Last
week, the country mourned the passing away of our founding PM Mr. Lee Kuan Yew
(LKY). While saddened by the demise, it is encouraging to witness millions of
Singaporeans TOGETHER to pay their last tributes to Mr. Lee.
week, the country mourned the passing away of our founding PM Mr. Lee Kuan Yew
(LKY). While saddened by the demise, it is encouraging to witness millions of
Singaporeans TOGETHER to pay their last tributes to Mr. Lee.
Excellent Relationships
with the Rest of the World
with the Rest of the World
Aside
from Singaporeans stand UNITED, a significant scene I noticed is LKY and
Singapore’s wonderful relationships with the rest of the world. Below is the
list of leaders / dignities worldwide attending the state funeral. Impressive isn’t it? It
just show you how well LKY and Singapore is connected globally.
from Singaporeans stand UNITED, a significant scene I noticed is LKY and
Singapore’s wonderful relationships with the rest of the world. Below is the
list of leaders / dignities worldwide attending the state funeral. Impressive isn’t it? It
just show you how well LKY and Singapore is connected globally.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
Former
US President Bill Clinton paying respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Parliament
House on Saturday, Mar 28 (Photo: Xabryna Kek). On the same day of Mr. Lee’s
passing away, Lee Ka-Shing, the Hong Kong magnate and Asia richest man, was
seen at the wake with his two sons. Yes…, on the same day! Jack Ma, China
internet tycoon also attended the wake.
US President Bill Clinton paying respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at Parliament
House on Saturday, Mar 28 (Photo: Xabryna Kek). On the same day of Mr. Lee’s
passing away, Lee Ka-Shing, the Hong Kong magnate and Asia richest man, was
seen at the wake with his two sons. Yes…, on the same day! Jack Ma, China
internet tycoon also attended the wake.
Earning Respect of a
Long-time Rival
Long-time Rival
Yes….even
LKY’s long-time opposition rival Mr. Chiam See Tong (pic below) attended the
wake paying his respect and tribute, in spite of the feebly physique.
LKY’s long-time opposition rival Mr. Chiam See Tong (pic below) attended the
wake paying his respect and tribute, in spite of the feebly physique.
Mr. Chiam was also seen present at the sending off funeral braving the rain in a wheelchair. Both leaders have different ideologies and debate intensively over the years, but both Mr. Lee and Mr. Chiam are true great leaders who fight with dignities, and with their hearts only for one thing in common – SINGAPOREANS. My utmost respect to both leaders!
Relationships are Built
Over a Long time – through Sincerity, Effort, Trust and Win-Win Strategies
Over a Long time – through Sincerity, Effort, Trust and Win-Win Strategies
Do
these world leaders, so busy and so far away,
really need to be present within such short notice? Yes, one may argue it is
because Lee Kuan Yew’s son is still the Prime Minister of Singapore, therefore
must “Give Face to Singapore”.
these world leaders, so busy and so far away,
really need to be present within such short notice? Yes, one may argue it is
because Lee Kuan Yew’s son is still the Prime Minister of Singapore, therefore
must “Give Face to Singapore”.
Haha…
If you really think that “Face is for others to Give”, then think again.
If you really think that “Face is for others to Give”, then think again.
While
Singapore boast a rich GDP today, our survival is dependent on other countries
more than others is dependent on us. Singapore is just a little RED Dot, so
vulnerable and dependent on many other countries for survival. Not the other
way round.
Singapore boast a rich GDP today, our survival is dependent on other countries
more than others is dependent on us. Singapore is just a little RED Dot, so
vulnerable and dependent on many other countries for survival. Not the other
way round.
LKY
or Singapore’s relationships building with rest of world encompasses frequent
visits to countries globally. Without any doubts, I will have think that his
excellent relationships building, will prominently include crucial factors,
such as Integrity, Sincerity, Honesty & Trust, Mutual Respect, Mindfulness
and Tactfulness, Open communication, to be a Giver first, and of course Win-Win
Strategies, and many more.
or Singapore’s relationships building with rest of world encompasses frequent
visits to countries globally. Without any doubts, I will have think that his
excellent relationships building, will prominently include crucial factors,
such as Integrity, Sincerity, Honesty & Trust, Mutual Respect, Mindfulness
and Tactfulness, Open communication, to be a Giver first, and of course Win-Win
Strategies, and many more.
Relationships &
Financials
Financials
What
does relationships got to do with Money? You may asked!
does relationships got to do with Money? You may asked!
For
an employee to progress in his career ladder, not only work capability is
important. Relationships with superiors and fellow colleagues are even more
important. For those who worked in a big organisation or even familiar with
within SAF, you will see that this is absolutely true.
an employee to progress in his career ladder, not only work capability is
important. Relationships with superiors and fellow colleagues are even more
important. For those who worked in a big organisation or even familiar with
within SAF, you will see that this is absolutely true.
So
many times, I had seen friends or colleagues who are good in their jobs but
never promoted or progress so slowly in work. They are experienced, technically
capable, so systematic, so high work rate, so confident about themselves, and
so EAGER to climb and earn more! Nevertheless, they just cannot connect with
people. Often, these people are destine to be managers of themselves and not
others! Therefore it’s either they are never able to climb to the top
management, or they climbed really slowly. Of course, this is perfectly ok, if
you love what you do, and prefer to manage yourself and be contended and down
to earth.
many times, I had seen friends or colleagues who are good in their jobs but
never promoted or progress so slowly in work. They are experienced, technically
capable, so systematic, so high work rate, so confident about themselves, and
so EAGER to climb and earn more! Nevertheless, they just cannot connect with
people. Often, these people are destine to be managers of themselves and not
others! Therefore it’s either they are never able to climb to the top
management, or they climbed really slowly. Of course, this is perfectly ok, if
you love what you do, and prefer to manage yourself and be contended and down
to earth.
In
building a business, it is the same. If you think simply by having a good
brain, good product and good plan, you can bring your business very far, then
you are naive! Ultimately, you require superb EQ to establish relationships
with other business associates, collaborate, joint-venture, expand network of
contacts to bring the business to the next level. I had seen PHD friends who
are entrepreneurs. They are smart, with great ideas, but perhaps need more
effort to polish their “people’s people” skills. Of course, they are unaware
and still struggle in their business not knowing the reasons why, after tens of
years of entreprenuerships.
building a business, it is the same. If you think simply by having a good
brain, good product and good plan, you can bring your business very far, then
you are naive! Ultimately, you require superb EQ to establish relationships
with other business associates, collaborate, joint-venture, expand network of
contacts to bring the business to the next level. I had seen PHD friends who
are entrepreneurs. They are smart, with great ideas, but perhaps need more
effort to polish their “people’s people” skills. Of course, they are unaware
and still struggle in their business not knowing the reasons why, after tens of
years of entreprenuerships.
It
then goes without questions how important relationships are for Singapore, consider our minion origin.
then goes without questions how important relationships are for Singapore, consider our minion origin.
Rolf’s Thoughts
Of
course, I am not saying that relationships alone win battles. It
is a combination of other important attributes, such as integrity,
sincerity, diligence, visions, analytical minds, pragmatism etc and then the
assembly of a strong team.
course, I am not saying that relationships alone win battles. It
is a combination of other important attributes, such as integrity,
sincerity, diligence, visions, analytical minds, pragmatism etc and then the
assembly of a strong team.
Relationship
building is also one of the most important attributes, perhaps lacking quite a
bit in today’s generation. This is probably made worst by the internet, which
most prefer to hide behind a computer rather than to have face-to-face encounters.
building is also one of the most important attributes, perhaps lacking quite a
bit in today’s generation. This is probably made worst by the internet, which
most prefer to hide behind a computer rather than to have face-to-face encounters.
Below
are some questions you may want to ask yourself to see how good you are in
establishing relationships with people.
are some questions you may want to ask yourself to see how good you are in
establishing relationships with people.
Agenda
Do you only approach
people when you have an agenda? Money making maybe?
people when you have an agenda? Money making maybe?
Even with an agenda, do
you give more than what you will get?
you give more than what you will get?
Is your agenda win-win, or
only benefit you.
only benefit you.
Without any agenda, do you
still call and meet up the person on the other side.
still call and meet up the person on the other side.
Without any benefits, will
you ever help?
you ever help?
People
and Friends
and Friends
How often do you meet your
friends? Or do you have any friends aside from your family or friends in the
cyberspace?
friends? Or do you have any friends aside from your family or friends in the
cyberspace?
How often do you meet and
interact with different people from different backgrounds and different
nationalities? Are you able to handle them effectively?
interact with different people from different backgrounds and different
nationalities? Are you able to handle them effectively?
Conversation
with People
with People
It is so easy to speak
your mind on a computer or blog, but can you also do it comfortably with people
or in front of a crowd?
your mind on a computer or blog, but can you also do it comfortably with people
or in front of a crowd?
If you can speak well, do
you only speak well with people of your subordinates, or younger than you. Or
you also speak well to people of a “higher” level than you?
you only speak well with people of your subordinates, or younger than you. Or
you also speak well to people of a “higher” level than you?
It is so easy to voice
your opinions on a forum, but do you dare to pose the questions in a seminar of
hundreds?
your opinions on a forum, but do you dare to pose the questions in a seminar of
hundreds?
Can you speak as well as
you write?
you write?
Likeability
and Mutual Respect
and Mutual Respect
More importantly, do
people like to talk to you? Or are you doing all the talking, all the time?
people like to talk to you? Or are you doing all the talking, all the time?
Even if you can speak and convey
your messages well, are you a person of charisma who is also likeable by
people?
your messages well, are you a person of charisma who is also likeable by
people?
Do you give and earn
respect, mutually.
respect, mutually.
Do you incorporate tact,
mindfulness in your way of communication and yet able to confidently and
articulately convey your message across?
mindfulness in your way of communication and yet able to confidently and
articulately convey your message across?
Do you listen and accept other’s
ideas, or only think that you are more superior both by age and experiences?
ideas, or only think that you are more superior both by age and experiences?
Hi Rolf!
So did you managed to pay last respect to LKY in the Parliament House? I had a good sun tan as im involved in the crowd control everyday over there.
Hi Jfree,
My utmost respect for you. Your "Tan" is worth it. You can proudly tell your kids in future. 🙂
I was with a 3 month old, hence will be difficult to go parliament house. Work is another barrier. Instead our whole family goes to community site to pay tribute including the 3 month old. Afterall the little action plus the heart do counts!
Hope you enjoy the Free tanning! Thanks on behalf of Singaporeans.
Hi Rolf
Good list of questions there to ponder.
To be fair, I think there's a little bit of the united nation formality there to sort of "give face" to the nation's greatest loss but there's no doubt the amount of respect that this man has over the world. It lays side by side with the utmost respect the world has for world leaders like gandhi and mandela. The world lost a great leader and is rightfully so during the mourning week it is so evidently painful.
Hi B,
Thanks. Questions are NOT good when there are no answers! So I fail in this… Haha.
I agree on some attendees for united nation formality, but you have to look more closely to the names of attendees. LKY is afterall our ex ex PM.
Many are just not necessary to be here, especially for those in the western cultures.
Just to illustrate an eg. Mahathir did not attend! I do not think Msia is very far. Mahathir attended Suharto funeral. Let's compare Suharto funeral…
Hmm… why did Clinton attend? He is no longer the president and USA is not very near. Why did Xi JinPing need to announce China close relationships with Singapore during Boao forum. Why did Bhutan King need to attend.
Why did Chiam See Tong need to do that even on wheelchair. Not because of formalities but because Chiam is a person who value relationships. Chinese says 讲情讲义.
I still think that relationships building takes more than just books or formalities. Tried and tested.. 🙂
Hi Rolf
Your points on building relationships are so very true.
Hi RetailTrader,
Building relationships is as difficult as building a portfolio! Maybe more difficult since it requires non-tangible aspects of life.
Rolf,
Having a genuine interest and curiosity in people help set us apart from the relationship manipulators – you know, those office "politicians" or wolves in sheep clothes who are ever so smooth….
Hi SMOL,
披着羊皮的狼! Haha… their true wolve's' tails will show eventually.
But sadly, many of these wolves in office are still surviving and enjoying their lives. So while we cannot be wolve, we need to learn skills to counter them and not be their prey.
This comment has been removed by the author.