of what is happening around you, on a macro scale. This is to say that it is good to be a busybody, in a smart way, and talk to people from other departments. From your conversations, understand the different processes in different areas as well as their perspectives.
The advantage of being a busybody is not only some knowledge of the various operations of the company, but unwittingly you gain visibility in the organization. Senior management will come to take note of your curious antics and when the opportunity arise for a project which often needs cross-department knowledge, you will have a high chance of being considered for the role.

Balance.. Life is a marathon

.... and so is your career. Remember, your working life can span up to 40 years... or more. In the current generation, I believe many hold the dream of retiring at 40 or even earlier. Mr CEO has seen many people burnout after working day and night for the first few years of their career. In the long run, the winner goes to the one still running the race.
It is thus important to have a work-life balance. Mr CEO takes joy in spending time with his family, especially his wife whom he holds dearly.

Take care of your people

Your success depends a lot on how you treat your people.
For your staff, if they clear their KPI (key performance indicator), make sure they get their well-justified reward.
A question comes up from the audience on how does he monitor so many people. The answer to that is that he has sub-managers to monitor their respective groups. This answer is obvious in my opinion, but to really do that well is a challenge which requires both leadership and charisma
Lastly, your people also include your customers. Make sure that they are happy using your products.

Get a Mentor

Lastly, having a mentor can add to your value. It is important to get a good mentor. Good mentors hear you before saying its a stupid idea. The choice of a mentor seems to be a great discussion point. I would try to blog about this in my next posts.

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How to network: for the fresh grad

At some point of your life, you will be invited to a business event where everyone is in suits, poised with tall glasses in one hand and chatting in small groups. Welcome to the business world, where such events are inevitable and the skills of networking are invaluable.

A great approach to networking is to rethink how you make friends when you were young. Now you are in a new classroom and you have to get to know all your classmates again. As a rule of thumb, be genuinely interested in the person you meet and chat. There would be some that you can get along with, some which you can't find any common topics, and some that hit off with you immediately - just like what happens in your class. 

Remember the necessities for networking, as explained from my previous post on checklist for networking.

Also, for those people where you can't find anything in common but find yourself stuck with them for some unforeseen circumstances, there is always a list of general things to talk about to fall back on.

Then there comes a situation where you are forced to network because you need to seek help in something. There is no other way but to find someone with the expertise to advise you or introduce to you some useful contacts. I think the 2 most common problems about networking that a young person would have is
1) he is afraid to ask for favors
2) he dislikes the notion of knowing a person just to benefit from it

In my own version of Networking, i think it is about doing favors. I think people understand you might not have anything to offer back now, but when the time comes, you would duly do so, or do so for others in return. It is actually a gentleman's agreement from this perspective.

In a nutshell, networking is similar to other activities in life. You will be hesitant and nervous in your first attempt, but after some practice you will get the hang of it. You will get the help of mentors and when you get better, you will share your knowledge and advise the young. Remember to always pay it forward. Happy Networking!

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Covering up mistakes at work

Covering up your mistake at work might get you away initially, but if your cover is blown, you will not only show that you are incompetent at work, but also a dishonest chap.

Covering up for someone at work might gain you the gratitude of the person but when things get serious, you will have to bear a share of consequences.

It is an unhealthy culture for a company to try to cover up their oversight, instead of acknowledging it and rectifying it. This might lead to potentially bigger problems that would take much more effort to resolve.

But the tendency to cover up is natural.

As an individual, be forefront and admit your mistakes. Everyone make mistakes at work time to time. The trick is to acknowledge your mistake sincerely, and give the assurance that it will not happen again, while keeping that assurance.

As a company, acknowledge that employees do want to look good and might not surface errors. Thus a company should cultivate an environment where its ok to make mistakes such that employees can learn from each other's mistakes and truly grow.

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Euphemisms in the workplace

In the workplace, unless necessary avoid negative statements. Especially when expressing your intentions to the public, euphemisms are very useful as the same idea can mean 2 different things when expressed differently. 

So whenever you want to say something, stop and think from a different perspective. How can you make a negative to a positive? Is there anyway to convey the message in a better way?

For Example, 

Version 1: Well the purpose of this study is to revise the criteria so we can get more applicants.

VS

Version 2: The purpose of this study is to evaluate our criteria for the possibility of making the program more attractive to applicants.

The first version hints at the notion that the number of applicants are less than desirable, and we are trying to get more applicants. The second version does not hint that there is any problem but rather, the study is conducted to enhance the program.

And who are the best people with their way of words? We all know...

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Checklist for networking

I thought this might be useful for someone attending a major event for their first time, or someone who's starting a job where he would meet many new people. So what can you prepare for networking?

1) Name cards

You'll be surprised even the most experienced networkers forget this. 

2) Your objective

It's not really the quantity that counts, but the quality that counts. If you are an entrepreneur, and your objective is to further your business, investors and potential partners should be your top priority. Do not spend too much time talking with insurance agents/ property agents at the event. Leave them for another day.

3) Pen (Optional)

If you are the type who describes your new contact made on the back of his namecard, you might want to remember to bring a pen along with you. I personally think this move is very useful, so you would remember under what situation you met the guy and what did you guys talked about.

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4 killers of productivity in the workplace

There will come a time where you really need to get things done. You have blocked out your calendar and prepared mentally to clear work for the next few hours. However, there are still things that are not within your control. Avoid these killer of productivity if you want to get work done!

1. Facebook

Or more broadly, the Internet. The familiar situation where you are thinking about something and out of habit log in to facebook to check your newsfeed. If your work does not require you to use the computer, shut it down.

2. The unoccupied co-worker

He has nothing on his plate and is looking for someone to chitchat with. He might be a great source of information but otherwise someone you should avoid when you are busy. To avoid him, plug your earphones to show that you are busy and pretend not to hear him.

3. Too many windows

Well, I meant the computer. Focus by only having the necessary applications open on your laptop. Close the unused windows on your explorer bar.

4. Chat messengers

Log off from your instant chat messengers to prevent unsolicited conversations that kills your concentration.

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How to change things in your company

It is easier for managers to review your idea on paper than in conversations

If you find yourself encountering a recurrent problem on work processes, don't simply go around and talk about it. You can do something about the pain besides just complaining. Write the problem down.

A proposal for change puts things into action. A written email with deadlines gives a sense of tangibility and cannot be dismissed simply by "I forgot" or "I'll do it later". 

Make sure you have this points when drafting a proposal:

1. The problem
2. The solution
3. How much the solution costs

Tip: Present the proposal to the correct person - the decision maker (might not always be your boss).

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How to get your boss to bring you for meetings

This post is dedicated to the newcomer/intern. I spent one year in a financial services firm and have honed this skill to a reasonable extent. A common pitfall for an intern is to stay in his own cubicle and too engrossed in doing his own work. For crying out loud, you can do your research at home, but when you are at work, you should fully utilize your time there. Go out and talk to your colleagues and learn from them. Sit in meetings to learn and see more. Some of them find it hard to get their bosses to bring them for meetings, so here's how:

1) establish good relations with your boss 

Make him enjoy talking to you, so he'll think about you when he's going for a meeting. Find out about what your boss likes, chat him up on these topics. 

2) show gratitude

At every opportunity your boss brought you, thank him and show that how much you appreciate his act. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and you should not behave like bringing you for meetings is the natural thing to do.

3) be thick skinned

Possibly the ultimate cheat code of crashing meetings, is to enter , smile and say "just take me as a fly in the wall." This takes a lot of courage, really. This move was suggested by my boss himself, when he found it hard to bring me to a key meeting, but he said "doesn't mean you can't barge in yourself..."

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What is File 13?

Remember this term: file 13

If you've been around long enough, you might have heard something like 'i'm gonna put this document in file 13.' It's a smart way to say the trash bin. This slang term Originated from the US military.

Why should you remember this? So you would appear knowledgeable, and once in a while give your boss the impression that you are well read. 

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Specialized vs General First job

One important point to think about for your first job is whether you want a specialized or general scope.

There are pros and cons for each role. In a specialized role, you gain more depth, you gain skills in that specific expertise and are valued for that.

In a general role, you get to see more, you gain more breadth. You are in a good position to see and capture the good parts across the whole field.

In healthy economic conditions, both type of skills are sought after. In difficult economic conditions, would your company value a subject-matter expert, or a somewhat-know-it-all ?

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3 tips when choosing your seat in the office

Assume you are given the liberty to choose your seat,there are a few points to look out for.. Refrain from

1. Seats near the server - though no evidence of radiation, your productivity takes a hit due to long term noise issues

2. Tactical position from other eyes - if you are a fan of privacy, Try to ensure your screen is free from public eyes, I.e avoid having your screen facing the door where people can see what you are doing when they walk in

3. Near the window - You want a view like the one in the picture, you'll feel happier

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4 Tips to integrate into the company

You are the new kid in the block. Your new co-workers are looking at you like you're an animal in the zoo, but none are coming over to say hi. Here are some tips on how to integrate into your company.

1. Join interest groups

The easiest way is to join a group where there is a common interest - like soccer, basketball , ice hockey etc. Team games make good interaction.

2. Smile and say hi

The long corridor and a person incoming . Resist the temptation to look down and walk by. Always smile and say hi when walking past your co-worker. It might be a starter to a conversation.

3. Ask to join lunch

Ask the colleague next to you whether he/she got any lunch plans. Smile, and ask to join if he's going out with the group. Lunch with the group is a great chance for interaction.

4. Identify the lingo

Your co-workers might have some internal lingo as a result of years in the company. Understand the meaning and use appropriately.

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4 tips to handle too much work

It would be common on your first day to be inundated with a lot of new knowledge and especially if you are filling up a position left by a previous person. Here are some tips for you to handle overwhelming work:

1. Ask for deadlines

Sometimes work might not be as urgent as you thought out to be. Check with your boss.

2. Prioritize

Rank your to-do according to the deadline and importance

3. One at a time

Focus and do one thing at one time for maximum productivity

4. Settle easy ones first

You may want to finish the works which take the least time/ brainwork to get them our of the way.

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Fix a time when doing a phone/conference call

Remember the times when you called someone with all the ideas in your head, only to be unable to reach him?

Whenever possible, always fix a time to do a phone call to avoid disappointment.

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How to waste time at work

We know, some internships can get really boring. Time wasting at work to make your day past faster without anyone noticing requires skill too. While we do not recommend such behavior, here's a schedule on how to finish your day in a breeze.

0930 arrive late at work

0930-1000 eat breakfast, read news

1000-1130 send some emails, surf the web

1130 -1400 early lunch and come back late

1400-1500 check your inbox, memorize the world map

1500-1600 go for tea

1600-1700 get ready to wrap up

1700 leave for home early

And if you need more ideas to while away boredom, you can look at 3 things to do when you are bored at work

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3 First Things to Do in the Office

Build up your daily routine when you arrive in the office for maximum productivity. Here are 3 suggestions:

1. Check your email

Assuming you havent on your blackberry on your way to work, now would eb a good time for you to catch up on any updates missed.

2. Get your quick fix

If you havent had breakfast, get a quick bite at the pantry, and also coffee to start the day.

3. Settle individual tasks

It is this period in which most people are still preparing to get cracking and the best time for you to get your individual tasks out of the way

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3 things to do when you are bored at work

Here are some ideas to kill boredom at work, yet could potentially pass off like you're working

1. Explore interesting places to travel in the country relevant to your client/work

My friend toured the whole Japan on google maps on the pretext he is locating the client's office. Whether his boss believed him is another question though.

2. Sit in meetings

Ask a co-worker whether you could sit in his meetings and learn his trade

3. Chat using email

This is a safer alternative than using chat messengers which are a dead giveaway that you're not working

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When more does not mean good and fast does not mean efficient

Work on expectations.

For example, a manager in press of time wants only the best option and not 5 options to choose from. Similarly, an applicant might not be convinced you have properly read his proposal if you respond too quickly.

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What to look for in your first job

Here's a simple mantra to remember when hunting your first  job:

Advancement - look for companies that not only cares about your development but provide opportunities to bring about job progression and development

Boss - the benefits of having a great boss is enormous. Good bosses protects and nominates you. They also  give  you some autonomy to pursue other projects.

Culture - the icing to top it off is a great place with great people, whom you could learn from.

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Never Eat Alone - for the intern

OK a golden tip for my fellow interns! I would highly recommend you to always find someone to eat lunch together. From a personal perspective, lunch sessions with my co-workers/ bosses always bring about an interesting topic and new perspectives. Some of the benefits that you could get

- Better working relationships
- Better understanding of issues within and outside your workplace
- Great advice and life stories from bosses and co-workers

Especially if you happen to be one of the 99.9% of workforce with extremely busy bosses, lunch is always the best way to interact with them.

A couple more tips to get your lunch appointment: 

Tip #1: If you find it hard to approach your bosses, thursdays and fridays are always the best time to fix lunch with your boss for the next week.

Tip #2: I make it a point to eat lunch with bosses at least once a fortnight, and I find that setting yourself a target really helps!

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