Thursday, November 24, 2016

What Did I Learn?

While I have provided the leadership, the Soongworld successes are everybody's achievements. What experiences have I taken with me? We are a GROUP that evolves by the sheer determination and inspirations of our people. We take pride in our People-to-People business worldwide. Every one of you played your role and performed well. Kudos.
From the bottom of my lovely heart , I wish to say it has been a privilege working and sharing with you.

What did I learn? Since 2008? I am sure more things and breakthroughs will occur to me at some point, but here are a few things.

1.  You have to balance the idea that nothing really changes with the notion that everything is changing fast - especially the ever-evolving Internet of everything, the biggest change to hit the global economy.  Remember this : What was right before may not be right moving forwards as circumstances might have changed.

2.  Leading from the front is very important.  In moments of calm , good processes and systems can keep things going but in challenging times, leadership becomes even more critical.  I learn from experience that in times of challenge, my partners expect me to lead with vision, direction and by personal example. 

3.  It is better to have tried and fail than not try at all.  Most important is to pick oneself up fast, learn, unlearn, and relearn the lessons and continue to pursue the goal.  Remember that when you make a mistake, don't look back at it for too long. Mistakes are lessons and stepping stones of wisdom, the past cannot be changed and the future is yet in your power. The lessons you gain out of a failure is tremendous but do not repeat them.

4.  Continuous learning is a good way to stay ahead of the competition in commercial business world. As you learn and read more widely and deeply, you will realise how little you know - as the world moves on at a much faster pace than ever before, we are constantly playing catch up. hence, therein lies the importance and significance of life-long learning, unlearning and relearning. Read widely, attend classes, go for enrichment programmes, treasure networking and leverage the strengths of others in your team, friendship and families.

Your short term and long term success depends on you own attitude, your curiosity, your explorations, your willingness and humbleness to work and your personal innovation and your own inspirations. That is what will make or break you, not your degree or MBA, or PhD. Must love to learn new thing everyday.

5.  My basic principle is that "approximately right is good enough." You adjust as you go along. You cannot wait for all information to be available to you before making a decision. In a fast pace environment, you will miss the boat. Just say yes first, and learn along the way, anything new.  So decide well, move on and then adjust as you go along. Don't stick to your guns*.( *to continue to have your own beliefs or continue with a plan of action, even if other people disagree with you)

6.  Many of you heard this saying "I do not insult people with low targets". The key is that people can do better than they think they can, hence, it is important to stretch and believe in them. When you set high but achieve targets, people would have done well even if they do not meet those targets perfectly. 

7.  One must have humour in life - in the workplace and at home. Humour is a good stress reliever ; it livens up your spirit ; it livens up your day. Don't take yourself too seriously in life. Don't take humour for granted. It helps to ease tension and is a good ice breaker. "Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings." Guess who said it?

8.  Give back to society.  Today you are enjoying the fruits of labour of the previous generations - the schools, the infrastructure, the transport systems, the housing and the safe environment in which you live. All of us must take full responsibility and need to give back to the society that has given us so much. I gave and still giving time as Healthy Wealth blogger. And I am currently the Chairman and CEO of the Soongworld global business. I do these as a service to build up World's educational standards, create self-employment and better opportunities and develop the world's skills. These are just two examples. All of us give back to society in our own ways. 

9.  Lastly but certainly not the least, remember that not everything that comes in our life can be counted. Life is not just about your career success. Life is also about the people around you. Success alone cannot bring or give you real happiness. Allow your family and friends to share your success. Give back to them what you can, in terms of time, friendship and care.

Give your best. Do good to people. Don't take yourself too seriously. 

I appreciate all readers and friends, and more importantly for your support and friendship. 
Thank you,
Love you,

With Peace of I
Soong See Choo

P.S. MOLIÈRE :
"The most effective way of attacking vice is to expose it to public ridicule. People can put up with rebukes, but they cannot bear being laughed at: they are prepared to be wicked but they dislike appearing ridiculous. "

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