Beyond the Horizon

As we come to the close of another calendar year, we look at the horizon and ask,"What lies beyond?" I invite you to reflect with me. But before we venture into that exercise, we would probably like to reflect on what have had transpired this year that had shaped our thinking and actions significantly. I am unsure whether you share my feeling that within the routine as well as the extraordinary activities that had occurred, there is much we can learn as well as there is a kind of mystery that remains incomprehensible to us. In fact, there are probably some "happenings" that do not make sense at all and consequently, we may find it difficult and painful to reconcile while there might be situations that had taught us to develop a deeper appreciation of life itself. On a whole, mine has been a journey of learning new insights and gaining fresh perspectives. The challenge for me is to to remain focused, be humble and cultivate a keen learning and growing spirit. What is your feeling as you journey towards the close of another year (i.e 2009) and glance beyond the horizon as you await the dawning of the New Year?

A Shanghai Rustic Charm

The Shanghai landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace and especially in her preparations for the hosting of the World Expo 2010. For example, the rate of construction of Skyscrapers, Shanghai Metro, Shopping complexes and Super highways is incredibly rapid as compared to my last visit 7 years ago. Population has reached more than 20m And in the age of Nintendo Wii, PS3, DVD, Youtube etc...this antique peep hole cinema retains its rustic charm. For the price of 5 yuan (approx SGD$1), you are treated to a 3 minute show plus a live commentary in the busy YuYuan Garden in the old town. What's inside? Visit Shanghai!

Leadership principles from the Lotus Plant

Nature has its unique way of preserving and propagating its own species. The picture shows a 3 generational family system of the lotus plant. The one in the lower left bottom was a lovely flower that has shed all its petals a couple of days ago. The pink bud in the centre is blooming soon. The 3rd generation is the tiny bud located towards the centre left hand of the picture. Let me draw some parallel lessons on the principles of leadership transition.

Lesson #1.
Just as the lovely flower has a season in its bloom, so do leaders in their service too. Therefore, it makes good sense that when in service, leaders should give their best that they can offer without reservations. And when they have served their season, they would not have to live in regrets for not giving their best nor be afraid to move on to new areas.

Lesson #2
When the petals are shedding off, it means that the flower season is almost coming to an end and unless new buds appear, there shall be no more flowers to behold. In the same way, effective leaders prepare the next generation of leaders. They are not afraid to 'let go' and allow space for new leaders to emerge. As in the case that every lotus flower is different, so the diversity of gifts, talents and leadership of 'new leaders' should be embraced and affirmed.

Lesson #3
It is interesting to note that at the centre left hand of the photo, a little bud has surfaced. I had observed that these young buds usually grow under the shelter of the large lotus leaves until such a time when they are ready. Then, they would be 'moved' to a full exposure to the sunlight in order for them to flower. I have been fascinated by such an interesting arrangement between the buds and the leaves. In terms of leadership transition, such an arrangemnent is like a mentoring phase where young leaders are not abruptly thrown into the 'deep blue end of the sea'. A process of preparations and exposure is a healthy aspect of leadership succession.

Lesson #4
Whilst the young bud is learning the ropes and the larger bud is fully exposed to the elements of rain and sun, the stem w/o the lovely petals (in the bottom left) should not be neglected. In fact, they provide the lotus seeds which are vital for propagation and in some cases, they are used in desserts such as 'cheng terng' and as paste found in mooncakes! In the same manner, 'retired' leaders should not be neglected but be accorded with the appropriate respect and honor for who they are and the contributions that they had made. And in some instances, they can continue to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

There are probably more interesting lessons that we can derive from a keen observation of the lotus plant and other species. I shall be happy to hear from you.

P.S. I am posting this w/o the pix as there is error on my page. Will edit it when the system is resolved. Thanks for your patience and undertanding. LATEST. I am glad to be able to post the photos. Here's a lovely lotus flower to further brighten your beautiful day :)

Where does my help come from?

The current economic downturn is affecting the world, albeit negatively in an unprecedented scale. Without a doubt, all major industries are faced with challenges that have escalated into an unimaginable proportion like that of the last Great Depression of the 1930s. The rapid decline in the world economy was probably triggered by massive bank collapse and stock market crash and according to some economists, the unequal distribution of wealth played a significant part in it too. Obviously, there are other factors that have led countries especially those that relied heavily on foreign trade and investments into an inevitable recession. This remained a subject of much debate and concern. At any rate, in the light of the continued financial crisis, and while governments develop various programmes to address the issue(s) at the macro level, the man in the street is left with limited resources at a micro level to fend for himslef and his loved ones. Where can he get help in an environment of fear, uncertainty and hardship? The pix (snapped by a phone camera) illustrates that the cat is not spared from the downturn too. While the tables at the food centre were folded and the prospect of finding food or even food crumbs was not at all encouraging, the cat looked up to the lone tree with her two paws seemingly in a praying posture and probably resigned to her fate, murmured, "Where does my help come from?"

Feeling left out?

There are several pretty flowers from one single tiny stem. Though they are relatively  small (roughly the size of a 5 cent coin), they are noticeable at a distance , probably due to its rich color and cluster. When the wind blows, they sway from side to side, bending slightly but remain steady and firm for at least a week. Then they fade away and new ones appear! What an awesome sight! 

The picture shows that only one flower stands out. The rest, though equally pretty and gorgeous, are out of focus! Similarly, in a crowd, usually one or two will stand out.  It could be the charisma of  the person, his/her social demeanor, clothing, hairdo, makeup, social status etc...  How do you feel about being in the limelight or being out of focus?  Are you usually sensitive towards those who may have a 'left out' feeling (that they might feel as being unimportant)  in a  group/team?   

The pursuit of happiness

Recently, I visited the Philippines and was hosted by a group of people living away from the main city. There were about 2,000 people in that village situated at the foot of a hill, accessible by foot (about 40 minutes' walk) or motorbike. 

The rustic charm was appealing to most of us, indeed a welcome change for the urban dwellers. Though it did not have the modern amenities associated with a modern city, it was compensated by the fresh mountain air and warm hospitality of the host. We were told that the community was established more than a 100 years ago. With limited resources within their reach, most of us would have felt uneasy and perhaps dissatisfied. On the contrary, we had witnessed much happiness and contentment  in their communal setting. It brought me to reflectt more deeply: What brings happiness? For example, Bhutan has a Happiness Index while the rest of the world uses economy or GDP to measure the nation's success.  

Where is your focus today?

Celebrities are constantly in the limelight. For example, actors, actresses, musicians, scientists, economists and politicians are constantly hounded by media and paparazzi. Their focus of attention could be based on their talents, achievements, beauty, discoveries etc... 

As a matter of fact, this group forms only a minority in relation to a world population of more than 6.6 billion people. It means that the great majority of the population are "unknowns" in the eyes of the media. But they are not necessarily unimportant or insignificant. In their own ways, they contribute to the shaping of their society and world. 

We are familiar with the concept that "No man is an island". We live in an inter-connected world and we are mutually interdependent on one another. So whether you belong to the celebrity status or not and whether you feel that you are in focus or out of focus, you are special and precious. Therefore, every person should be valued regardless of one's race, color, wealth, status or power. We should focus on the individual as he or she is and affirm his/her potential of contributing to the making of a better world. What is your focus today? 

Brokenness

Father Henri Nouwen shared about the concept of the  "Wounded Healer". He referred to Christ who was wounded for our transgressions and thereby served as the Healer of our wounds. 

In this season of Lent, let us reflect upon the sufferings of Christ and receive the healing that comes from Him. We can commit our wounds, brokenness and suffering to Him today. He heals! 

This also means that when we are prepared to embrace and deal with the wounds within and around us, we would more likely be able to empathize and reach out to others, particularly to those who are deeply wounded in such a time like this! 

Living Harmoniously

This residential area has retained its charm and nostalgia. When it was first built in the 50's, it was predominately the homes of British military forces. They provided the much needed assistance to the government of Singapore after the devastation brought about by World War II.

Today, the landscape has changed in tandem with the overall urban redevelopment of the island. Notwithstanding that, the estate has retained its distinctiveness through a juxtaposition of a variety of ethnic communities living harmoniously, surrounded by beautiful floral and pet species. Visitors are often lured back to the 'Gardens' for its wide range of delicacies such as the famous Hainanese chicken rice, nasi beriyani, laksa, char kway teow alongside with several new alfresco dining outlets and of course, the Chomp Chomp Food Centre. Welcome to Serangoon Gardens!