Just because you have a strong opinion about how to do something at work, your certainty doesn’t make your idea the best way. Being open to learning from others requires you to let go of your attachment to being right. Forget about proving your superiority; instead, acknowledge that everyone has something special to offer. Respectfully asking your co-workers to share their knowledge and expertise is a sign of your own intelligence.
The 1st thought was drown myself in sorrow, thinking of my late mom and thinking of the fact that I’m not a mom.
The 2nd thought was slapping myself internally,because I’m not the only person in the world without a mother and not a mom.
The 3rd thought was OK, wallow for 5 minutes, blog about it, then move on.
Right. 5 minutes over.
Moving on.
Stop making weird faces…your face might freeze that way.
I am not sure who actually said this, but I often hear/read this saying. And you know what? I think its kinda true.
I have some friends who somehow think that a day without complaining is a day wasted. Their faces seem to be stuck in a perpetual long face, unsmiling, often scowling.
So folks, be careful. Stop putting on a negative face, it might just freeze that way.
Smile!!!
Having been part of university management this past decade has often put me in situations where the “management” is seemingly portrayed as some kinda of “bad guy” trying to disturb the haven of academic society in the university.
In all situations, I have enjoyed support of my direct superiors whenever faced with people who, hmm, don’t quite understand the decisions made in the university.
That is, until this weekend when a direct superior posted a scathing email in the staff mailing list, questioning the motives of a selection committee that I am a member of.
Honestly, the email felt like a punch in the gut. Of course close friends told me to ignore this email, and to move on. Of course we move on, but not before sending out a reply keeping emotions in check through gritted teeth.
You know, it wasn’t the first provocative I’d ever received. But this one caught me off guard, because it came from a direct superior, who I just met the day before and said practically nothing. Instead, the person decided to ruin a weekend by sending out an email basically accusing the committee of trying to ruin the collegial atmosphere, and challenging us to come up with better rules and regulations.
I would’ve accepted this “public” scolding if I hadn’t shown the rules and regulations the previous day. I had presented the draft and received a quiet assent. And yet, the following day, came the ridiculous email. This person had crossed the fine line of governing and politicking.
99% of the time, I can ignore emails like that. This was the 1% that I couldn’t. This time, it felt different because the person who did the provoking was a direct superior.
And that my friends, shows the quality of a leader. You deal the issues when YOU face them, and not by sending a public email to the staff mailing list.
The passing of my Mom “forced” us (Dad, brothers, me, in-laws, grandkids) to adjust to a new life. I remember tweeting about “Establishing a new normal”. After the funeral, we faced the practicalities such as closing bank accounts, credit cards etc.
After fortysomething days, we’re still adjusting. Today we closed Mom’s mobile number. Dad said “Mom’s using another telephone now.”
So tonight I deleted her number from my contact list.
Can I say it just sucks, big time? 
Dear life, you just love to create crossroads for me, don’t you?
What should I do? Turn left, turn right, or straight on?
Dear Mom,
It’s been 40 days since you passed away. We miss you of course. But today was such a beautiful day that I took it as a sign that all is well where you are, so we’ll be OK too.
Love you always.
Al Fatihah.
