Program words of wisdom:-
We do attend several meetings in solving our daily working issues and often have a group of people seating together providing various body languages to tell you something while you do your presentation or discussion. They might be afraid to speak out or contradict your messages so these list of body languages information is very helpful. Yes, do remember people from different culture providing same body language might mean a different message sometimes.
Here are 18 gestures, with advice for reading them from a team of experts in nonverbal communication.
It's written on your face...
Furrowing brow
It could mean: She's thinking.
But it might mean: She disapproves of or disagrees with what you're saying. Or else she can't hear you.
What the experts say: "This almost always means something negative," says trial lawyer Maria Katrina Karos. It is often a cue people use to tell you something is wrong, says author Lydia Ramsey: They want you to ask them what they're thinking.
Frowning
It could mean: She's unhappy or uncomfortable.
But it might mean: She's concentrating.
What the experts say: Some people frown without realizing it, so don't comment on the frowning directly, says anthropologist David Givens. If it happens during a job interview, you might ask, "Did that answer the question?" With a friend, just ask if she's OK.
Grimacing
It could mean: Nothing. It's just a tic or a bad habit.
But it might mean: She doesn't like what you're saying.
What the experts say: This is typically a sign of discomfort or displeasure, says Ramsey. But she warns against reading too much into it: "Some people just always have unpleasant expressions on their faces."
Lip biting
It could mean: She's flirting.
But it might mean: She's shy or feels pressured.
What the experts say: Suspects sometimes do this when they're trying to remember an event or concoct a story, says private investigator Steven Tavlin. It's a sign of discomfort. To put the person at ease, avoid direct staring and lower your voice. You might even back up or turn away slightly. "The idea is to take the pressure off”.
And in your eyes...
Rolling eyes
It could mean: She's trying to be funny.
But it might mean: She is frustrated, doesn't like you, or doesn't respect you.
What the experts say: "Eye rolling is one of the nonverbal signs that is pretty much always aggressive," says executive coach Steve Watts. He recommends politely confronting the eye-roller, asking, "Do you disagree?" to get negative feelings out in the open.
Staring
It could mean: She's concentrating on what you're saying, or she's smitten with you.
But it might mean: She's being rude and aggressive.
What the experts say: Eye contact rarely lasts longer than three seconds before one or both people experience a powerful urge to glance away.. If the starer is making you feel uncomfortable, look away briefly to give her the hint.
Avoiding eye contact
It could mean: She's shy.
But it might mean: She's lying or trying to provoke you.
What the experts say: Don't assume the worst based on this clue alone. And be aware of varying cultural interpretations of eye contact, says corporate-communications consultant Audrey Nelson. "We associate eye contact with honesty, but in Japan avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect
And in your hands...
Fidgeting (tugging ears, pulling sleeves, rubbing head)
It could mean: She's just a natural fidgeter.
But it might mean: She's anxious or impatient.
What the experts say: "This is a classic sign of anxiety or stress”. "It's a way people take their attention away from what's bothering them." If you're in a meeting and you notice people are getting fidgety, take a break, says Ramsey.
Resting hands on hips
It could mean: "I'm in charge."
But it might mean: She's angry and trying to intimidate you.
What the experts say: "This is a powerful position”. (Police officers are taught to use it to assert control.) If this is an angry boss, appease her by asking, "Did I do something wrong?" If it's an equal trying to bully you, stand tall and place your feet shoulder-width apart, or put your own hands on your hips. Both gestures say, "I'm not intimidated!"
Fiddling with an object (hair, pencil, car keys, cell phone)
It could mean: Nothing some people just like to fiddle.
But it might mean: "I'm nervous" or "I'm bored."
What the experts say: To figure out what's going on, look for other clues, says Tavlin. Yawning suggests boredom; blinking, nervousness. If the fiddling is distracting you, draw attention to the object, says Watts. Say, "Is that a new cell phone?" Then get back to your discussion.
Pointing
It could mean: "I'm really passionate about this topic."
But it might mean: She's trying to intimidate you.
What the experts say: "Pointing is generally an aggressive sign," says life coach and social worker Carol Moss. It can signal that someone is blaming or attacking you. If you can't let it go, "It's OK to ask someone not to point," says Moss. Make a joke about it: "Hey, nice manicure."
Wringing hands
It could mean: She's cold.
But it might mean: She's worried.
What the experts say: "People who are very uncomfortable with a question, topic, or situation sometimes do this," says Karos. The best thing is to ignore it. If the person is truly nervous, commenting on her nerves will only make her more so.
Excessive touching
It could mean: She's overly friendly.
But it might mean: "I'm more powerful than you."
What the experts say: "People of higher status often feel freer to touch people of lower status," says Tannenbaum. (Of course, it can also be sexual.) "If you're uncomfortable, you don't need to say anything. Just remove the hand." If the touching continues, back up slowly to get out of range..
Tapping fingers on a table
It could mean: She's got energy to burn.
But it might mean: She's nervous or impatient.
What the experts say: If this is really annoying you, look at the person's fingers, then back at her face, says Tannenbaum. "The goal is not to embarrass her but to bring her attention back to where you want it to be."
And in your body
Standing too close
It could mean: She's needy or angry.
But it might mean: She's from a culture where people tend to stand closer.
What the experts say: "This is typically an aggressive gesture," says Professor Whitey Brewer. But different cultures have different rules about space. "North Americans like a distance of two to three feet, while some Europeans want to be closer," says Ramsey. If you're uncomfortable, subtly take a step or two back.
Standing too far away
It could mean: She's afraid.
But it might mean: She's simply more comfortable at this distance.
What the experts say: "This is typically a passive gesture indicating fear," says Brewer. But for cultural and other reasons, people generally choose a distance they're comfortable with. If you need to get closer, do so, says actress Susan Stewart. Just be careful not to crowd your listener.
Slouching
It could mean: She has bad posture.
But it might mean: She's skeptical or disrespectful.
What the experts say: "This is often a way of showing, 'I'm above it all, and I don't care,'" says Tavlin. It can also be a tip off that someone is lying, especially if accompanied by another sign, such as crossed arms or an averted gaze.
Crossing arms
It could mean: She is cold or simply finds this position comfortable.
But it might mean: She's angry or defiant, or feels vulnerable.
What the experts say: With arms and elbows pulled tightly into the body, the gesture may reveal acute nervousness or chronic anxiety.. Held less tightly against the chest, with elbows elevated and projecting outward, the crossed arms suggest arrogance, dislike, or disagreement.
There, you have all the 18 possible body languages that could happen in a meeting room.
Kacak5 Management
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Monday, 23 November 2009
Airplane jokes
Program words of wisdom:-
Program Managers frequently travels to meet their oversea customers for better interaction in building the business relationship ship. Here is a possible joke.
After a British Airways Flight reached its cruising altitude the Captain announced :
Ladies and Gentlemen this is your captain speaking, Welcome to flight 293 non-stop from London Heathrow to Singapore, we are now cruising at 35,000 feet, the weather ahead is good so we should have a quiet,uneventful flight, so sit back , relax and .......OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Silence followed..........
Some moments later the captain came back on the intercom.
Ladies and Gentlemen I'm sorry if I scared you, while I was talking to you a flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee on my lap, you should see the front of my pants !!!!!!!!!
An Irish passenger at the back yelled...........
What???? , you should see the back of mine !
Kacak5 Management
Program Managers frequently travels to meet their oversea customers for better interaction in building the business relationship ship. Here is a possible joke.
After a British Airways Flight reached its cruising altitude the Captain announced :
Ladies and Gentlemen this is your captain speaking, Welcome to flight 293 non-stop from London Heathrow to Singapore, we are now cruising at 35,000 feet, the weather ahead is good so we should have a quiet,uneventful flight, so sit back , relax and .......OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Silence followed..........
Some moments later the captain came back on the intercom.
Ladies and Gentlemen I'm sorry if I scared you, while I was talking to you a flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee on my lap, you should see the front of my pants !!!!!!!!!
An Irish passenger at the back yelled...........
What???? , you should see the back of mine !
Kacak5 Management
Friday, 20 November 2009
Treat Complaints as Gifts
Program words of wisdom:-
Too few people on a Program can't solve the problems - too many create more problems than they solve. A problem shared is a buck passed.
Dissatisfied customer can choose either to walk away giving no opportunity to resolve any dissatisfaction or voice it. Choosing to complain is effectively offering the company a chance to repair the damage, salvage the situation and successfully increase the chance continuing business again.
We do know the unattractive side Program Management work, while it represent a rich source of to illuminate a company's overall service performance and becomes more useful than any compliment.
Complaints are gifts when well managed, they can:
1. Provide complimentary business insights you would otherwise pay a research company to produce.
Direct customer's complain provides information of what they want and do not want, please or annoy them, enable you make adjustment to marketing strategies and processes, and stay ahead of competitors. Complaints alert us on potential personnel problem - since employees seldom admit mistakes.
2. Give the company a second chance to salvage the situation with the customer.
Existing customer do hope the problem is fixed fast so they can generate positive word-of-mouth publicly as reference to potential customers.
3. Turn indifferent customers into advocates.
Regardless major or minor complaints, it enable a company to form tight relationships reaching out and making and effort to be available and accountable to all customers will inspire a sense of trust and loyalty.
Kacak5 Management
Too few people on a Program can't solve the problems - too many create more problems than they solve. A problem shared is a buck passed.
I shall break-up the above topics over 3 blog sections in the next few days. Let's agree with this first.
A complain is a second Chance for a company to win back a customer.Dissatisfied customer can choose either to walk away giving no opportunity to resolve any dissatisfaction or voice it. Choosing to complain is effectively offering the company a chance to repair the damage, salvage the situation and successfully increase the chance continuing business again.
We do know the unattractive side Program Management work, while it represent a rich source of to illuminate a company's overall service performance and becomes more useful than any compliment.
Complaints are gifts when well managed, they can:
1. Provide complimentary business insights you would otherwise pay a research company to produce.
Direct customer's complain provides information of what they want and do not want, please or annoy them, enable you make adjustment to marketing strategies and processes, and stay ahead of competitors. Complaints alert us on potential personnel problem - since employees seldom admit mistakes.
2. Give the company a second chance to salvage the situation with the customer.
Existing customer do hope the problem is fixed fast so they can generate positive word-of-mouth publicly as reference to potential customers.
3. Turn indifferent customers into advocates.
Regardless major or minor complaints, it enable a company to form tight relationships reaching out and making and effort to be available and accountable to all customers will inspire a sense of trust and loyalty.
Kacak5 Management
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Sometimes it's better to be an Introvert
Program words of wisdom:-
Always think twice before you say something, because sometimes accident do happen.
One of the company I had worked with did a personally evaluation on Introvert and Extrovert. Briefly, Introvert are rather careful of their actions and took some seconds to process their thoughts before speaking out. Extrovert, on the other hand,are more daring and shoots out immediately what they wants to say. Company having many customers does not share one customer's information to the other and would prefer Introvert to manage confidentiality when dealing with other client.
My jaw drops when a brave extrovert executive says, "we had proven capable of giving 15% discount to one customer Z so this should not be a problem". FYI, customer B usually give 3~5% annual discount was equally surprised.
Here's another joke.
There were these 4 guys --- Mr. Russian, Mr. German, Mr. Kkkkkkkk (not to offend any nationality & Mr. French, who together found this small genie bottle. When they rubbed the bottle, a genie appeared.
Thankful that the 4 guys had released him out of the bottle, he said : " Next to you all are 4 swimming pools, I will give each of you a wish. When you run towards the pool and jump, you shout what you want the pool of water to become, then your wish will come true. "
Mr. French wanted to start. He ran towards the pool, jumped and shouted : " Wine ! " The pool immediately changed into a pool of wine. Mr. Frenchman was very happy, swimming and drinking from the pool.
Next is the Mr. Russian's turn. He did the same and shouted : " Vodka ! " and immersed himself into a pool of vodka.
The Mr. German was next and he jumped and shouted : " Beer ! " He was likewise very contented with his beer-filled pool.
The last is the Kkkkkk (not to offend any nationality). He was running towards the pool when suddenly he steps on a banana peel. He slipped towards the pool and shouted, " Shit !!!!!!!........."
Kacak5 Management
Always think twice before you say something, because sometimes accident do happen.
One of the company I had worked with did a personally evaluation on Introvert and Extrovert. Briefly, Introvert are rather careful of their actions and took some seconds to process their thoughts before speaking out. Extrovert, on the other hand,are more daring and shoots out immediately what they wants to say. Company having many customers does not share one customer's information to the other and would prefer Introvert to manage confidentiality when dealing with other client.
My jaw drops when a brave extrovert executive says, "we had proven capable of giving 15% discount to one customer Z so this should not be a problem". FYI, customer B usually give 3~5% annual discount was equally surprised.
Here's another joke.
There were these 4 guys --- Mr. Russian, Mr. German, Mr. Kkkkkkkk (not to offend any nationality & Mr. French, who together found this small genie bottle. When they rubbed the bottle, a genie appeared.
Thankful that the 4 guys had released him out of the bottle, he said : " Next to you all are 4 swimming pools, I will give each of you a wish. When you run towards the pool and jump, you shout what you want the pool of water to become, then your wish will come true. "
Mr. French wanted to start. He ran towards the pool, jumped and shouted : " Wine ! " The pool immediately changed into a pool of wine. Mr. Frenchman was very happy, swimming and drinking from the pool.
Next is the Mr. Russian's turn. He did the same and shouted : " Vodka ! " and immersed himself into a pool of vodka.
The Mr. German was next and he jumped and shouted : " Beer ! " He was likewise very contented with his beer-filled pool.
The last is the Kkkkkk (not to offend any nationality). He was running towards the pool when suddenly he steps on a banana peel. He slipped towards the pool and shouted, " Shit !!!!!!!........."
Kacak5 Management
Monday, 16 November 2009
Project a confident image
Program words of wisdom:-
"Self confidence is the requisite to great undertakings."
We do know most of the works done by the Program Management team in the Electronics Manufacturing Services environment are to service the existing client. I do emphasise it further as to grow the business with positive referrals instead. We have to project a positive confident professional image regardless if there are some screw-up happening to indicate we are still in control of the storm.
Successful people are usually people with confident to spurs them on despite the obstacles before them. Here are the 5 tips
1. Be positive
Believe in your abilities and talent to do anything you want and engage in positive talk. Start with a positive attitude daily like assume . " today is going to be a great day for me. I am going to do my best."
2.Visualise success
Visualising the various successes you had achieved previously do motivate you to move on to the next level and gives the exhilaration victory. Just like a video game, even if you failed, the previous success factor will spurs you to find winning ways
3. Improve your image
The way you dress, posture, voice and body language speaks volumes.
Avoid vocalised pauses like "er", "um", "uh" or "well" , as these indicate you are not sure of the situation. Even qualifiers like, " maybe", " I can't". Avoid hidden nervous action like fiddling your pen or ring, arm crossing, and looking away from your client.
Dress appropriately adopting a relaxed posture & poise, walk tall, sit confidently do project you are in control. Eye contact do establishes confidence Sit in front or nearer to where the action is to participate by asking questions. When someone is speaking, lean forward, nod and smile indicating your interest and respect.
4. Prepare well for an event
When you are well prepare, you exude confidence with organised thoughts and could enthusiastically present clearly. Do your research ensuring your facts are right, rehearse the points and arguments using words and phrases familiar to you.
5. Leave your comfort zone
Offer your service to work on something new ensuring yourself, "I can succeed".
If you can have confidence in your self, you generate positive energy. great determination and drive within you helping you to face the challenges, overcome the odds, the hurdles, the hiccups and bumps. Your client will have great confidence knowing anything they provided is in proper control.
Kacak5 Management
"Self confidence is the requisite to great undertakings."
We do know most of the works done by the Program Management team in the Electronics Manufacturing Services environment are to service the existing client. I do emphasise it further as to grow the business with positive referrals instead. We have to project a positive confident professional image regardless if there are some screw-up happening to indicate we are still in control of the storm.
Successful people are usually people with confident to spurs them on despite the obstacles before them. Here are the 5 tips
1. Be positive
Believe in your abilities and talent to do anything you want and engage in positive talk. Start with a positive attitude daily like assume . " today is going to be a great day for me. I am going to do my best."
2.Visualise success
Visualising the various successes you had achieved previously do motivate you to move on to the next level and gives the exhilaration victory. Just like a video game, even if you failed, the previous success factor will spurs you to find winning ways
3. Improve your image
The way you dress, posture, voice and body language speaks volumes.
Avoid vocalised pauses like "er", "um", "uh" or "well" , as these indicate you are not sure of the situation. Even qualifiers like, " maybe", " I can't". Avoid hidden nervous action like fiddling your pen or ring, arm crossing, and looking away from your client.
Dress appropriately adopting a relaxed posture & poise, walk tall, sit confidently do project you are in control. Eye contact do establishes confidence Sit in front or nearer to where the action is to participate by asking questions. When someone is speaking, lean forward, nod and smile indicating your interest and respect.
4. Prepare well for an event
When you are well prepare, you exude confidence with organised thoughts and could enthusiastically present clearly. Do your research ensuring your facts are right, rehearse the points and arguments using words and phrases familiar to you.
5. Leave your comfort zone
Offer your service to work on something new ensuring yourself, "I can succeed".
If you can have confidence in your self, you generate positive energy. great determination and drive within you helping you to face the challenges, overcome the odds, the hurdles, the hiccups and bumps. Your client will have great confidence knowing anything they provided is in proper control.
Kacak5 Management
Friday, 13 November 2009
Never assume anything
Program words of wisdom:-
Never assume you knows everything without checking first
Standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand, " Listen," said the CEO, " this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young executive.
He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent! " said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the shredder machine. " I just need one copy. "
MORAL OF THE STORY: NEVER, NEVER ASSUME THAT YOUR BOSS KNOWS EVERYTHING
Kacak5 Management
Never assume you knows everything without checking first
Standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand, " Listen," said the CEO, " this is a very sensitive and important document, and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"
"Certainly," said the young executive.
He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.
"Excellent, excellent! " said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the shredder machine. " I just need one copy. "
MORAL OF THE STORY: NEVER, NEVER ASSUME THAT YOUR BOSS KNOWS EVERYTHING
Kacak5 Management
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Convince your boss
Program words of wisdom:-
If Program’s Gantt Chart content is allowed to change freely the rate of change will exceed the rate of progress.
Program Management needs lots of senior management support and bosses and without it, we often rant and rave telling colleague negative stories. But think again, "did you present in a right way?" to sell your ideas more effectively to your boss?
1. Start off on a positive note
Bringing positive attitude will put your boss at ease to be receptive to your message. Check the "weather" for clues about your boss's mood. Even greeting him "Can I take up some of your time?" and listen to how he replies. Make an excuse to defer the meeting if the "weather" is not good.
2.Present facts and figures, not just opinions.
Opinion can easily be challenged while valid facts and figures will be tough to question. Being unprepared will make you look incompetent and unprofessional. A very high risk to decide to your favour.
3. Empathise with your boss
Imagine this scenario. Your boss receive news from HQ to drastically cut cost. You approach him and say "The old machine is slow while I had quotes for a new machine at US$200K". I am sure the approval is slim.
If you say, "We have confirm orders for 15K pcs for the next 5 months. The old machine is producing 5 pcs/ hour and running 24 hours x 7 days on overtime. The new machine costing US$200K is capable of 30 pcs/ hour on 7 hours x 5 days, without overtime, we will recover our cost of investment within 3 months or 10K pieces and it will be clean profits from there onwards." By providing facts and figures and emphasizing cost effectiveness, you are likely to get your boss approval as he could present the expenses logically.
4. Don't raise problems walkout possible solutions.
Aways have some possible solutions in mind when presenting a problem to your boss. Influence him into agreeing with a likely positive outcome to your solution. Say "Do you think we should.....?". If he says yes, it becomes his idea & you get the commitment, never mind it's your idea in the first place.
5. Get commitment by fixing specifics
Agreement without commitment are wasted efforts! Set your boss a date, time for next meeting, dateline to accomplish, or budget deadline. If it's a big project, make a gantt chart for commitment.
Remember to speak with confidence and conviction projecting yourself as a problem solver to your boss.
Kacak5 Management
If Program’s Gantt Chart content is allowed to change freely the rate of change will exceed the rate of progress.
Program Management needs lots of senior management support and bosses and without it, we often rant and rave telling colleague negative stories. But think again, "did you present in a right way?" to sell your ideas more effectively to your boss?
1. Start off on a positive note
Bringing positive attitude will put your boss at ease to be receptive to your message. Check the "weather" for clues about your boss's mood. Even greeting him "Can I take up some of your time?" and listen to how he replies. Make an excuse to defer the meeting if the "weather" is not good.
2.Present facts and figures, not just opinions.
Opinion can easily be challenged while valid facts and figures will be tough to question. Being unprepared will make you look incompetent and unprofessional. A very high risk to decide to your favour.
3. Empathise with your boss
Imagine this scenario. Your boss receive news from HQ to drastically cut cost. You approach him and say "The old machine is slow while I had quotes for a new machine at US$200K". I am sure the approval is slim.
If you say, "We have confirm orders for 15K pcs for the next 5 months. The old machine is producing 5 pcs/ hour and running 24 hours x 7 days on overtime. The new machine costing US$200K is capable of 30 pcs/ hour on 7 hours x 5 days, without overtime, we will recover our cost of investment within 3 months or 10K pieces and it will be clean profits from there onwards." By providing facts and figures and emphasizing cost effectiveness, you are likely to get your boss approval as he could present the expenses logically.
4. Don't raise problems walkout possible solutions.
Aways have some possible solutions in mind when presenting a problem to your boss. Influence him into agreeing with a likely positive outcome to your solution. Say "Do you think we should.....?". If he says yes, it becomes his idea & you get the commitment, never mind it's your idea in the first place.
5. Get commitment by fixing specifics
Agreement without commitment are wasted efforts! Set your boss a date, time for next meeting, dateline to accomplish, or budget deadline. If it's a big project, make a gantt chart for commitment.
Remember to speak with confidence and conviction projecting yourself as a problem solver to your boss.
Kacak5 Management
Monday, 9 November 2009
Perform better, sell more!
Program words of wisdom:-
Program’s right answers to wrong questions are just as wrong as Program’s wrong answers to right questions.
1. Impact
We learn faster if we are interested and curious about the subject matter. It help if employees are in the best environment to support learning when the mentors are well prepared and in sync. The impact of new material should have an emotional appeal that can be transferred into a new application and skill.
2. Repetition
Repeat anything often enough with conviction and it becomes part of you. After learning strategies and statements that worked and adapting them, we could use these knowledge at the right time to bring benefits to our customers and company.
3. Utilisation
Basic law of possession, "use it or lose it". Meeting decision makers about your products/ services and being prepared at the right time is vital to sales success. Learning all your company offering and presenting in an organised manner utilising the "golden hour" to schedule meeting as many people as possible.
A Factory experience.
A medical customer came to visit while a Process Engineer ask what kind of quality level would be required. The customer replied " IPC Class 3". The surprised Engineer asked, "what's that?"
I suggested a separate internal discussion and explain the Process Engineer needs to read more.
In the electronics manufacturing environment, IPC Class 3 would meant "IPC-A-610-D, Class 3". This is an international workmanship quality level documented limit where we refers to in case of dispute. Ranging from Class 1 (lowest level) to Class 3 (highest level), even the Class 3 have their minimum quality tolerance.
The Quality Manager knows the customer is satisfied with our workmanship quality but was surprised by the poor product knowledge of new staff member. Now we have frequent written pop quizzes with pictures of acceptable limits until the staff learnt all of them.
Kacak5 Management
Program’s right answers to wrong questions are just as wrong as Program’s wrong answers to right questions.
To perform well in business, core business teams and leaders must learn the basic fundamentals of their industry, to out-think and out-perform competitors.
Knowing how to acquire information and transferring it into knowledge is vital to Program and Business Managers. Here are the 3 insights to boosting your sales.1. Impact
We learn faster if we are interested and curious about the subject matter. It help if employees are in the best environment to support learning when the mentors are well prepared and in sync. The impact of new material should have an emotional appeal that can be transferred into a new application and skill.
2. Repetition
Repeat anything often enough with conviction and it becomes part of you. After learning strategies and statements that worked and adapting them, we could use these knowledge at the right time to bring benefits to our customers and company.
3. Utilisation
Basic law of possession, "use it or lose it". Meeting decision makers about your products/ services and being prepared at the right time is vital to sales success. Learning all your company offering and presenting in an organised manner utilising the "golden hour" to schedule meeting as many people as possible.
A Factory experience.
A medical customer came to visit while a Process Engineer ask what kind of quality level would be required. The customer replied " IPC Class 3". The surprised Engineer asked, "what's that?"
I suggested a separate internal discussion and explain the Process Engineer needs to read more.
In the electronics manufacturing environment, IPC Class 3 would meant "IPC-A-610-D, Class 3". This is an international workmanship quality level documented limit where we refers to in case of dispute. Ranging from Class 1 (lowest level) to Class 3 (highest level), even the Class 3 have their minimum quality tolerance.
The Quality Manager knows the customer is satisfied with our workmanship quality but was surprised by the poor product knowledge of new staff member. Now we have frequent written pop quizzes with pictures of acceptable limits until the staff learnt all of them.
Kacak5 Management
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Hiring overqualified staffs
Program words of wisdom:-
If it can go wrong it will - Murphy's law.
If it can't possibly go wrong, it will - O'Malley's corollary to Murphy's law.
It will go wrong in the worst possible way - Sod's law.
If there is a 50% chance of something going wrong then 9 times out of 10 it will.
In the mid '80s, I had a guy Mr Z (same age as me) reporting to me at work who did the extra one year secondary "Remove Class" while I went straight to "Form 1" hence I had graduated earlier, 1 year lead start working experience to be his boss. After a few years, he left for another organisation. The Plant is closing down, so I moved on attending job interview with another organisation CEO. I got the new job and was surprisingly introduced to Mr Z as my new boss! Respecting each other's role, we work fine for over 3 years having him as my boss, knowing I could be overqualified to be his subordinate.
Back to 2009, I do prefer having overqualified staff reporting to me. Overqualified could range from the amount of experience, education or credentials, was a more senior role or title or highly paid previously.
Here are the 3 key benefits of having them on board my team.
Overqualified candidates
1.usually have a better capabilities to do the job immediately and quickly add value with very short learning curve, and many contingency ideas on how to resolve issues.
2. add value beyond role. Approaching task differently, they thinks beyond the role and foresee other issues and possibilities, seeing broader perspective on other stakeholders.
3. provide build-in-bench strength to the organisation, ability to expand his responsibilities.
Conventional wisdom suggest otherwise, while not every situation are ideal, overqualified candidates may prove to be huge and unexpected assets to our organisation.
Kacak5 Management
If it can go wrong it will - Murphy's law.
If it can't possibly go wrong, it will - O'Malley's corollary to Murphy's law.
It will go wrong in the worst possible way - Sod's law.
If there is a 50% chance of something going wrong then 9 times out of 10 it will.
In the mid '80s, I had a guy Mr Z (same age as me) reporting to me at work who did the extra one year secondary "Remove Class" while I went straight to "Form 1" hence I had graduated earlier, 1 year lead start working experience to be his boss. After a few years, he left for another organisation. The Plant is closing down, so I moved on attending job interview with another organisation CEO. I got the new job and was surprisingly introduced to Mr Z as my new boss! Respecting each other's role, we work fine for over 3 years having him as my boss, knowing I could be overqualified to be his subordinate.
Back to 2009, I do prefer having overqualified staff reporting to me. Overqualified could range from the amount of experience, education or credentials, was a more senior role or title or highly paid previously.
Here are the 3 key benefits of having them on board my team.
Overqualified candidates
1.usually have a better capabilities to do the job immediately and quickly add value with very short learning curve, and many contingency ideas on how to resolve issues.
2. add value beyond role. Approaching task differently, they thinks beyond the role and foresee other issues and possibilities, seeing broader perspective on other stakeholders.
3. provide build-in-bench strength to the organisation, ability to expand his responsibilities.
Conventional wisdom suggest otherwise, while not every situation are ideal, overqualified candidates may prove to be huge and unexpected assets to our organisation.
Kacak5 Management
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
High Flying Program Manager
Program words of wisdom:-
The most successful Program Managers have perfected the skill of being comfortable when being uncomfortable.
A man is flying in a hot air balloon and realizes he is lost. He reduces height and spots a man down below. He lowers the balloon further and shouts: "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised my friend. I would meet him half an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man below says, "Yes, you are in a hot air balloon, hovering approximately 30 feet above this field. You are between 40 and 42 degrees North latitude, and between 58 and 60 degrees West longitude."
"You must be a programmer," says the balloonist.
"I am," replies the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," says the balloonist, "everything you have told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost."
The man below says, "You must be a Program manager"
"I am," replies the balloonist, "but how did you know?"
"Well," says the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You have made a promise which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. The fact is you are in the exact same position you were in before we met, but now it is somehow my fault."
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Kacak5 Management
The most successful Program Managers have perfected the skill of being comfortable when being uncomfortable.
A man is flying in a hot air balloon and realizes he is lost. He reduces height and spots a man down below. He lowers the balloon further and shouts: "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised my friend. I would meet him half an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."
The man below says, "Yes, you are in a hot air balloon, hovering approximately 30 feet above this field. You are between 40 and 42 degrees North latitude, and between 58 and 60 degrees West longitude."
"You must be a programmer," says the balloonist.
"I am," replies the man. "How did you know?"
"Well," says the balloonist, "everything you have told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to make of your information, and the fact is I am still lost."
The man below says, "You must be a Program manager"
"I am," replies the balloonist, "but how did you know?"
"Well," says the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You have made a promise which you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. The fact is you are in the exact same position you were in before we met, but now it is somehow my fault."
Ha! Ha! Ha!
Kacak5 Management
Monday, 2 November 2009
Get to know your staff better
Program words of wisdom:-
Management is getting work done through other.
We spent most of our waking hours at work. Work should give meaning to our life even as it gives us an identity. Employee are happy when we find our work "meaningful" or more than"just a job". Key contributing factors Program Managers should know are good work environment and positive relationships with colleagues and managers who respect, recognise and acknowledge them and their values.
Know your teammates
Try checking if you know if your team mates are married? how many kids? where do they stay? It drove home a point- these are people you work with everyday and their families and loved ones are as important to them as your loved one are to you.
Make small talk
Make a mental note of what they say, sometimes, it's the little thing that matter. Hold a "not about work" tea-break discussion. It's amazing the number of things you can find out about the people you work with. It like opening a secret door to your people's hearts.
Break down barriers
We will become entwined with the lives of the people we work closely with, spending more time with your colleague than with your families. Understand peoples lives and giving them some leeway at times build bonds--it does not mean that we, as their leader, lose our objectivity.
Letting go
Leaders do feel resentful when someone they held close, leave the company. People also rally around good bosses and stay with them.
Tough love
A good leader sets things right, meaning " I care about you but I don't like the way you work, and if you don't change, we will have a difficult time working together in the future." A Program Manager need to be firm about what is acceptable behaviour from his team.
An attitude of gratitude
Seeing your team going the extra mile for you is a very humbling experience. What makes people do that for you? Good leaders are the ones who often say complimentary things about their team members, shaping and moulding their behaviour. Leaders see potential, capability and skill in their teams and encourage these aspects to grow.
Program Manager should be optimistically say " I am very blessed; I have a really great team.". Try it and see the results.
Kacak5 Management
Management is getting work done through other.
We spent most of our waking hours at work. Work should give meaning to our life even as it gives us an identity. Employee are happy when we find our work "meaningful" or more than"just a job". Key contributing factors Program Managers should know are good work environment and positive relationships with colleagues and managers who respect, recognise and acknowledge them and their values.
Know your teammates
Try checking if you know if your team mates are married? how many kids? where do they stay? It drove home a point- these are people you work with everyday and their families and loved ones are as important to them as your loved one are to you.
Make small talk
Make a mental note of what they say, sometimes, it's the little thing that matter. Hold a "not about work" tea-break discussion. It's amazing the number of things you can find out about the people you work with. It like opening a secret door to your people's hearts.
Break down barriers
We will become entwined with the lives of the people we work closely with, spending more time with your colleague than with your families. Understand peoples lives and giving them some leeway at times build bonds--it does not mean that we, as their leader, lose our objectivity.
Letting go
Leaders do feel resentful when someone they held close, leave the company. People also rally around good bosses and stay with them.
Tough love
A good leader sets things right, meaning " I care about you but I don't like the way you work, and if you don't change, we will have a difficult time working together in the future." A Program Manager need to be firm about what is acceptable behaviour from his team.
An attitude of gratitude
Seeing your team going the extra mile for you is a very humbling experience. What makes people do that for you? Good leaders are the ones who often say complimentary things about their team members, shaping and moulding their behaviour. Leaders see potential, capability and skill in their teams and encourage these aspects to grow.
Program Manager should be optimistically say " I am very blessed; I have a really great team.". Try it and see the results.
Kacak5 Management
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