Nationalistic Feeling
I'm feeling a nationalistic today so here's an article that I see is somewhat true.
The ethnic Chinese factor in economic growth
DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco
The Philippine Star 10/27/2003
Two weeks ago, I was invited by a group of young Filipino-Chinese business hot shots to speak before their group. They gave me the freedom to speak on any subject and I thought I would share with them something I picked up in a recent conference I attended. The speech is too long for this column but I have received requests to share its message with a wider audience. Here is a shorter version.
The other month, I was in a conference where I heard the eminent Washington SyCip make a very interesting observation. Mr. SyCip said that compared to other countries in the region, the percentage of overseas Chinese who settled in the Philippines is markedly smaller. He then proceeded to the conclusion that this is perhaps one reason why our country has trailed the others.
Mr. SyCip also observed that unlike our regional neighbors, the Chinoys have assimilated into the native culture very well – in other words, Chinoys are more Pinoys than Chinese. Mr. SyCip suggested that this is not such a good thing because Chinoys no longer have the best traits of Confucian China and have adopted the worse traits of Confused Pinoys – who know not if they are still in a Spanish convent or America’s Hollywood.
One wonders how different our country would have been if the Spaniards never came. We might have become as Muslim as Indonesia. Probably a country called the Philippines wouldn’t exist at all. Or the Chinese influence would have been more pronounced in our culture as in Thailand. Given our geographic location and natural resources, we could have been an economic powerhouse.
As it happened, thanks to three centuries of Spanish colonization, our attitudes and culture bore more similarities with Spanish Latin America and the economic penalties that go with it. Exasperated by our poor showing in the midst of healthy economic growth by our neighbors, one economist commented that the Philippines is the only Latin American country in Asia.
It certainly didn’t help that the small Chinese community here assimilated too well, taking on the deleterious aspects of colonial native culture. And like the native Pinoys, the Chinoys didn’t develop a strong sense of nationhood – not in terms of a Filipino nation, anyway. In fact, up until recent generations, Chinoys more than subliminally considered China the motherland.
Based on what we have seen among our neighbors, a strong sense of nationhood is vital to economic growth. I cannot forget a very dramatic television footage on CNN of Thais offering their gold and other jewelry to the Thai Central Bank to help the country weather the 1997 economic crisis. Such selfless sacrifice can only be possible because the Thais possessed not only a sense of nation but of the common good.
In contrast, what do we do here when all hell breaks loose in the economy and the exchange rate tumbles? We aggravate the problem by exhausting every legal loophole and banking industry connection to convert our pesos to dollars – even going to the black market, also known as the Binondo Central Bank, to dump our pesos for foreign exchange to be smuggled out of the country. Government authorities always found it necessary to read us the riot act to stop the speculators from sinking our peso in the currency market.
Young Chinoys have become too Pinoy for our own good. Chinese newspapers are dying because Chinoys no longer read or speak the language as well, if at all. Young Chinoys, like many educated upper class Pinoys who have lost hope in this country also dream of settling down in America, Canada or Australia. In other words, Chinoys have lost more than the facility to speak the tongue of a billion human beings. Chinoys have lost the important social attributes that have spelled the difference between development and poverty among the nations in our region over the last 50 years.
Mr. SyCip lamented that the young Chinoys are no longer as hungry as their forebears and therefore, no longer as ready to suspend present gratification for future rewards – an attitude necessary for economic growth. Instead, today’s Chinoys, like Pinoys of their social class, are engaged in a dog-eat-dog race to the top at all cost, a race that has little regard to social good, just personal gain. Young Chinoys have assimilated too well the ways of upper crust Pinoys and I guess in this context, that’s not something really good for them and for the country they now call home.
If it is the Chinese in Thailand, the Chinese in Malaysia, the Chinese in Singapore and Indonesia who were responsible for catapulting their adopted countries into tiger economy status, would it be right to blame the Chinoys for the failure of the Philippines to keep up with its neighbors?
I think that would be too harsh a conclusion to make but that’s a thought. Besides, Chinoys were subjected to discrimination and abuse since the Spanish era until recent times. But that didn’t stop the best of them from making good, creating economic value for the country.
In a sense, we need more Henry Sys, more Lucio Tans, more John Gokongweis to lead this country’s economic growth. Small as the Chinoy community might be compared to the Chinese ethnic communities in countries around us, the Chinoys still, by and large, power the country’s economic engine.
Chinoy entrepreneurs are needed to create jobs, as much jobs as our army of unemployed can fill. This is why your new generation of taipans should be as hungry and as adept in creating economic value as your parents and grandparents. The young Generations shouldn’t act like spoiled brats typical of the cono crowd or the illustrados or nouveau riche among the native Pinoys.
Indeed, the Chinoys are in the best position to link our economy with the fast moving tigers in the region. In an era where regional markets are important, these connections through family ties are a definite plus. It should be used by all good Chinoys to promote the economy of our country.
Then of course, we all know that the age of China as a world superpower is now upon us. Once again, Chinoys are in the best position to get the Philippines connected. For all the bravado we now hear from America, its days as the sole superpower are numbered. China, with its massive market of over a billion people, four times as large as America’s, is destined to be a major influence, not just in our region but in the world.
Just think about it. Once the buying power of the Chinese masses is unleashed, China can thrive on the sheer magnitude of its domestic market. Think of the economies of scale it would have. Export would only be the icing in its economic cake. China can give America a dose of its current policy of subsidizing exports. China will be an economic power to behold.
Let me end with a joke sent by a reader.
A husband and wife are getting ready for bed. The wife is standing in front of a full length mirror taking a hard look at herself. "You know love," she says, "I look in the mirror and I see an old woman. My face is all wrinkled, my boobs are barely above my waist, my butt is hanging out a mile. I’ve got fat legs and my arms are all flabby." She turns to her husband and says, "Tell me something positive to make me feel better about myself."
He thinks about it for a bit and then says, "Well... there’s nothing wrong with your eyesight."
I told that group of young Chinoy taipans that there is nothing wrong with our eyesight either. We are not having a nightmare. That ugly situation we see day in and day out is the reality – the depth to which our country has sunk. Let us go out there and give our motherland what she needs – the economic equivalent of liposuction, tummy tuck or a boob job. It does her no good to just tell her what she already knows only too well.
Chinoys. Pinoys. It makes no difference now. We are all one and share the same destiny – the same future.
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
I am full of hot AIR!
Your element is Air. You are and artistic person
with a unique sense of style. You are
intelligent, constantly active and most likely
like to sing. Constantly moving the air is a
force of nature. One moment you can be a breeze
the next a tornado.
What's your element
brought to you by Quizilla
Tips from Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Here are some of the tips that I got from the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It will really help in becoming rich.
1. Let your money work for you. Find something that you do not need to work for and invest.
2. An asset is something that gives you money and a liability is something that you pay with money. Always increase your assets.
3. Work to learn and not learn to work for money.
4. Do not be afraid to invest. If it works then you shall reap the rewards and when it fails learn from the failure.
5. Great bargains are everywhere. You just need to learn how to see the big picture.
6. Reading books and attending seminars about how to manage your money can really be helpful.
7. You can never be rich while being an employee. The way to go is to start your own business.
8. Schools teach you how to work for money but never how to let money work for you.
9. Always pay yourself before paying others. That way your mind can think of ways to earn more to pay others.
10. Go against the flow. Do not panic on something that others think is bad rather think of ways on how to take this opportunity to make some cash.
11. Don't be lazy specially in thinking of ways to earn more money the smart way.
12. Hire others to do the dirty work. If you do not know how to write very well hire a writter or if you do know how to automate a process hire an engineer.
13. Only use excess money that your asset has produce for you. If you use the asset then you may end up in debt.
14. Build and enhance your network of people. You will never know who might help you in achieving success.
15. Never say I do not have enough money. Always say how can I afford it.
There are still so many things to learn from the book but these are the pointers that I remember and have great impact in my way of thinking. If you want read the book to learn more of what I am talking about. The book cost around 700 pesos and is available at National Bookstore.
Your element is Air. You are and artistic person
with a unique sense of style. You are
intelligent, constantly active and most likely
like to sing. Constantly moving the air is a
force of nature. One moment you can be a breeze
the next a tornado.
What's your element
brought to you by Quizilla
Tips from Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Here are some of the tips that I got from the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. It will really help in becoming rich.
1. Let your money work for you. Find something that you do not need to work for and invest.
2. An asset is something that gives you money and a liability is something that you pay with money. Always increase your assets.
3. Work to learn and not learn to work for money.
4. Do not be afraid to invest. If it works then you shall reap the rewards and when it fails learn from the failure.
5. Great bargains are everywhere. You just need to learn how to see the big picture.
6. Reading books and attending seminars about how to manage your money can really be helpful.
7. You can never be rich while being an employee. The way to go is to start your own business.
8. Schools teach you how to work for money but never how to let money work for you.
9. Always pay yourself before paying others. That way your mind can think of ways to earn more to pay others.
10. Go against the flow. Do not panic on something that others think is bad rather think of ways on how to take this opportunity to make some cash.
11. Don't be lazy specially in thinking of ways to earn more money the smart way.
12. Hire others to do the dirty work. If you do not know how to write very well hire a writter or if you do know how to automate a process hire an engineer.
13. Only use excess money that your asset has produce for you. If you use the asset then you may end up in debt.
14. Build and enhance your network of people. You will never know who might help you in achieving success.
15. Never say I do not have enough money. Always say how can I afford it.
There are still so many things to learn from the book but these are the pointers that I remember and have great impact in my way of thinking. If you want read the book to learn more of what I am talking about. The book cost around 700 pesos and is available at National Bookstore.
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Hohum.......
................................................................................................................................................
Unicorn......
You are Form 3, Unicorn: The Innocent.
"And The Unicorn knew she wasn't meant to
go into the Dark Wood. Disregarding the advice
given to her by the spirits, Unicorn went
inside and bled silver blood.. For her
misdeed, the world knew evil."
Some examples of the Unicorn Form are Eve
(Christian) and Pandora (Greek).
The Unicorn is associated with the concept of
innocence, the number 3, and the element of
water.
Her sign is the twilight sun.
As a member of Form 3, you are a curious
individual. You are drawn to new things and
become fascinated with ideas you've never come
in contact with before. Some people may say
you are too nosey, but it's only because you
like getting to the bottom of things and
solving them. Unicorns are the best friends to
have because they are inquisitive.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
................................................................................................................................................
Unicorn......
You are Form 3, Unicorn: The Innocent.
"And The Unicorn knew she wasn't meant to
go into the Dark Wood. Disregarding the advice
given to her by the spirits, Unicorn went
inside and bled silver blood.. For her
misdeed, the world knew evil."
Some examples of the Unicorn Form are Eve
(Christian) and Pandora (Greek).
The Unicorn is associated with the concept of
innocence, the number 3, and the element of
water.
Her sign is the twilight sun.
As a member of Form 3, you are a curious
individual. You are drawn to new things and
become fascinated with ideas you've never come
in contact with before. Some people may say
you are too nosey, but it's only because you
like getting to the bottom of things and
solving them. Unicorns are the best friends to
have because they are inquisitive.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Interesting Emails.....
Here are some interesting emails I got from friends.....
The Room
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject as what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, "Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Brian's Essay:
The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told,I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by t he contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched ," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I fe lt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle wa s brighter than those around it, newer,
almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Never judge a book by its cover!
A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office.
The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.
We want to see the president," the man said softly.
"He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.
"We'll wait," the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president,even though it was a chore she always regretted. "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to him.
He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, but he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.
The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."
The president wasn't touched.... He was shocked. "Madam," he said, gruffly, "We can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."
"Oh, no," the lady explained quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."
For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?" Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment.
Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California, where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about. You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing.
--- A TRUE STORY
--- by Malcolm Forbes
Here are some interesting emails I got from friends.....
The Room
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject as what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County. Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven. It makes such an impact that people want to share it. You feel like you are there." Mr. Moore said.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it, "Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Brian's Essay:
The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order.
But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told,I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by t he contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched ," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I fe lt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle wa s brighter than those around it, newer,
almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."- Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Never judge a book by its cover!
A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment into the Harvard University President's outer office.
The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge.
We want to see the president," the man said softly.
"He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped.
"We'll wait," the lady replied.
For hours the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't and the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president,even though it was a chore she always regretted. "Maybe if you see them for a few minutes, they'll leave," she said to him.
He sighed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, but he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office.
The president, stern faced and with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him, "We had a son who attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. My husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus."
The president wasn't touched.... He was shocked. "Madam," he said, gruffly, "We can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery."
"Oh, no," the lady explained quickly. "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical buildings here at Harvard."
For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. Maybe he could get rid of them now. The lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a university? Why don't we just start our own?" Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment.
Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford got up and walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California, where they established the university that bears their name, Stanford University, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about. You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing.
--- A TRUE STORY
--- by Malcolm Forbes
Monday, October 13, 2003
Registration for New Voters
Yesterday, my mother and her 3 legal aged sons (I'm included in the 3 of course) registered for the upcoming 2004 Philippine general elections. The comelec is changing their system into a high tech one so everybody of legal age should validate their registration and a chance for people who haven't registered to register and practice their right to vote as they say. When we arrived at the comelec office I can not believe that there are still so many people not able to register for this event has already been running for about 2 months already. We fall in over 3 three lines before we actually have our pictures taken and finger printed. It's a good thing that they got a new computer that is of high quality or I would have really cursed the government for not using the taxes wisely. The funny thing that happend here is that one of the comelec person incharge of the finger printing activity is gay. He somehow saw that my brother is about to have his birthday and kept on telling him happy birthday and somehow I think that my brother is his type. =)
Once upon a Time in Mexico
After the registration, we proceeded to watch a movie and Once upon a Time in Mexico was what my mother wanted so we bought some popcorn and watched. I do not want to have spoilers here so let's just say the movie is good. It is good in a sense that there are a lot of action and gross acts. I do not recommend this movie to people who are squimish about blood but I recommend this movie to people who wanted to watch a good action movie.
LA BOCCA DELLA VERITA
There's this vendo machine fortune teller that I tried out while shopping with my mom after the movie. This is the machine where you put a 5 peso coin in it and place your hand inside a mouth like structure on the machine. If you don't know this machine then you better start visiting your local mall for every mall that I have been to has this machine. This was the only time that I have tried this and just did what the instruction told me to do. Here are the things that are printed on the paper after I have put my hand inside the mouth.
mv - ms 950 mv - ls 300
mt - ld 040 mm - td 131
x - y 217
THE MOUTH OF TRUTH tells you that:
A trifle consoles us because a trifle distresses us . . . . be patient!!
You are sometimes tiresome. over insistend and demanding.
You find it difficult to lead a healthy well ordered existence.
There is no rule to which there is no exception, nor any truth so general that it does not present some defective aspect. . . trust yourself!
Happiness is found inside yourself . . . look to your heart for the answer.
One of those rare brillant marriages which often happens to the really fortunate seems to lie in store.
Life - 7 stars
Love - 9 stars
Luck - 4 stars
Health - 7 stars
Sex - 3 stars
Reminiscing....
Another forwarded email.......
"Ito ang mga huling taon ng dekada '80 at ang mga unang taon ng
dekada '90. Ito ang panahong uso pa ang makiuso. Kung ginagaya mo ang
style ng mga artista, hindi ka tatawaging jologs. Ito ang panahong
tapos na ang martial law, pero malayo pa ang new millennium. Hindi pa
high-tech pero di naman old fashioned. Saktong-sakto lang!
Ito ang panahon natin. Pero pano mo malalaman kung kabilang ka sa
henerasyong ito? Narito ang listahan na makapagpapatunay if you're
one of us. R U?
1. Paborito mong panoorin ang Shaider, Bio-man, Maskman,
Mask Rider Black, Machine Man at kung ano-anong TV sitcom ng
Japan na isinalin sa Tagalog. Break muna sa mga laro kapag alas
Singko na ng hapon tuwing Sabado dahil panahon na para sa
superhero marathon.
2. Alam mo ang jingle ng Nano-Nano. (isang kending lasang
champoy)
3. Nanood ka ng Takeshi's Castle at naniwala kang si Anjo Yllana
talaga si Takeshi at si Smokey Manaloto ang kanyang
alalay. (Pinagiisipan mo - pano sila lumalaban sa final challenge na
parang nakasakay sila sa isang bumpcar at nagbabarilan
sila gamit ang water gun gayong sa Japan ginagawa yun eh taga
Pilipinas sila?)
4. Alam mo ang pa-contest ng Kool 106 na uulit-ulitin mong
Bigkasin ang "Kool 106, Kool 106" hanggang maubusan ka ng
hininga.
5. Naglaro ka ng Shake-Shake Shampoo, Monkey-Monkey-Annabelle,
prikidam 123, Langit-Lupa-Impyerno, Syato, Luksong-Tinik,
Luksong-Baka, 10-20 at kung ano-ano pang larong nakakapagod.
6. Pumunta ang mga taga-MILO sa skul niyo at namigay sila ng
samples na nakalagay sa plastic cup na kasing laki nung sa
maliit na ice cream. (at nagtaka ka, bakit hindi ganito ang lasa ng
MILO kapag tinitimpla ko sa bahay namin?)
7. May malaking away ang mga METAL (mga punks na naka itim) at mga
HIPHOP (mga taong naka maluwang na puruntong na kahit
Makita na ang dalawang bundok.) Nag-aabangan sa mall na may dalang
baseball bat at kung anu-ano pang mga sandata. Sikat ang
kasabihang "PUNKS NOT DEAD!" pero kung gusto mong mag play safe,
Pwede mong tawagin ang sarili mong HIPTAL.
8. Alam mo ang universal uwian song na "Uwian na!" na kinakanta sa
tono na parang doon sa kinakasal.
9. Nagpauto ka sa Batibot pero hindi sa ATBP.
10. Nakipag-away ka para makapaglaro ng brick game. (hi-tech na yun
noon)
11. Ang "text" noon ay mga 1"x1.5" na karton na may mga drawing ng
pelikulang pinoy. (at may dialog pa!)
12. Dalawa lang ang todong sumikat na wresler, si Hulk Hogan at si
Ultimate Warrior. Naniwala ka rin na namatay si Ultimate Warrior nang
buhatin niya si Andre d' Giant dahil pumutok ang mga
Ugat niya sa muscle.
13. Nagsayaw ka ng running man at kung anu-anong dance steps na
nakapagpamukha sa'yong tanga sa saliw na kantang Ice Ice
Baby, Wiggle It, Pray at Can't Touch This.
14. Hindi ka gaanong mahilig sa That's Entertainment at pinapanood
mo lang ito tuwing Sabado kung saan nagpapagandahan ng
production numbers ang Monday hanggang Friday group. (at badtrip ka
Sa Wednesday group dahil pinakabaduy lagi ang performance
nila!)
15. Napaligaya ka ng maraming pinoy bands tulad ng Yano, Rivermaya,
Grin Department, Tropical Depression, The Teeth, The
Youth, After Image, Orient Pearl, The Dawn, Alamid, Wolfgang, at ang
sikat na sikat na Eraserheads. (at aminin mong nakinig
ka ng Siakol!)
16. Kilala mo ang Smokey Mountain, (first and second generation)
17. Hindi pa uso noon ang sapatos na may gulong. Noon, astig ka
kapag umiilaw ang swelas ng sapatos mo tuwing ia-apak mo
ito. Tinawag rin itong "Mighty Kid"
18. Kung lalaki ka, sikat na sikat sa'yo ang mga larong text,
jolens, dampa (mga unang anyo ng pustahan), saranggola at ang
dakilang manika niyo ay si GI-JOE with alipores.
19. Kung babae ka naman, ang mga laro mo with you're girlfriends ay
luto-lutuan, bahay-bahayan, doktor-doktoran, at kung
anu-ano pang pagkukunwari . ang dakilang manika mo ay si Barbie.
(Sikat ka kung meron kang bahay, kotse at kabaong ni
Barbie.)
20. Naniwala kang original ang isang cap kapag may walong tahi sa
visor nito.
21. Swerte ka kapag panghapon ka dahil masusubaybayan mo ang mga
kapanapanabik na kaganapan sa mga paborito mong cartoon
shows tuwing umaga tulad ng Cedie, Sarah, at Dog of Flanders a.k.a.
Nelo. (Hindi ka ba nagtataka na sa lahat ng mga bida sa
cartoons na ito, si Nelo lang ang di yumaman at namatay pa ng maaga)
22. Alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng "TIME FIRST!"
Bakit kaya ganon? Kahit sang lupalop ka ng Pilipinas naroon, eh
nakaka-relate ka sa mga pinagsasasabi ko. Siguro'y dahil wala pang
cable at kakaunti lang ang pagpipiliang channels kaya parepareho tayo
ng pinapanood. Maaaring wala pang playstation kaya kung anu-ano na
lang ang naiimbentong laro na pwedeng gawin sa kalsada o sa isang
bakanteng lote. Pero kung ano man ang dahilan sa pagkaparepareho
natin ng karanasan, masaya na rin akong naging bata ako sa panahong
ito. Masarap alalahanin at balik-balikan. Di ba?"
Yesterday, my mother and her 3 legal aged sons (I'm included in the 3 of course) registered for the upcoming 2004 Philippine general elections. The comelec is changing their system into a high tech one so everybody of legal age should validate their registration and a chance for people who haven't registered to register and practice their right to vote as they say. When we arrived at the comelec office I can not believe that there are still so many people not able to register for this event has already been running for about 2 months already. We fall in over 3 three lines before we actually have our pictures taken and finger printed. It's a good thing that they got a new computer that is of high quality or I would have really cursed the government for not using the taxes wisely. The funny thing that happend here is that one of the comelec person incharge of the finger printing activity is gay. He somehow saw that my brother is about to have his birthday and kept on telling him happy birthday and somehow I think that my brother is his type. =)
Once upon a Time in Mexico
After the registration, we proceeded to watch a movie and Once upon a Time in Mexico was what my mother wanted so we bought some popcorn and watched. I do not want to have spoilers here so let's just say the movie is good. It is good in a sense that there are a lot of action and gross acts. I do not recommend this movie to people who are squimish about blood but I recommend this movie to people who wanted to watch a good action movie.
LA BOCCA DELLA VERITA
There's this vendo machine fortune teller that I tried out while shopping with my mom after the movie. This is the machine where you put a 5 peso coin in it and place your hand inside a mouth like structure on the machine. If you don't know this machine then you better start visiting your local mall for every mall that I have been to has this machine. This was the only time that I have tried this and just did what the instruction told me to do. Here are the things that are printed on the paper after I have put my hand inside the mouth.
mv - ms 950 mv - ls 300
mt - ld 040 mm - td 131
x - y 217
THE MOUTH OF TRUTH tells you that:
A trifle consoles us because a trifle distresses us . . . . be patient!!
You are sometimes tiresome. over insistend and demanding.
You find it difficult to lead a healthy well ordered existence.
There is no rule to which there is no exception, nor any truth so general that it does not present some defective aspect. . . trust yourself!
Happiness is found inside yourself . . . look to your heart for the answer.
One of those rare brillant marriages which often happens to the really fortunate seems to lie in store.
Life - 7 stars
Love - 9 stars
Luck - 4 stars
Health - 7 stars
Sex - 3 stars
Reminiscing....
Another forwarded email.......
"Ito ang mga huling taon ng dekada '80 at ang mga unang taon ng
dekada '90. Ito ang panahong uso pa ang makiuso. Kung ginagaya mo ang
style ng mga artista, hindi ka tatawaging jologs. Ito ang panahong
tapos na ang martial law, pero malayo pa ang new millennium. Hindi pa
high-tech pero di naman old fashioned. Saktong-sakto lang!
Ito ang panahon natin. Pero pano mo malalaman kung kabilang ka sa
henerasyong ito? Narito ang listahan na makapagpapatunay if you're
one of us. R U?
1. Paborito mong panoorin ang Shaider, Bio-man, Maskman,
Mask Rider Black, Machine Man at kung ano-anong TV sitcom ng
Japan na isinalin sa Tagalog. Break muna sa mga laro kapag alas
Singko na ng hapon tuwing Sabado dahil panahon na para sa
superhero marathon.
2. Alam mo ang jingle ng Nano-Nano. (isang kending lasang
champoy)
3. Nanood ka ng Takeshi's Castle at naniwala kang si Anjo Yllana
talaga si Takeshi at si Smokey Manaloto ang kanyang
alalay. (Pinagiisipan mo - pano sila lumalaban sa final challenge na
parang nakasakay sila sa isang bumpcar at nagbabarilan
sila gamit ang water gun gayong sa Japan ginagawa yun eh taga
Pilipinas sila?)
4. Alam mo ang pa-contest ng Kool 106 na uulit-ulitin mong
Bigkasin ang "Kool 106, Kool 106" hanggang maubusan ka ng
hininga.
5. Naglaro ka ng Shake-Shake Shampoo, Monkey-Monkey-Annabelle,
prikidam 123, Langit-Lupa-Impyerno, Syato, Luksong-Tinik,
Luksong-Baka, 10-20 at kung ano-ano pang larong nakakapagod.
6. Pumunta ang mga taga-MILO sa skul niyo at namigay sila ng
samples na nakalagay sa plastic cup na kasing laki nung sa
maliit na ice cream. (at nagtaka ka, bakit hindi ganito ang lasa ng
MILO kapag tinitimpla ko sa bahay namin?)
7. May malaking away ang mga METAL (mga punks na naka itim) at mga
HIPHOP (mga taong naka maluwang na puruntong na kahit
Makita na ang dalawang bundok.) Nag-aabangan sa mall na may dalang
baseball bat at kung anu-ano pang mga sandata. Sikat ang
kasabihang "PUNKS NOT DEAD!" pero kung gusto mong mag play safe,
Pwede mong tawagin ang sarili mong HIPTAL.
8. Alam mo ang universal uwian song na "Uwian na!" na kinakanta sa
tono na parang doon sa kinakasal.
9. Nagpauto ka sa Batibot pero hindi sa ATBP.
10. Nakipag-away ka para makapaglaro ng brick game. (hi-tech na yun
noon)
11. Ang "text" noon ay mga 1"x1.5" na karton na may mga drawing ng
pelikulang pinoy. (at may dialog pa!)
12. Dalawa lang ang todong sumikat na wresler, si Hulk Hogan at si
Ultimate Warrior. Naniwala ka rin na namatay si Ultimate Warrior nang
buhatin niya si Andre d' Giant dahil pumutok ang mga
Ugat niya sa muscle.
13. Nagsayaw ka ng running man at kung anu-anong dance steps na
nakapagpamukha sa'yong tanga sa saliw na kantang Ice Ice
Baby, Wiggle It, Pray at Can't Touch This.
14. Hindi ka gaanong mahilig sa That's Entertainment at pinapanood
mo lang ito tuwing Sabado kung saan nagpapagandahan ng
production numbers ang Monday hanggang Friday group. (at badtrip ka
Sa Wednesday group dahil pinakabaduy lagi ang performance
nila!)
15. Napaligaya ka ng maraming pinoy bands tulad ng Yano, Rivermaya,
Grin Department, Tropical Depression, The Teeth, The
Youth, After Image, Orient Pearl, The Dawn, Alamid, Wolfgang, at ang
sikat na sikat na Eraserheads. (at aminin mong nakinig
ka ng Siakol!)
16. Kilala mo ang Smokey Mountain, (first and second generation)
17. Hindi pa uso noon ang sapatos na may gulong. Noon, astig ka
kapag umiilaw ang swelas ng sapatos mo tuwing ia-apak mo
ito. Tinawag rin itong "Mighty Kid"
18. Kung lalaki ka, sikat na sikat sa'yo ang mga larong text,
jolens, dampa (mga unang anyo ng pustahan), saranggola at ang
dakilang manika niyo ay si GI-JOE with alipores.
19. Kung babae ka naman, ang mga laro mo with you're girlfriends ay
luto-lutuan, bahay-bahayan, doktor-doktoran, at kung
anu-ano pang pagkukunwari . ang dakilang manika mo ay si Barbie.
(Sikat ka kung meron kang bahay, kotse at kabaong ni
Barbie.)
20. Naniwala kang original ang isang cap kapag may walong tahi sa
visor nito.
21. Swerte ka kapag panghapon ka dahil masusubaybayan mo ang mga
kapanapanabik na kaganapan sa mga paborito mong cartoon
shows tuwing umaga tulad ng Cedie, Sarah, at Dog of Flanders a.k.a.
Nelo. (Hindi ka ba nagtataka na sa lahat ng mga bida sa
cartoons na ito, si Nelo lang ang di yumaman at namatay pa ng maaga)
22. Alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng "TIME FIRST!"
Bakit kaya ganon? Kahit sang lupalop ka ng Pilipinas naroon, eh
nakaka-relate ka sa mga pinagsasasabi ko. Siguro'y dahil wala pang
cable at kakaunti lang ang pagpipiliang channels kaya parepareho tayo
ng pinapanood. Maaaring wala pang playstation kaya kung anu-ano na
lang ang naiimbentong laro na pwedeng gawin sa kalsada o sa isang
bakanteng lote. Pero kung ano man ang dahilan sa pagkaparepareho
natin ng karanasan, masaya na rin akong naging bata ako sa panahong
ito. Masarap alalahanin at balik-balikan. Di ba?"
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Another Leadership Advice
Each of us needs to be good leaders so I'm posting again some leadership advices from work....
The Power of Leadership Storytelling
By: Melissa Delin
Historical Leadership Stories: Shackleton's Way
The story of Ernest Shackleton and his doomed 1914 expedition to Antarctica aboard the vessel Endurance is fraught with drama, hazard, and valuable lessons in team leadership. The tale, which has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent months, strikes a chord with training and development professionals who see meaningful parallels between Shackleton's leadership style and the kind of leadership necessary to navigate the rough waters of today's business environment.
The mission of the Endurance expedition was to cross a 1,800-mile expanse of Antarctica on foot. Just one day's journey from its intended landing site, the ship became stuck in the polar ice of the Weddell Sea. The ice dragged the vessel for ten months and eventually crushed her, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The men salvaged Endurance's lifeboats before she inevitably sank but they were stranded with no means of communicating with the outside world and no hope of timely rescue.
The group camped out on the ice, sleeping in crude tents and subsisting on a diet of penguins, seals, and dogs. Knowing that they would die if despair and hopelessness took hold, Shackleton, or "the Boss," as the crew dubbed him, made sure that the men felt useful and productive. They had to believe that they were actively trying to get out of their predicament, and that if they worked together, that they would succeed. Shackleton had to balance negative and positive energy to make sure that the naysayers among them wouldn't destroy the group's fragile confidence. To get the men working together, he dropped all pretenses of hierarchy and treated everyone, including himself, as equals. He set up work assignments on a rotating schedule so that everyone did the same tasks. On occasion, he even stepped aside and let another member of the group assume leadership. To encourage the men to remain in good spirits, he insisted that they play music, keep journals, create and perform skits, and otherwise engage their minds creatively.
After nearly six months of living on the ice, the Endurancecrew braved the turbulent waters of the Weddell Sea and set sail in their lifeboats to Elephant Island. Shackleton left to seek rescue, leaving the majority of the men on Elephant Island. Eventually, Shackleton and a small crew returned to rescue the men of the Endurance. Amazingly, there were zero casualties.
Shackleton is lauded for his bravery and tenacity in times of grave peril. The members of the Endurancecrew credit their survival to the might of their leader, a claim that is thoroughly documented in the book Shackleton's Way by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell. Morrell and Capparell also explore how companies today are using Shackleton's story to inspire teamwork and commitment within their own organizations. The Shackleton story is highly effective, as he employed leadership cornerstones that are universally applicable and steeped in collaboration and positive thinking.
He led by example, never assigning work to any man that he would not do himself. He insisted on open communication among the team, built on a foundation of trust. He built morale among his team; he maintained an image of capability and resilience, never expressed doubt that they would see safe rescue, and created and sustained a feeling of optimism. His leadership style appeals to many of today's leadership values: direct, unguarded communication, democratic voice, flat structure, valuing people, and high morale. Overall, Shackleton's story demonstrates the power of leadership in its purest, and possibly most powerful, form.
The Power of Leadership Stories
Leadership storytelling is fast becoming one of the most popular methods of developing leaders, for many basic reasons. It's not difficult - anyone can do it, everyone has a story to tell, and every story is relevant and significant. Additionally, storytelling is contagious - one person sharing their story to a group leads to others in the group sharing their stories with each other.
The human element of a corporate environment is endlessly complex - tiers of responsibility, clear and covert sources of power, entities with conflicting objectives, unspoken sentiments, suspicious motives, multifarious personalities and temperaments - progress is often stymied by poor communication. Organizations are learning that sharing leadership stories helps to inspire partnership and truthfulness, which allows employees to let go of the rhetoric and politicking that may be overshadowing real breakthrough work.
Whether they are personal, heroic, or historical, sharing leadership stories creates shared learning and understanding within a group by bringing personal goals and beliefs into business discussions. Organizations that use storytelling as a leadership tool find that, on a personal level, engaging in candid discussion raises the comfort and confidence level of individuals. On a team level, heightened confidence leads to an increase in the flow of opinions, ideas, and breakthroughs in group situations. And on an organizational level, teams and business units operating at top performance boost the number and quality of interactions, improve the quality of outputs, and lead to increased business results throughout the organization.
Each of us needs to be good leaders so I'm posting again some leadership advices from work....
The Power of Leadership Storytelling
By: Melissa Delin
Historical Leadership Stories: Shackleton's Way
The story of Ernest Shackleton and his doomed 1914 expedition to Antarctica aboard the vessel Endurance is fraught with drama, hazard, and valuable lessons in team leadership. The tale, which has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent months, strikes a chord with training and development professionals who see meaningful parallels between Shackleton's leadership style and the kind of leadership necessary to navigate the rough waters of today's business environment.
The mission of the Endurance expedition was to cross a 1,800-mile expanse of Antarctica on foot. Just one day's journey from its intended landing site, the ship became stuck in the polar ice of the Weddell Sea. The ice dragged the vessel for ten months and eventually crushed her, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The men salvaged Endurance's lifeboats before she inevitably sank but they were stranded with no means of communicating with the outside world and no hope of timely rescue.
The group camped out on the ice, sleeping in crude tents and subsisting on a diet of penguins, seals, and dogs. Knowing that they would die if despair and hopelessness took hold, Shackleton, or "the Boss," as the crew dubbed him, made sure that the men felt useful and productive. They had to believe that they were actively trying to get out of their predicament, and that if they worked together, that they would succeed. Shackleton had to balance negative and positive energy to make sure that the naysayers among them wouldn't destroy the group's fragile confidence. To get the men working together, he dropped all pretenses of hierarchy and treated everyone, including himself, as equals. He set up work assignments on a rotating schedule so that everyone did the same tasks. On occasion, he even stepped aside and let another member of the group assume leadership. To encourage the men to remain in good spirits, he insisted that they play music, keep journals, create and perform skits, and otherwise engage their minds creatively.
After nearly six months of living on the ice, the Endurancecrew braved the turbulent waters of the Weddell Sea and set sail in their lifeboats to Elephant Island. Shackleton left to seek rescue, leaving the majority of the men on Elephant Island. Eventually, Shackleton and a small crew returned to rescue the men of the Endurance. Amazingly, there were zero casualties.
Shackleton is lauded for his bravery and tenacity in times of grave peril. The members of the Endurancecrew credit their survival to the might of their leader, a claim that is thoroughly documented in the book Shackleton's Way by Margot Morrell and Stephanie Capparell. Morrell and Capparell also explore how companies today are using Shackleton's story to inspire teamwork and commitment within their own organizations. The Shackleton story is highly effective, as he employed leadership cornerstones that are universally applicable and steeped in collaboration and positive thinking.
He led by example, never assigning work to any man that he would not do himself. He insisted on open communication among the team, built on a foundation of trust. He built morale among his team; he maintained an image of capability and resilience, never expressed doubt that they would see safe rescue, and created and sustained a feeling of optimism. His leadership style appeals to many of today's leadership values: direct, unguarded communication, democratic voice, flat structure, valuing people, and high morale. Overall, Shackleton's story demonstrates the power of leadership in its purest, and possibly most powerful, form.
The Power of Leadership Stories
Leadership storytelling is fast becoming one of the most popular methods of developing leaders, for many basic reasons. It's not difficult - anyone can do it, everyone has a story to tell, and every story is relevant and significant. Additionally, storytelling is contagious - one person sharing their story to a group leads to others in the group sharing their stories with each other.
The human element of a corporate environment is endlessly complex - tiers of responsibility, clear and covert sources of power, entities with conflicting objectives, unspoken sentiments, suspicious motives, multifarious personalities and temperaments - progress is often stymied by poor communication. Organizations are learning that sharing leadership stories helps to inspire partnership and truthfulness, which allows employees to let go of the rhetoric and politicking that may be overshadowing real breakthrough work.
Whether they are personal, heroic, or historical, sharing leadership stories creates shared learning and understanding within a group by bringing personal goals and beliefs into business discussions. Organizations that use storytelling as a leadership tool find that, on a personal level, engaging in candid discussion raises the comfort and confidence level of individuals. On a team level, heightened confidence leads to an increase in the flow of opinions, ideas, and breakthroughs in group situations. And on an organizational level, teams and business units operating at top performance boost the number and quality of interactions, improve the quality of outputs, and lead to increased business results throughout the organization.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
An Essay about the Philippines
Here's something from a Korean about the Philippines that I got from my email. The Rich Dad Poor Dad review will have to wait. I have been busy these past few days....
My Short Essay about the Philippines (You can forward my essay to your
friends.)
By: Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do
you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do
not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love
for the Philippines.
Let me talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my
point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest
countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because the
entire country was destroyed completely after the Korean War, and we had
no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines for Filipinos were very rich
in Asia. We envied Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like
Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father's brother also died
because of famine.
The Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still very corrupt
beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically
because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their
heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves
but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young
men with the spirit of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea.
He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible
to get a loan and attract foreign investment because the economy
situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So,
President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they
could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a
horrible experience. In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow
money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him
and cried there as they saw President Park. They asked him, President,
when can we be well off? That was the only question everyone asked to
him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would
be well off if everyone worked hard for Korea, and the President of
Germany got a strong impression about them and loaned money to Korea.
So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea.
He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many
Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help
the developing country because they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea.
They always hoped that their children would live in well off in the
country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically
handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and
help them. I also worked for the Catholic Church when I was in the army.
The only thing I learned from the Catholic Church was that we have to
love our neighborhood. And I have loved my neighborhood.
Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several
times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people.
I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison
were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go
to Mass and work for the Church. They pray everyday. However, they do
not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum
security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the
Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said
that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back
to the Philippines.
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share
our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were
distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees
could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their
children.
When I was in Korea, I had very strong faith and wanted to be a priest.
However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I
was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the
Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday.
The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too
many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but
nothing changes.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation.
They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines
when they were young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars and
street kids. When we went to Pangsangjan, I took my parents on a boat
because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking the
boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they
sympathized with the boat men who were very poor and had a small frame.
Most of people just took the boat ride and enjoyed it. But my parents
did not enjoy it because of love for them.
My mother who has been working for the Catholic Church since I was very
young told me that if we just go to Mass without changing ourselves, we
are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I
have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are
the same and have received great love from God.
I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they
love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love
is the keyword which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the
sinful structure at once. It should start from each person. Love must
start in everybody in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things
happen if we open up to love.
Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with new eyes. I
discovered that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love,
because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes
people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world.
Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that
whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God
who is abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you
have children, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why
they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that
God also will be very happy if you love others. That's all I really want
to ask you Filipinos.
Jaeyoun Kim
September, 2003
Here's something from a Korean about the Philippines that I got from my email. The Rich Dad Poor Dad review will have to wait. I have been busy these past few days....
My Short Essay about the Philippines (You can forward my essay to your
friends.)
By: Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do
you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do
not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love
for the Philippines.
Let me talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my
point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest
countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because the
entire country was destroyed completely after the Korean War, and we had
no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines for Filipinos were very rich
in Asia. We envied Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like
Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father's brother also died
because of famine.
The Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still very corrupt
beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically
because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their
heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves
but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young
men with the spirit of patriotism.
40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea.
He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible
to get a loan and attract foreign investment because the economy
situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So,
President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they
could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a
horrible experience. In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow
money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him
and cried there as they saw President Park. They asked him, President,
when can we be well off? That was the only question everyone asked to
him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would
be well off if everyone worked hard for Korea, and the President of
Germany got a strong impression about them and loaned money to Korea.
So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea.
He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many
Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help
the developing country because they wanted their country to be well off.
Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea.
They always hoped that their children would live in well off in the
country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically
handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and
help them. I also worked for the Catholic Church when I was in the army.
The only thing I learned from the Catholic Church was that we have to
love our neighborhood. And I have loved my neighborhood.
Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several
times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people.
I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison
were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go
to Mass and work for the Church. They pray everyday. However, they do
not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum
security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the
Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said
that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back
to the Philippines.
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share
our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were
distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees
could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their
children.
When I was in Korea, I had very strong faith and wanted to be a priest.
However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I
was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the
Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday.
The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too
many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but
nothing changes.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation.
They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines
when they were young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars and
street kids. When we went to Pangsangjan, I took my parents on a boat
because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking the
boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they
sympathized with the boat men who were very poor and had a small frame.
Most of people just took the boat ride and enjoyed it. But my parents
did not enjoy it because of love for them.
My mother who has been working for the Catholic Church since I was very
young told me that if we just go to Mass without changing ourselves, we
are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I
have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are
the same and have received great love from God.
I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they
love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love
is the keyword which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the
sinful structure at once. It should start from each person. Love must
start in everybody in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things
happen if we open up to love.
Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with new eyes. I
discovered that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love,
because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes
people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world.
Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that
whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God
who is abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you
have children, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why
they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that
God also will be very happy if you love others. That's all I really want
to ask you Filipinos.
Jaeyoun Kim
September, 2003
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