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The company then decided.

To give him another opportunity.

But he would have to accept a lower position.

Sure, it wasn’t easy for him to go back to an environment where he used to hold a higher position.

But he was determined to succeed at this second opportunity.

When his bosses recognised his determination, they were willing to invest in coaching sessions for his professional development.

Now, he’ been promoted and doing well.

All because he embraced a growth mindset by:

👍 Handing feedback positively
👈 Understanding the past doesn’t determine the future
✌ Turning a crisis into an opportunity

The reality is no work, even if it’s work you are passionate about, is 100% fun or engaging all the time.

This is where discipline becomes a critical factor for success.

Because the ones that are able to muster discipline to create value,

in spite of how we feel are the ones that are more likely to succeed.

To quote Chuck Close:

“Inspiration Is for Amateurs—The Rest of Us Just Show Up and Get to Work”

She smiled and said, “I’m not ok.”

I was at a cafe and said hello to a server.

She shared the challenge she was facing.

Despite finding a cheaper rental option, she wasn’t happy.

Initially she was focusing on the forfeiture of her current deposit.

Upon closer analysis, she realizes the savings from new housing option was 3X the loss.

She smiled and said:

“It’s not a problem but an opportunity!”

Very often we focus on the challenges of the situation.

Instead of opportunities that come from viewing it via new perspectives.

📸: The cube-houses in Rotterdam are an architectural phenomenon. Whichever perspective you view from.

We, as Singaporeans, are known to complain.

I recently left a review on Facebook about a cafe.

Upon my return visit, I asked the supervisor if the management gave him the feedback.

To that, he replied: “only feedback complaints; not compliments.”

When I showed him the post, where I share my compliments about him on the cafe’s Facebook Page, his face lit up!

As a manager, do you only share complaints or do you highlight compliments too?

By sharing compliments, we affirm the great work of our people.

Because that works wonders for staff morale and engagement too!

This afternoon was the perfect way to end the week.

Sharing with a group of human resources representatives from the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

That culture building isn’t expensive.

But if done wrongly will be very expensive.

What are your thoughts about the cost of culture building in your organization?

It is a promise to deliver.

And deliver they did.

citizenM hotels at Schiphol Airport was a great delight.

Being known for its affordable luxury:

🚿 rain shower for washing away jet lag
🛏 XL king size, super comfy bed
🌐 free Wi-Fi for catching up with family & friends

That’s why I’ve decided to come back for a second time.

Having the right amenities are only one part of the equation.

Having your staff complete the delightful experience is the other.

Thank you citizen for pampering me. 😍

Great business leaders know.

A great culture makes all the difference.

Today, I have the honour to witness a client (Feng Ming Construction) hold a Workers Appreciation for its site employees.

Recognizing the sacrifices migrant workers made to be here, the company gifted each worker with something many of us take for granted.

A data card.

That way, they can stay in touch with their families back home.

In addition, we have conducted our signature Pulse Conversations with selected staff to hear from their perspective.

Their inputs will add value to the company’s forward planning exercise.

Question: What is one way you will like to be appreciated for your contribution at work?

Glad to be back on The Breakfast Club with Keith De Souza. This time, we chatted about enthusiasm and other mindsets as key success factors at work.

When I first started Dream Catalyst 8 years ago, the naysayers were plentiful. #grateful to these naysayers for they helped me see with greater clarity my “why” of forging my path. #grateful to the small group of champions whose encouragement and support provided the impetus to always move forward.

I coined the term Dream Catalyst around 15 years when I was going through a painful period. I told myself I will continue to believe in possibilities of dreams and also to continue being a catalyst to help others actualise their brighter better bigger dreams too. It was my mission statement.

Grateful to have the opportunity to partner awesome clients who allow us to value create.

Looking forward to continue journeying with progressive business leaders and teams to intentionally design a business culture blueprint for success and which allows their teams to thrive.

We had so much fun at our previous radio interview that we were back at Mediacorp for a second radio interview yesterday with Keith De Souza on 38Live The Breakfast Club.

We chatted on one of our fave topics “Value Creation at the Workplace”.

How can we value create at the workplace? How can employers create an environment that allows their employees to thrive? These are some of the insights we shared during the show.

For the full interview, you can listen here: Value Creation at the Workplace.