Get Out And Stay Out!

I have been thinking about this lately – more so than before; do I demand too much from the people around me? Some understand me very well, while there are others that just don’t get it and will never get it even if it fell on their heads like ton of bricks.

I mean – I pay good salaries, I provide exceptional training for free when I get minimum RM30, 000 per day for my training outside, there are movie nights, BBQ nights, company trips and so much more and what I asked for in return is that I’m given what’s expected of them – and I’m very clear about this.

Just for your info, the last time I checked I was still running a business not a social service or welfare organization. Do you think I’m going to keep you around if you continue to take me and my company for granted? Hell no! I have more valuable people in my team to train and take care of – people who really want to do exceptionally well.

Those who know me know this, that as long as you are under my roof, I will take care of you extremely well. But once you leave, I will cease to care for you the way I used to – it’s nothing personal – I have a team to think of and I have to put them first. So if you don’t want this and if you don’t care, get out. This is NOT the place for you. And if you are going through the same for your own organization, get out of it as well.

Where Have All The Good People Gone?

One of my team members observed a phone conversation recently about a company that wanted some training for upper management. Apparently these people who are supposed to lead the way suck at what they do and are hopeless when it comes to their clients and customers.

Now anyone worth their salt in business would know that a customer/client is king and to ignore that would mean that they need to purchase a shovel double quick and dig their own graves.

So I was asked this question, “How did they get to upper management level if they’re so bad at what they do?”

From what I’ve seen with the current flock who make up upper management in organizations, they sure didn’t get there because they’re good. They got to where they are because there’s no one else – because all the good ones have left the country for other environments that appreciate them.

The good ones that are left behind are either working their butts of trying to bring about a positive change or are half mad by now. The people who suck in management transmit a half-dead culture to those below them and their bosses are just don’t give a damn.

You know why they continue to suck? Because getting better is too much work and it’s tiring and saying you’ll do something requires commitment. It’s probably easier to draw blood with a straw than get them to commit to something.

These people are just in it for the paycheck and they just want to get the job done and they welcome incompetence. You think training can sort this out at one go? No way. You have to ensure consistency by constant monitoring of value. Don’t just be focused on making a profit – look into making people better, now that’s something that money cannot buy.

Your Father’s Company Is It?

All employees take note. You should all think that you own the company you work for because it encourages a sense of ownership. BUT in order for that to happen, you must behave like how a company owner should.

Unfortunately, there are many stupid people who do just the opposite because they don’t understand that if you want to behave like it’s your company, you must know that people who own companies hardly ever sleep – at least the ones who take pride in what they do.

For these company owners, there’s no such thing standard working hours and they are wiling to go the extra mile where their time and effort is concerned. But sadly, some of these owners are cursed with idiots who seem to think nothing of making the company or organization look bad.

Now Nikko Hotel is a fantastic place. A world-class establishment, it is evident that a whole lot of effort has gone into making it a five star hotel. Now there is an incident that happened to my team that makes me feel truly sorry for Nikko hotel that because of one bad fruit, its reputation might take a turn for the worse.

I won’t go into details about what happened, but would just like to share what their assistant sales director said when he was called at 7pm for something he was supposed to deliver days ago. This is what he said, “Please don’t disturb me during my rest time and this is not my working hour.” Man, what fantastic service.

Then there is this character – an average executive who commits herself to getting payment out – there is written proof of this in her emails, and then goes on to call my team ridiculous when payment is demanded after repeated delays on her company’s end.

These individuals are so insecure about their competency and personal selves that they feel it necessary to let the whole world know that they are sad and sorry people who derive joy in putting other people down.

Can somebody please offer them a drink of water so they can snap out of the hallucination plaguing them – or maybe it’ll be better to splash the water on their faces so they can be rid of the mirage in front of them depicting them as lords over the rest of the world.

Just who the f*** do you think you are bossing and bullying people they way you do? Get over yourself! You are just an employee – useless and a big nothing because of the way you treat others. You are redundant and you will never amount to anything more than what you are until you see yourselves for who you really are and change your stinking bad attitudes. Have you ever stopped to think about why you’re moody, grumpy and unhappy all the time? Perhaps it’s time you did – use your rest time if you must.

More Harm Than Good

There are some parents who think they’re helping their children along this road called Life by giving them everything they want – a bit like the Malaysian government that has pampered certain Malaysians for so long.

I’m sure you know of parents who get their children the latest hand phones and cars, and make payment for these items and more. Or perhaps you’re one those parents? If you are, I hope you live long and continue to prosper because if you don’t change your attitudes you are going send your children to an early grave because they will not know how to survive without your support.

It all boils down to the fundamentals – give a person a fish and he eats for a day – teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime. Right now, as concerned parents, you think that you must always give your child money and pay for everything – how about getting your teenager to earn their keep. Chores around the house, for neighbors etc are a good start. Get them to wash a few toilets – then at least they’ll know to keep it clean for others.

Don’t be too nice – a firm hand is much better than a taufu one. I know why some of you do this – you say, “Aiyah, I never got this when I was growing up, so I must give my child everything I never had.” The road to hell is paved with good intentions – so stop it.

In giving them all these things you didn’t get when younger, you are not preparing them for the harsh realities of life and will cause them more hurt in the long run.

Don’t live in denial – and don’t make your children live there too. Because what you think will cause a positive effect on your child is going to be one horrible negative. Your generosity may come from love, but in actual fact it’s like a poison arrow aimed straight at your child’s heart. No self-respecting parent would want this and that is love.

Is Your Soul Prepared?

I know that placing a reasonably sized ad in the newspaper is quite expensive – so this makes me wonder about the stories concerning this MP calling the other Datuk a liar – about ministers ganging up on each other – doesn’t all this constitute wasted space?

It’s just so irritating to hear all this bitching – everyone’s just talking but nothing is being done. If something is done, it’s only for a while and then it’s back to square one. It’s disgusting as to how much finger pointing is happening. Why can’t the supposed powers that be just say, “This is what we’re going to be doing for the children” and then just do it. Yes! It’s that simple. Anything else is just another sad excuse.

But instead, certain people in the higher echelons of the government and organizations spend their time wind bagging about what they’ve done right and what others are doing wrong. But the sickest of all are those who pilfer and squander funds that should be going to the poor and the needy. To you the guilty I ask this, how can you sleep at night knowing that you’re a liar and thief? How can you sit at your RM40, 000 dining table and be served dishes you might not even touch when there are millions who wake up everyday thinking about how they’re going to feed their families?

I know this much – that every religion frowns upon such behavior and it doesn’t matter who you may be in this life – we become the same when we cross over.

Are you ready to meet your maker? If you say you are, then you’ve got to be kidding me. Are you so oblivious to your wrongdoing when everyone else sees it? Enjoy this life as much as you possibly can, because you are going to have one hell of a time in the next.

Open Sesame

Everyone is talking about this business folding and that business going bankrupt, but do you realize that there are organizations that thrive during times like these – going on to become bigger and better? It takes a certain amount of guts of course to make this happen – and it will, once you realize that in every bad situation opportunities will arise.

It is also during bad times that the wise will see that necessity is the mother of invention because they know that one shouldn’t just wait for things to happen – right now, as it always should be, we have to be consciously aware of what’s needed – it’s all about anticipating the needs of the market.

By focusing on specific needs, we can provide a service that is of use. Stop thinking about dying, and focus on living and living really well. It can be done. It’s all about whether you want to or not.

You see, the thing is this – people might not know that they need a particular product or service until it is made available. YOU have to make them realize this. The opportunities are limitless and as long as you’re living in a country with people in it, focus on the community, identify a target audience and serve them really well.

As you go on this journey, be fully aware that doors will slam shut in your face. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens and you must not hesitate in entering it. You may not get another opened door if you miss this one.

What the hell kind of advice is this…?

I may come under fire for saying this, but it’s nothing new to me so I shall say it anyway – certain Malaysians have been protected and sheltered by the government for far too long.

For the past goodness knows how many years, these Malaysians have enjoyed perks and special attention that have made them lazy and complacent. And what is happening today is just too much for them and they are lashing out grumbling and wallowing in self-pity.

We have sadly become a nation that always waits to receive and when things are bad, we have a government that tells us to tighten our belts and just take it. Malaysia has never been one to encourage foreign investors – for years we have always had one telephone company, one internet provider, one water works establishment – you get the idea. It was only a few years ago that other parties were allowed to set up similar businesses providing us with other vendors to choose from.

Malaysia does not like competition – and it has always been a country that encourages her people to be comfortable with what they have. In a time when the government should be suggesting ways Malaysians can get better by being more competitive, we are instead being told that we should be prudent.

How in heaven’s name can you be prudent when every damn thing is so expensive? Can you go to the supermarket and tell the cashier to give you a 50% off your bill because the government wants you to be prudent? Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Well that’s because the situation is ridiculous. By telling Malaysians to cut back, the government might just as well hand out some rope to go with the advice so we can hang ourselves.

By trying to protect us, the government has done more harm than good. Do you hear Singaporeans grumbling about the oil hike? No. Because it was already up there to begin with – so this is no big issue for them.

The government should stop pulling wool over our eyes and condescend us like we are five-year-olds. Look at what happens when they do. We don’t want to be pampered – we want to be treated fairly with equal rights for all.

We as Malaysians deserve to be prepared for what’s to come. Springing unpleasant surprises like the price hike may toughen a select few who will use it as a launch pad to success. Others are not so fortunate – something like this can break them or even worse, kill – and that’s as real as it can possibly get.

Know Your Desire

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Stupidity vs Ignorance – The Scourge of the Entitlement Generation

If you’re born between 1978 and 1994 – sit up straight and read this. Then after you have read it, make sure you understand it. If you don’t, read it again until it sinks in. The "Entitlement Generation" - have been described as impatient, self-serving, disloyal, unable to delay gratification - in short, feeling that they are entitled to everything without working for it.

This is even worse if these individuals work in organizations that are constantly moving forward always with the best interests of its team at heart. What we hear is the whining and winging that drowns out the efforts of companies who want to help and are helping these individuals. But you know what they say about empty vessels making the most noise – little wonder why these ignorant people are so blind to the security they’re given and the pay rise extended in a time when cut backs and price hikes are happening. This is just plain stupid and idiotic.

In light of the recent fiasco with the oil hike, I increased some salaries, mileage claims and opened doors for employment opportunities. But then there will always be certain individuals who think that the grass is greener on the other side. But that’s ok. It’s fine. I will be the first one to encourage my people to look for better opportunities anywhere they feel can offer them a better life.

There are some employees who believe and act as if they are more deserving than others at work without "paying their dues" - aren't willing to do the grunt work necessary to learn the job, but they sure want the perks I don't know where these people come off thinking they are entitled to things it took me 20 years to get. You got to be pretty stupid to think that. And forget the bull shit saying that you just need to work smart and not hard. That is rubbish! There is NO SUCH thing as not working hard! We MUST work hard before we can ever think about working smart.

I can understand it perfectly well if someone leaves a job for something better – but to leave a great job for a government position – earning a fraction of what they were earning before? It boggles the mind. There’s nothing secure about government jobs by the way – so don’t think that it’s going to save you. But then again, it’s probably a great place for the entitlement generation to be.

Those infected by 'Entitlementitis' an illness, reported more tense relationships and even higher levels of workplace depression. Little wonder why you have long faces greeting you and dead voices answering phones at government organizations that is absolutely ridiculous.

I don’t feel sad for myself or my team when an employee leaves for greater things. As a matter of fact, I will be happy for them as I have prepared them well for bigger things in life. But I feel that people are sometimes pretty ignorant when they leaves a supportive and successful environment of my organization for something that can collapse at any time. Is this what living dangerously is all about? Nope. I think it’s living stupidly.

What are a few years of long hours and 8 day work weeks going to do – kill you? So what if your spouse nags about you working so hard? Stick your guns and persevere – they will soon see the results. Never give up a true opportunity for a transient solution to regular work hours and mindless pencil pushing and six tea breaks in a day. These individuals will not put up with the ambiguity that saturates most work settings. If they don't know where they can get, how to get there, and what it will get them, they are not going to 'buy in' to the objectives of the company.

Ungrateful, Spoilt Brats

There is a hiring dilemma faced by companies everywhere. Hiring recent graduates definitely has its business advantages, such as maintaining low salary overhead. But it also has its disadvantages, such as a higher need for supervision and hand-holding.

From day one, I planned not to hire inexperienced, recent design school graduates. As we got busier I did hire fresh graduates only to discover that, as a whole they were spoiled individuals who think they were born with a silver spoon in their mouths and expected everything to be handed to them on a silver platter.

Philosophically, I am a big proponent of youths – motivating and helping them learn their voice. You could call this tough love if you like. However, the reality is that you need experience to keep things moving. And yes, I can just feel the recent grads out there fuming with fury. I know… I know…it's the classic catch-22. People expect you to have experience for your first job, but how are you supposed to get experience without one? Why don't people give grads a chance, you say?

Maybe this is why. We’re currently conducting a series of workshops for fresh graduates to prepare them for what’s ahead. Get this. They’re being given FREE extensive training by professional training consultants and paid an allowance to boot. Some of them who come from out of town are provided FREE accommodation, utilities included. Even with all this and much more, they’re still whiny and complain about every little thing.

Snap at them a little, and they run crying saying that it’s unfair to be treated this way. What do they think the real world is all about? A box of tissues, a shoulder to cry on and constant pat on the back? They are classic cases of being given an inch and demanding a mile – and there are only a handful who have their heads screwed on right.

To the fresh graduates reading this - be grateful for the opportunities you’ve been given and the ones that can come your away if you want it bad enough – never be complacent. Enjoy your good fortune, but not at the expense of the less fortunate. Seek out information so that you too can make a contribution through fair and intelligent decisions. And most importantly, join in advocating for those who can't make their voice heard. It is only by remaining well informed and voicing your opinions confidently that you can collectively affect the regulatory levers of government so that they too can be held accountable to make the appropriate and just decisions.

The Domino Effect

Bad times are here. There’s no need to sugar-coat it and live in denial – inflation and a potential recession is looming on the horizon that is closing in on us faster than the last haze we experienced. Those of you who think this is just temporary – remember that temporary in this case does not mean short period of time – it’s going to last for quite a while and you’d better be able to out last it. Don’t for a moment think it’s a joke. This is how serious the situation is.

Many hotels have admitted to losing up to 70% of business and why is this? Because most of the events had at hotels are from the government and if you remember correctly, the newspapers reported that the government will be cutting way back on their functions.

So when an organization/company loses at least 70% of business what options are there? They can either close shop or cut cost – either way, it’s going to affect the job market. Speaking about jobs, the Human Resource ministry was very careful to note that they will be watching carefully on organizations executing “tsunami” VSS. Are they aware that companies want this? They’ve just been waiting to VSS their staff as a cost-cutting measure – and mind you, this is VSS with little or no payment at all. I suppose they expect those who lose their jobs to survive on hope and love. Reality check. This isn’t the 60s, it’s 2008.

What’s happening here will become or if it isn’t already, a global issue. It will not only be the death of many businesses, but also result in many physical deaths. Debts will increase, depression will set in, suicides will occur. This is a very real and frightening domino effect and all because of poor governance not only by the government but also by those who run certain companies. Don’t be shallow and think it’s all good. Slap yourselves awake or I can do it for you.

Confident Reaction

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Cutting Loose

Someone asked me this question today, “Ernie, why do you fire people?” My answer has got nothing to do with anger or discontent, as a matter of fact, it may surprise you to hear me say, that when I fire someone I’m actually helping them. No. I’m not a sick, twisted individual who takes pleasure in cracking someone’s rice bowl – but I asked you this; if you run an organization and you really want your people to succeed – you give them six months to prove themselves but they don’t – don’t you think it’s better to let then go so they can find what their true calling is? Well, that’s how I look at it. I’ve never fired anyone based on personal reasons, but when mistakes are made repeatedly – should they be kept? I can’t focus my energies on one person alone when I have not one but several companies to run. If one individual is bringing the whole team down, I believe it is my duty to make sure that they go. Brutal? Some of you might think so – but try running a company and perhaps you’ll see what I mean.

Longest Motivational Talk

In November 2008, I’ll be doing something pretty amazing which will go down in history. I’ll be speaking non-stop for at least eight hours – the longest motivational talk ever done in Malaysia, and maybe around the world. This is a part of The Great Orange Charity Drive which has already begun and will end in December 2008. Why am I doing this? Well, I believe the best way to get a message out quickly to the masses is do something in a big way and this is perhaps one of the best ways to get noticed with regards to such an event. There is such a dearth in confidence especially in young Malaysians, and I’m certain that this will infuse all those who attend it with a sense of “I can and I will.” This is no mean feat – it will entail some amount of suffering on my end – but it just goes to show you can accomplish something once you set your mind to it and it’s all about rising to challenge and taking on with a positive attitude. Will I succeed? I have no doubt that I will – and this is just a small step to the bigger things that are coming. The winds of change are here and the wheels have been set in motion. It’s the age of confidence and renewal.

Say What You Mean And Do What You Say

It’s been a trend lately where promises are taken very lightly. What is a promise? Most dictionaries define it as an oral or written agreement to do or not to do something; it is a vow – an indication, as of a successful prospect or future; basis for expectation. When you make a promise, you had better keep it because if you don’t very soon anything you say will not be believed. And this is especially true when it comes to what you say you’ll deliver in terms of business as well. It’s very easy to make up visions and missions – but to carry it out, it’s another thing altogether. To make it work is not just the responsibility of the company owners, but also the employees. Never think that you are indispensable. What you have to know is that your services are being rented by the company you are working for. It’s just like renting a house for example. If the house starts leaking and there are non-stop problems with it, chances are you will not be renewing the contract once it expires. Some of us might not even wait till it expires and choose to forfeit the down payment and leave altogether. Therefore, when you are employed by a company, your services are being rented – and you will be kept and upgraded if you are well equipped to overcome obstacles. Don’t be a commodity – you must be an asset to your company and its brand image. You are a reflection of your company’s goals – never forget that. Because once you do, you’ll just be another regular employee trudging to work from nine to five and waiting for a paycheck at the end of every month. Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary – you loose nothing, but gain a whole new perspective and a respect for what you do.

Confident Behaviors

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