jae's blog

"I find the article by Charles Raj in Malaysian Business, January 16th - 31st, 2008 titled Bakun Puzzle is an interesting reading for you guys. I am reproducing it, so that I can share the info/knowledge with the other MCOBs. Discussions among all the MCOBs are so much welcomed because it definitely will help me to get more input regarding this issue."

As people try to get more activities crammed into their lives and more tasks accomplished, scheduling, managing and prioritizing tasks have become even more critical. In this respect, the playing field is level. Everyone gets the same 24 hours in a day, and your competitor has no more hours in a day than you. Even the richest man cannot buy even one more minute. To get ahead you can only manage yourself and activities more effectively.

Your image speaks loudly about who you are and impacts how you feel about yourself as well as how others perceive you. When you look great, you will feel great about yourself and react positively and confidently. In turn, other people will react positively towards you, creating more successful opportunities in business and social relationships. Your personal image is a powerful communicator and gives you the extra edge when it matters. There is nothing more unfortunate than allowing your image to convey the wrong impression, undermine your capabilities and ruin your chances of success.

Ask lots of questions. Most people love to talk. Ask-open-ended questions that begin with who, what, where, when, why, and how. This will encourage people to tell you what they are really thinking.

Listen more than you speak. The less you speak, the more information you will gather. Allow for pauses. Don't feel that you have to speak whenever someone stops to collect their thoughts. They may be on verge of providing you with the information you are seeking.