April Special

April was the second month in an early Roman calendar, but became the fourth when the ancient Romans started using January as the first month. The Romans called the month Aprilis. It may come from a word meanting 'to open', or it may come from Aphrodite, the Greek name for the goddess of love.
Small animals that hibernate are usually coming out of their burrows in April. The birds fly back northward or they settle down to have their families. The bees and butterflies begin to gather nectar from the first flowers of the season.
In some parts of the world, it's planting time. In other parts, it's the harvest season. Professional baseball begins in April. Then the amateur athletes begin to go outside in the warm weather. Spring cleaning starts and people start mowing their yards again.
Special days celebrated in April begin with the first day of April, when children and grown-ups play jokes on one another on Aprill Fools.

Month of April always close to my heart ..since it carry mine ,my wife and my elder son birthday. This year it means a lot since I join Maybank Berhad as Business Analyst on IT Transformation Programmed on 19 April 2011.

Happy Birthday Fawwaz

Happy Birthday Sherry

God Bless u

You’re in Charge

You’ve earned your first leadership role in project management—but do you have what it takes to be the in charge?

Ah, the thrill of a big promotion.

You’ve proven your project management prowess and now you’ve been rewarded with your first role in charge. But as the rookie in command, you need to define your role.

And that often means leaving the nitty-gritty minutiae behind. When tech giant Google researched what traits make for a better boss in 2009, it discovered technical expertise was far less important than accessibility.

“New leaders really need to be the manager of the project. They can’t continue to work as if they are still working on the technical side of the project,” says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, author of “Suddenly In Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around.”

Right from the start, you need to position yourself as the supervisor, she explains. “Have conversations with the team about what your expectations are. This is your job now — you need to start acting like it.”

New leaders must establish what kind of authority they actually have and what their stakeholders expect from them, says Thomas Juli, PhD, PMP, founder of Thomas Juli Empowerment Partners, Heidelberg, Germany.

Then they can figure out what motivates their new team and build up a rapport, he says. “What makes the team work for you, with you and against you? You need your team. You can’t do this by yourself.”

In many cases, though, your new team members were your peers not so long ago. So, how can you earn their respect?

If a team member doesn’t fulfill his or her responsibilities, you must address the issue. “Doing nothing will mean you lose respect,” says Ms. Matuson, also president of Human Resource Solutions, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.

The same can be said when someone goes above and beyond to get the job done. Acknowledging the effort will show team members you appreciate them, she says.

“New leaders don’t always realize that if their people shine, they shine,” Ms. Matuson adds. “You are being evaluated on how well your people do.”

And new or not, the supervisor sets the tone. The Google research revealed that the company’s managers had a much greater impact on employee performance and how people felt about their jobs than any other factor.

As you settle into your role, try to keep your ultimate goal as a project manager top of mind. “Never forget what you are measured against: managing a project to success,” says Dr. Juli, also author of “Leadership Principles for Project Success.”

Being a leader doesn’t come naturally for many project managers. Seek out mentors to help guide the way. Also ask your boss and even some team members to evaluate your performance. “It’s just another way of learning,” Dr. Juli says.

Ultimately, project managers in new leadership roles must acknowledge that not everything will be perfect.

“Expect to make mistakes — and learn from them,” says Dr. Juli. “Don’t try to apply everything you know at once, it’s not necessary. We are project managers, not superheroes.”

Figuring out exactly what you’re doing in your new role in charge can be the most daunting part of your career transition. But armed with the right knowledge, your new responsibilities will eventually fall into place.

PMI

You’re in Charge

You’ve earned your first leadership role in project management—but do you have what it takes to be the in charge?

Ah, the thrill of a big promotion.
You’ve proven your project management prowess and now you’ve been rewarded with your first role in charge. But as the rookie in command, you need to define your role.
And that often means leaving the nitty-gritty minutiae behind. When tech giant Google researched what traits make for a better boss in 2009, it discovered technical expertise was far less important than accessibility.
“New leaders really need to be the manager of the project. They can’t continue to work as if they are still working on the technical side of the project,” says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, author of “Suddenly In Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around.”
Right from the start, you need to position yourself as the supervisor, she explains. “Have conversations with the team about what your expectations are. This is your job now — you need to start acting like it.”
New leaders must establish what kind of authority they actually have and what their stakeholders expect from them, says Thomas Juli, PhD, PMP, founder of Thomas Juli Empowerment Partners, Heidelberg, Germany.
Then they can figure out what motivates their new team and build up a rapport, he says. “What makes the team work for you, with you and against you? You need your team. You can’t do this by yourself.”
In many cases, though, your new team members were your peers not so long ago. So, how can you earn their respect?
If a team member doesn’t fulfill his or her responsibilities, you must address the issue. “Doing nothing will mean you lose respect,” says Ms. Matuson, also president of Human Resource Solutions, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.
The same can be said when someone goes above and beyond to get the job done. Acknowledging the effort will show team members you appreciate them, she says.
“New leaders don’t always realize that if their people shine, they shine,” Ms. Matuson adds. “You are being evaluated on how well your people do.”
And new or not, the supervisor sets the tone. The Google research revealed that the company’s managers had a much greater impact on employee performance and how people felt about their jobs than any other factor.
As you settle into your role, try to keep your ultimate goal as a project manager top of mind. “Never forget what you are measured against: managing a project to success,” says Dr. Juli, also author of “Leadership Principles for Project Success.”
Being a leader doesn’t come naturally for many project managers. Seek out mentors to help guide the way. Also ask your boss and even some team members to evaluate your performance. “It’s just another way of learning,” Dr. Juli says.
Ultimately, project managers in new leadership roles must acknowledge that not everything will be perfect.
“Expect to make mistakes — and learn from them,” says Dr. Juli. “Don’t try to apply everything you know at once, it’s not necessary. We are project managers, not superheroes.”
Figuring out exactly what you’re doing in your new role in charge can be the most daunting part of your career transition. But armed with the right knowledge, your new responsibilities will eventually fall into place.
PMI

Firms must engage more with employees

Corporations large and small, which wish to succeed in the years ahead, will have to engage more with their employees and the community around them as part of efforts to develop their presence beyond just profits.

Speakers at the StarBiz ICRM Corporate Responsibility Awards 2010, who presented a dialogue at Menara Star yesterday on CR in the Workplace: Issues & Best Practice, said engaging with employees included cultivating their talent, making sure the workplace was safe and healthy as well as encouraging work-life balance.

Leaderonomics Sdn Bhd founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Roshan Thiran said companies needed to have a social purpose in order to attract or retain talent, especially among younger employees.

Star Publications (M) Bhd, the publisher of The Star, has a 51% stake in Leaderonomics.

From left: Bi Yong Chungunco, Star Publications group MD and CEO Datin Linda Ngiam, R. Sujitha Rajaratnam, Price WaterhouseCoopers senior executive director Chin Suit Fang and Roshan Thiran at the StarBiz-ICR Malaysia CR Exchange on Tuesday.

“Organisations that don't have a social mission will not be around long-term, as corporate responsibility (CR) creates shareholder value and makes business sense,” Roshan said.

He said examples of companies which have integrated their businesses with this “social mission” were AirAsia Bhd, whose tagline of “Now everyone can fly” underscored the company's mission of opening up opportunities for air travel to more people.

Roshan pointed out that other firms which have made commitments to engage with the communities around them included the General Electric Co with their “ecomagination challenge” and PepsiCo Inc, a maker of soft-drinks now moving towards providing more health-based drinks.

“Companies that want to win need to start engaging with the communities around them, this is a win-win situation as when communities thrive then businesses will also thrive,” he added.

Roshan said many might view such corporate exercises as marketing gimmicks but the companies' leadership must believe it and be seen taking proactive steps, even if it meant short-term losses for the businesses.

Predicting that in 20 to 30 years all businesses would have a “social mission” with a profit motive for sustainability, he said senior management must be seen to not only talk about CR but must be seen to actively take part in it to show colleagues of their commitment. Roshan predicted that over the next 20 to 30 years, all businesses would be social business with a profit.

Meanwhile, Lafarge Malayan Cement Bhd president and CEO Bi Yong Chungunco said one area in which the company promoted CR in the workplace was via the health and safety aspects. She said logistics safety was one area of importance for Lafarge as the company transported almost all the cement it sold in the peninsula with the mileage for one year equivalent to rounding the globe three times.

Chungunco believed companies cannot achieve “excellence in business if they cannot achieve excellence in safety”.

This was the reason why the safety and health aspect was emphasised by Lafarge. “We've a health and safety engagement every year where we revisit and re-state the policy and commit ourselves by signing that policy in every country where we've a presence,” she said.

Chungunco said the company used the spouses of the predominantly male truck drivers to appeal to their sense of responsibility on the road, where they were often driving alone.

“We ask the wives to tell their husbands to come home safe, that their families needed them, in fact we make them hold hands at our Transporters' Safety Day and make that commitment,” she said.

Besides this commitment, Chungunco said the company has equipped reflector safety belts as well as GPS systems in the trucks in order to better monitor the drivers.

Fellow speaker Guinness Anchor Bhd human resources director R. Sujitha Rajaratnam emphasised how the company engaged employees by giving them opportunities to reach their full potential.

Describing it as part of the company's human resources vision, she said “each employee will have a career development plan encompassing training and development, to encourage and enable their growth”.

Other initiatives included a responsible drinking policy, healthy living and encouraging work-life balance where the company practiced flexi-time which in future would also include a “home early” programme.

Sujitha said the investment in people was paying off. “We've delivered nine consecutive years of growth in revenue, profit and market share,” she added.

PMI Project Management Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction

Disasters and crises are, by nature, accompanied by uncertainty. The list of reconstruction priorities is longer than one person can tackle alone without support.

Leadership and the ability to envision solutions are essential to managing projects of all types. But what is also essential is the means to practice the established principles of project management in order to achieve a successful outcome.

To address this, PMI has developed Project Management Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction, aimed at those in the disaster recovery field who are providing the kind of leadership and clarity of thought needed to help in the reconstruction effort.

Project management and its related processes are the keys to staying organized and focused, and to accomplishing the solutions a community needs after being hit by a disaster. Reconstruction project management is about solving problems and delivering intended results through an organized, structured methodology.

PMI’s Project Management Methodology was developed for global application by relief agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and/or governments following a major disaster. It is based on A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide)–Third Edition, and is meant to enhance collaboration and consistency, as well as quality and accountability, of projects undertaken in a crisis/disaster rebuild environment.

In the simplest terms possible the Project Management Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction provides an approach that, if followed, will deliver results.

To download a zip file containing the Project Management Methodology, which includes instructor, participant and classroom documents, presentations and worksheets, complete the following fields below.

TS

10 questions with Datuk Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin

Datuk Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin fields the 10 questions posed by our readers.

1. As an economist, which school of thought influences you most? Melissa York, KL

The economic principle that influences me the most as an economist is the concept of comparative advantage. Based on this, countries should concentrate on producing and exporting goods which they are more effective or efficient at that is the ones in which they have a “comparative advantage”. Conversely they should not try to make goods locally if other countries can make them better, and should instead import them. For the principle of comparative advantage to take full effect, there should be free trade. Over the last half century, free trade has expanded, in line with globalisation, and many economies have grown using this principle and are able to provide their citizens a better standard of living. Malaysia is one of them. However, progressive countries do not just depend on a legacy of comparative advantage such as natural resources; they create a competitive advantage. Dubai, for example, has created a niche as a regional hub for finance, transport and business by investing in infrastructure and importing workers.

2. I'm thinking of joining an investment bank as an economist, but was told that it can get quite boring. What's it like to be an economist? Manjit, PJ

The training of an economist enables him or her to assess a wide range of information, and report how it may affect an industry, a country, a region or any given set of stakeholders. The information will certainly contain numerical measures of value and rates of change, but often there are other very relevant qualitative inputs, such as legislation, opinions and social factors. That, for me, is what makes economics interesting as it delivers a fully rounded analysis of real use to guide companies, administrators and. lawmakers. For sure there is a lot of real practical advice that an economist can give an investment bank, such as how certain sectors of the economy will fare in future, what are the risks and opportunities. You will be at the forefront of decision-making and that is never boring.

3. People say the worst is over. But we still hear of problems coming from the United States and euro-zone economy. When will they recover and what do they mean to us? Ahmad Jalil, Penang

It is difficult to predict exactly when the global economy will recover. In any case, some sectors and countries will recover faster than others. The problem is that the world economy faces a number of systemic problems global imbalances, growth-based consumption, unrestrained financial liberalisation and unfettered capital flows. Global leaders are still unable to agree on how to solve them. However, all agree that the challenges will be more tractable if growth returns. We expect robust growth in China, India and other emerging countries to compensate for slow US recovery and the euro-zone sovereign debt overhang. As we are an open economy, Malaysia needs a healthy global economy to buy our exports. If not, we have to deploy more of our own resources to stimulate our economy. We are also likely to be affected by the response measures taken by other countries changes in global or regional interest rates and monetary policy may impact capital flows into or out of Malaysia, the ringgit exchange rate or Bursa Malaysia.

4. Which is more detrimental to an economy: inflation and recession? Why? Tabitha CC Boi, Penang

I am quite sure that an economy in recession is a worse place to be than one with inflation. In a recession prices fall, and that is good news (unless you are a producer) but the worst thing about a recession is that there are less jobs and weak demand so nobody can afford to buy goods or services. There will be excess capacity and nobody wants to invest because prices continue to decline. Getting out of a recession has proved in the past to be quite difficult. Usually the government will try to revive the economy by increasing public spending but since demand is weak, there may be no takers the so-called liquidity trap. On the other hand, a low level of inflation is quite tolerable and some think it essential for economic growth. If you mean excessive inflation, that is for sure very painful, but governments have learnt how to recognize when an economy is overheating and in danger of high inflation and have developed effective antidotes.

5. What would you consider to be the biggest failure in life? How did you get back on your feet? Susan Ang, Johor

In life there are many challenges I would not call them failures. I believe when a door closes, another one opens, because Allah SWT is most compassionate. It is then up to us to make the best of this new path. The future is not known to us, so the door that closed may not have been all that we expected of it, and the new path is in any case our rezeki.

6. How do you usually relax and unwind after work? Johan Ku, Malacca

Gardening, listening to music and having a massage (spa) help me to relax. I get great satisfaction when my plants grow well and I love the beautiful colours of flowers. Of course, music soothes tensions and likewise a good massage relieves the aches and pains.

7. Does Malaysia still have to depend on foreign direct investments to generate growth? Why and how best can we arrest the decline of Malaysia's appeal to foreign investors? Mat Salleh, PJ

We should continue to welcome foreign direct investment for the same reason that we have always welcomed it FDI provides economic activities and jobs. Most FDI has the additional attraction of new technology, expanding production networks and growing export markets. Other countries in the region and elsewhere are now much tougher competitors for FDI and can also provide many of the things that Malaysia has long offered. To continue to attract and sustain FDI, we have to add to the value proposition with skilled, productive and committed workers, a business friendly environment, clear and consistent rules and regulations, security, safety and no corruption.

8. In your opinion, how have the values of Malaysian youths changed over the last three decades? How will that affect our economy? Balasundram, Klang

The next generation will experience much faster and deeper economic changes than ever before. Global economic events will reach far beyond national boundaries and the next generation will have to learn, and unlearn and relearn many things in the course of their lives. Malaysian youths are now more aware of the need to preserve the environment, that talent is mobile and that financial facilities are available and tempting. They also have higher consumption needs. Technology, especially ICT, access to information and networking is a big part of their lives. These traits will shape the future of the Malaysian economy. For example, in the future, most economic transactions will be done on-line and credit cards or debit cards will almost totally replace cheques.

9. What would be the most glorious moment you've had in your career and why? Suzy H, Taiping

I found great satisfaction when in 1998, I joined the Working Group of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC), which was set up to respond to the Asian economic crisis. Prior to that I was an economics lecturer in Universiti Malaya. At the NEAC, I had a close up and personal view of the economic management of the country. Malaysia's response went against the conventional wisdom, and we were in a way rewriting the rules of how to manage a crisis. That was a unique experience and I am thankful for being given the opportunity.

10. Definitely much effort has been put into drafting the new economic model and economic transformation plan. What would be the biggest internal risk and external risk that could derail such grand plans that we have? Eugene Khoo, KL

The New Economic Model will achieve its goals if its strategies and policies are implemented effectively and if the rakyat are prepared to make changes. Private investments have to take a lead in generating economic activities. Structuring of subsidies and putting in a price system that reflects the true value of resources will mean adjustments to our economic activities. I also hope the transformation of our education system will produce the human capital required. The world economy will have its ups and downs and I hope we can manage these fluctuations well. The gains we make should also be benchmarked with other countries because many of our competitors are progressing faster than us.

TS

Hoping for the new in 2011

Expect more of the same as we enter a new year and new decade.

IT’S the start of a new year. It brings hope, changes and renewal. Yet many things would remain very much the same as it always has in decades, especially in politics.

The same language, same promises and lies are still being voiced by our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation. How we wish they could be more creative this year.

Ironically, many of the politicians calling for change in politics have in fact been in the game for the last 20 years or more. But some have cleverly changed their agendas to suit the current demand for transparency and such.

Same old tune: It’s the new year but we can expect more of the same from our politicians, celebrities and other publicity seekers, whether they are platitudes, promises or excuses. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

And they have found a whole new base of supporters among those whose parents were busy changing their nappies while these same politicians were making a mess of the country.

Then there are those who are still in government, after all these years, some clinging on to their positions believing that no one else can be as good. Some are still as arrogant as ever, still refusing to learn their lessons.

So what can we expect from our politicians, celebrities and other publicity seekers for this year? I guess it will be more of the same, whether they are platitudes, promises or excuses.

Here’s a list of the more banal statements and remarks:

> Officials after yet another horrific bus accident: “We will investigate thoroughly. We will take the necessary actions. We will not compromise.”

> The Opposition after an accident, natural disaster or controversial political issue: “We call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (or a White Paper or an Inquest).”

> Officials after our country is criticised – on any issue – by foreigners: “They are just jealous of us. They are upset with our achievements.”

> Nationalists and “language supremacists” on reports of our declining standard in English: “We are better than Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.”

> Local actors after talk of romantic link-ups: “We are just friends” or “I am just a good friend of the Datuk/Tengku.”

> Over-the-hill politicians who refuse to retire: “It will be irresponsible for me to leave the party. I need time to groom my successors.”

> Protesters who take part in illegal demonstrations: “The police acted illegally. They over-reacted, they should not have used force to break us up.”

> Police officers at press conferences: “We will leave no stone unturned in our investigations. We will go after them.”

> Police officers on foreigners arrested for crime, and the readers are kept guessing on the nationality of these criminals: “They are from a neighbouring country.” (Hello! Singa­poreans, Thais or Indonesians?)

> Politicians who refuse to commit themselves to anything: “We will look into it.”

> Leaders who use delaying tactics after a controversial issue, and eventually do nothing: “We will set up a committee and other sub-committees to study the matter.”

> Opposition leaders following a controversial issue: “We challenge them to a debate.”

> The Prime Minister/Chief Minister on the date for elections: “I haven’t found inspiration” and “If you (media) continue guessing, you will get it right one day.”

> Opposition politicians before the polls: “This is the dirtiest election ever, we detect phantom voters and frauds” and after emerging victorious: “We accept the election results.”

> Government politicians before the polls: “The people want development and not rhetoric” and after their defeats: “The people must learn to be grateful. They have been hoodwinked by the opposition.”

> University officials on their goals but still not on the top universities lists: “We want to be world class universities with world class facilities.”

> Religious leaders, New Age practitioners and doomsday believers: “The world is coming to an end. All the signs are there.”

> And finally, boring copies by journalists who begin their stories with sentences “like a scene from a movie” or “had the shock of his life” and “selling like hot cakes.”

Nothing much has changed, right?

On The Beat By Wong Chun Wai

Top reads for top people

BOOKS, when chosen carefully, can make great gifts. They enrich, open up closed minds and immerse the reader in another world other than his own. But before books can please, there must be a pleasure found in reading.

All of us have that privilege; it is only whether we want to make time to nurture it. Because reading takes up so much time, it tends to compete with other seemingly more interesting pursuits.

Depending on style, language and other dynamics, there will be certain titles and authors who will appeal to us. The onus is on us to find the time to sate that need within us, for he who reads is richer for it.

In the season’s spirit of giving, here is a selection of hardcover books, suggested by three leading bookstores, for the person at the helm in mind. A couple of them, like Tiffany Pearls, are chosen with the women CEO in mind. The majority of them will appeal to both men and women.

Some titles will take time to chew like David A Lax and James K Sebenius’ 3-D Negotiations. Others titillate and tickle like Shoes. Andy Grove’s biography inspires, while Oprah’s Live Your Best Life leaves little gems along life’s sometimes weary way, when there is only time to browse.

KINOKUNIYA'S SELECTION

Andy Grove by Richard S. Tedlow, RM109.90 (ISBN 1591841399)

Harvard professor and historian Tedlow gives a close-up portrait of Andy Grove. Grove rose from being a penniless Hungarian refugee to an engineer hired as Intel’s third employee, eventually heading one of the most profitable companies in history. A year-by-year account of Intel’s history, punctuated by Grove's musings, drawn from his private notebooks. A primer on Grove’s writings and management philosophy and why his tenure as Intel CEO was so successful despite his personal ups and downs and his fight with cancer.

The Way of the Shark: Lessons on Golf, Business and Life by Greg Norman, RM119.90 (ISBN 0743287746)

In the 1980s and 1990s, Australia's Greg Norman ranked as the world's top golfer for six consecutive years. Despite that, the linksman nicknamed the Great White Shark is perhaps best remembered for some of his final-round heartbreaks in major tournaments. Even after those setbacks, Norman laughed all the way to the bank. His endorsements and investments have made him one of the richest men in the history of sports. The free-swinging star explains his best game tips on and off the course.

Dynasties, by David Landes, RM103.54 (ISBN 0670033383)

Award-winning historian David Landes scrutinises powerful family businesses in Europe, Japan and the US to determine the factors that can cause a dynasty to flourish or fail. He provides fascinating insights into business legends, like John D. Rockefeller and Henry Ford. The life stories of these remarkable individuals contain all the drama and passion expected when extraordinary money, power and kinship interconnect, and are essential reading for anyone with an interest in business and world history.

China Shakes the World, by James Kynge, RM98.03 (ISBN 0618705643)

A journalist in Asia for two decades, Kynge was the China bureau chief of Financial Times until 2005. Drawing on his years in the country and his fluency in Mandarin, he probes beyond the familiar statistics to unearth the surprising reasons for China's explosive growth. He sounds the alarm as China's systemic weaknesses threaten greater global disruptions. Kynge traces the tremors from Beijing to Tuscany to the Midwest as China’s hunger for jobs, raw materials, energy, and food, and its export of goods, workers, and investments drastically reshape world trade and politics.

Alwaleed: Businessman, Billionaire and Prince by Riz Khan, RM106.50 (ISBN 0060850302)

Though Prince Alwaleed bin Talal came to public attention in the US when Rudy Giuliani rejected his US$10mil donation to the Twin Towers fund, Alwaleed's real significance is as a global financial powerbroker. The Saudi royal is the biggest single foreign investor in the US economy and the world’s fourth-richest man. Khan, who has interviewed high-profile figures for CNN International, tags along with Alwaleed and his entourage as they conduct business in Riyadh and Paris, holiday in Cannes and trek into the Saudi desert for a weekend getaway. The resulting reportage has the breezy flavour of a magazine profile awkwardly stretched to book length.

Ideaspotting by Sam Harrison, RM59.30 (ISBN 1581808003)

There is nothing like great ideas. But where do they come from? Harrison, through anecdotes, interviews, quotes, tips and success stories from the biggest corporations in the country, shows you how to think outside the box – then throw away the box, for good. You are encouraged to listen and observe, explore through travel, leave your daily routine and look for ideas from nature. A book for desperate people.

Tiffany Pearls by John Loring, RM196.07 (ISBN 0810954435)

Symbols of perfection, pearls are the most classic of gems, bringing an air of elegance and sophistication to the women who wear them. No name in fine jewellery says “classic” more than Tiffany & Co., and the venerable institution’s long-time design director traces the dazzling history of pearl jewellery at Tiffany, from the mid-19th century to the present, including fascinating accounts of many of the world’s most famous pearls since the Renaissance.

Shoes: A History from Sandals to Sneakers, RM189.83 (ISBN 1845204433)

Shoes are now much more than just things to walk in. They say something about you. But, beyond style, this most object communicates much more – our aesthetic sense, social status and personality. Before they became objects of desire, shoes had a history. From ancient times to the present, shoes have had a cultural as well as a practical purpose. Within these pages is pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about shoes. War, sex and the high heel, the irresistible rise of the sneaker, and the cult of shoe designers are all found within these pages.

BORDER'S SELECTION

Trump 101: The Way To Success by Donald J. Trump & Meredith Mclver, RM63.80 (ISBN: 0470047100)

A collection of hard-charging pep talks, inspiration and advice from the world’s most famous businessman. Trump explains 33 success principles that got him where he is today. With a detailed account of a week in Trump’s high-flying life, and a list of 10 books he recommends you read, Trump 101 is a bible for success in business and life.

The Starbucks Experience by Joseph Michelli, RM87.80 (ISBN: 0071477845)

Michelli interviews Starbuck’s leadership and pinpoints five principles driving the chain’s success: Make it your own, constantly look for ways to add customers, increase efficiency, sell more to existing customers, and generate breakthrough products and service. A rich mix of ideas for businesses that want to learn about Starbucks’ phenomenal vision, creativity, and leadership within their company and in their field.

3-D Negotiation by David A Lax and James K Sebenius, RM119.80 (ISBN: 1591397995)

This book adds depth and complexity to our understanding and practical approach to negotiations. The 3-D perspective focuses on the surface process and the hidden, potential value to be unlocked with skillful “deal-design.”

Jeremy Oliver The Australian Wine Annual 2007, RM58.40 (ISBN: 0958103259)

Australia’s most influential wine writer releases the latest edition of his best-selling guide to Australian wine. This title goes through the best and best-selling Australian wines, maker by maker, vintage by vintage, offering a huge amount of easily understood information at a glance. It includes a full-colour image of each wine label, what is happening with each winery, its most important details and reviews of current wines.

The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille, RM99.90 (ISBN: 0767920562)

Cultural anthropologist Rapaille reveals techniques he uses to improve profitability and practices for Fortune 100 companies. He sheds light on how business and every human being acts and lives. His notion is that we acquire a silent system of codes as we grow up within our culture. It is these codes that make an American an American and a German, German.

Blue Ocean Strategy by W Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, RM119.80 (ISBN: 1591396190)

Kim and Mauborgne suggest that the only way for tomorrow’s companies to move ahead will be to make competitors irrelevant. The duo highlight six principles – how to reconstruct market boundaries, focus on the big picture, reach beyond existing demand, get the strategic sequence right, overcome organisational hurdles and turn execution into strategy.

Live Your Best Life from O, The Oprah Magazine, RM119.90 (ISBN: 0848731050)

A goodie bag for everyone whenever you want inspiration, advice, a shot of comic relief or to pop a confidence pill. Divided into three sections. Your Personal Best is about getting you into shape, to be happier, healthier, fitter and thinner. Relationships takes you from meeting your match to dealing with his annoying habits and Living in the World includes conversations with celebrities, politicians and activists.

Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die by Chris Santella, RM99.90 (ISBN: 1584794747)

Santella interviews 50 golfers about their favourite courses around the world. From Ballyiffin, Ireland’s northernmost course, to New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers, photographs capture the histories and ambience of the different venues for one of the world’s most popular sports.

MPH'S SELECTION

Tough Choices by Carly Fiorina, RM80 (ISBN 1857883918)

Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO, writes with brutal honesty about her triumphs and failures, her fears and painful confrontations, including her sudden and public firing by HP’s board of directors.

Mavericks At Work: Why The Most Original Minds In Business Win by William C. Taylor & Polly LaBarre, RM89.90 (ISBN 0007244088)

Unconventional ideas and groundbreaking strategies can become your business plan for the 21st century. In an age of hyper-competition and non-stop innovation, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to be original. This book will help you think bigger, aim higher, and win more decisively.

The Leader's Guide To Storytelling by Stephen Denning, RM79.80 (ISBN 078797675 X)

The role of storytelling in a meeting is among the most important leadership challenges today. It motivates others to act, builds trust and helps to transmit one’s values in a non-aggressive way. Denning offers a detailed account of why and how each type of story works, with examples from business settings.

The Business Of Changing The World by Marc Benioff & Carlye Adler, RM111.80 (ISBN 0071481516)

When Benioff founded salesforce.com, his vision was to change the model for philanthropic giving. Along with 19 other leaders, he shares how giving back to the community creates a win-win situation for both businesses and the public.

Break From The Pack: How To Compete In A Copycat Economy by Oren Harari, RM79.00 (ISBN 0131888633)

Everywhere, products are being commoditised, services are being imitated, and traditional barriers to market entry are collapsing. In today’s Copycat Economy, companies must break from the pack. Harari identifies 10 common mistakes that keep companies trapped in the pack and six strategies that will propel your organisation forward.

Ocean, RM204 (ISBN 1405312920)

Explore the last wilderness left on Earth. From the geology of the sea floor and the interaction between the oceans and atmosphere to the extraordinary diversity of marine life, the ocean is a fragile resource for man. A beautiful visual essay celebrates the drama of the sea, while illustrations and the satellite-derived maps explain and illuminate each natural process and phenomenon.

IWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon – Getting to the Core of Apple’s Inventor by Steve Wozniak with Gina Smith, RM72.50 (ISBN 0755314077)

A memoir of cult icon Steve Wozniak, the Apple co-founder and inventor, and how he changed the face of the computing industry.

Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by Mark Sanborn, RM35.90 (ISBN 184413816 X)

This is not a new book but its message is timeless. Motivational speaker Sanborn recounts the true story of Fred, the mail carrier who loves his job and who cares about the people he serves. Because of that, he is constantly going the extra mile in handling the mail of the people on his route. Where others might see delivering mail as monotonous drudgery, Fred sees an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those he serves. Sanborn illuminates the simple steps each of us can take to transform our own lives from the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Cars by Enzo Rizzo, RM84.70 (ISBN 88 544 01722)

From classic to dream cars, sports to luxury wheels, this compendium features the finest luxury cars produced by Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Lancia, Bentley, Triumph and Jaguar.

Masterpieces of Modern Architecture, RM193.45 (ISBN 8854401455)

Architecture is probably the most tangible reflection of the transformation affecting human societies. This book examines the new trends in architecture from the end of WWII to the beginning of the new millennium, highlighting new modernity, from gargantuan structures and hi-tech to postmodernism and minimalism.

Putting a dent in the universe

“I want to put a dent in the universe” Steve Jobs, Apple CEO

A few weeks ago, I received a book from publisher McGraw-Hill on Steve Jobs by communications coach Carmine Gallo.

I started recollecting the “Think Different” Apple ad campaign. The ad was the starting point in Steve Job's revival of a company he founded, was fired from and later brought back to turnaround.

The ad was memorable because it was essentially about Steve Job's leadership and his desire to “change the world.”

The copy of the ad, read by Richard Dreyfuss, goes like this: “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. And the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.”

This campaign featured Thomas Edison, Einstein, Gandhi, Amelia Earheart and other Apple heroes.

Steve explained that “you can tell a lot about a person by who his or her heroes are” and his role models were people who “changed the world”.

Steven Paul Jobs has become “the most successful CEO today” according to Jack Welch, reshaping the computer, entertainment, music, telecommunications and the book industries.

Born to Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali, a Syrian, he was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs who promised his biological parents that they would send Steve to college.

Steve did go to Reed College but dropped out after one semester.

Although dropping out, he continued attending classes he was passionate about. He worked briefly at Hewlett-Packard meeting Steve Wozniak, who would later co-found Apple with him, then took a job with Atari to save money to go to India to “find himself”.

He travelled to India and came back a Buddhist with his head shaved and wearing traditional Indian clothing.

Steve began that trip wanting to “change the world” but he did not know how. During his time in India, he realised that “maybe Thomas Edison did a lot more to improve the world than Karl Marx or Neem Karolie Baba put together.”

Steve's trip to India convinced him that his purpose on earth was “to put a dent in the universe” through innovation like his great role model Thomas Edison.

Studying Steve's leadership, I uncovered that he, like Mandela, Gandhi, Napoleon, Jack Welch and other great leaders, all began their leadership journey in silent retreat “finding themselves and their passion”.

In fact, interestingly, I found six key steps which enabled all great leaders across time to “put a dent in the universe”.

The steps are as follows:

1. Take time to be with yourself to know yourself and find out what you truly love to do and what drives you

2. Define your vision of a better tomorrow and redefine it till the vision excites you

3. Sell and excite the world with the message of your vision

4. Build a plan of execution to achieve this vision, including the mobilisation of people to ensure the vision becomes a reality

5. Say “NO” to distractions and focus relentlessly on achieving the vision

6. Execute! Execute! Execute! and keep executing flawlessly with high quality overcoming obstacles that come your way

Finding yourself and your passion

Steve Jobs dropped out of college, disappointing his parents in the process. But he was always curious claiming, “the minute I dropped out I could stop taking the required classes that didn't interest me, and dropping in on the ones that looked interesting.”

He attended a calligraphy class because he was passionate about typefaces even though he knew that this class had no “hope of any practical application in my life.” Yet ten years later, this calligraphy class was the reason that the Macintosh had beautiful typography.

Steve believes his philosophy of following his heart is a key part of leadership adding “you must have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”

Then Steve went to India spending time with the surroundings and the Creator discovering his “calling.”

In fact, when Steve in an interview with the Smithsonian postulates: “I think you should go get a job as a busboy or something until you find something you are really passionate about. I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure PERSEVERANCE. It is so hard. There are such rough moments that I think most people give up. Unless you have a lot of passion, you're not going to survive. You're going to give up. So, you've got to have an idea, or a problem or a wrong that you want to do right that you are passionate about, otherwise you are not going to have the perseverance to stick it through. I think that's half the battle right there.”

And he is right. You have got to find what you love and are passionate about first.

Define your vision of a better tomorrow

Steve always sees a future with possibilities.

He looks beyond today and sees something better in everything. He saw computers as much more than dreary productivity tools. He saw the MP3 player as more than a Walkman.

On the iPhone, he remarked, “We all had cellphones. We just hated them, they were so awful to use. The software was terrible. The hardware wasn't very good,” and so he challenged his team, “Let's make a great phone that we fall in love with. We're going to do it. Let's try.' It was the same with the iPad. Steve had a way of seeing a greater future.

In Gallo's book, he cites a story where Steve was recruiting a top talent to Apple 30 years ago.

This talent asked, “What is your vision for the personal computer?” For the next hour, Steve painted a picture of how personal computers were going to change the world.

He weaved his vision of how it would change everything from work, education, entertainment and everything. After hearing Steve's vision, he immediately signed up to work at Apple, a small startup then.

Great leaders have vision. According to former Apple leader Trip Hawkins, “Steve has the power of vision that is almost frightening. When Steve believes in something, the power of that vision can literally sweep aside any objections or problems.”

Articulate the vision

One of the key leadership lessons Steve internalised is the CEO's role as company evangelist and vision spokesperson. Leaders can dream big visions but can they articulate that vision ensuring it's appealing, vibrant, and gripping?

How does Steve message his vision so perfectly? Firstly, he is passionate about the vision and his energy flows from this passion. More importantly, he spends hours practicing and preparing ensuring his vision is fully understood.

A BusinessWeek week article notes that Steve's articulation of his vision “comes only after gruelling hours of practice.”

And he communicates by simply allowing you to visualise the vision. Most leaders have visions but the problem is they don't communicate that vision effectively.

Mobilising people to execute the vision

A big part about Steve's leadership is his ability to hire people who are “inspired to make the dream a reality” (Gallo).

Ultimately, people are the key to success as no single idea Steve had would have been successful had not others joined his crusade.

Similarly, Martin Luther King and Gandhi did not develop followers just by his inspiring speeches.

Instead, they spent the greater part bonding, building coalitions, and connecting with communities one person at a time.

Their powerful agenda moved forward as they mobilised people together on a personal level.

Great leaders have powerful one-on-one dialogues mobilising people to their cause.

Focusing on the journey

Steve Jobs seems to be all over the place with so many new ideas and innovative products. Yet, he was extremely focused and clear where his journey required him to go.

Steve said, “the people who are doing the work are the moving force behind Apple. My job is to create a space for them, to clear out the rest of the organisation and keep it at bay.”

He ensures that he removes hindrances from the focus.

Focusing on the most important issues means you have to say “NO to 1000 things” including distractions, which is difficult to do.

Steve adds, “Apple is a US$30bil company, yet we've got less than 30 major products. The great consumer electronics companies of the past had thousands of products. We tend to focus much more. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.”

Steve is clearly focused on a few key items that will truly “make a dent in the universe” adding, “I'm actually as proud of many of the things we haven't done as the things we have done.”

Likewise, we too can learn to prioritise and focus on truly value-added vision-related activity.

Execute flawlessly

It's easy to execute on your vision when things go well.

Usually, things never go to plan.

Steve recalls, “at Pixar making Toy Story, there came a time when we were forced to admit that the story wasn't great. We stopped production for five months.”

At Pixar, there was a story crisis' for every film. And at Apple, according to Steve, there is a crisis for almost every single major project or product. But executing flawlessly means overcoming these challenges and tribulations through discipline, as he claims, “To turn really interesting ideas and fledgling technologies into a company that can continue to innovate for years, it requires a lot of discipline.” Every Monday, Steve has a marathon process' meeting with his team.

He says, “what we do every Monday is we review the whole business. And we do it every single week.” Ram Charan, famous business guru whom I interviewed recently on the “Leaderonomics Show” wrote a book on execution.

The key message is the same as Steve execution is boring and tedious and repetitive. But it's this rigour that ultimately enables organisations to be successful. Steve understood the power of ruthless execution. Finally, every journey will require overcoming obstacles.

At 21, Steve was the charismatic boy wonder who co-founded Apple.

He was worth US$200mil by 25, but was thrown out of the company he founded by age 30.

Steve lost everything when kicked out of Apple and could easily have given up and thrown in the towel. But he started all over again with NeXT and Pixar not losing his passion. Leadership is never an easy journey. It is hard work and filled with challenges.

Steve recently had to fight two near-death experiences with cancer but takes the positives out of it saying, “remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.”

No one said leadership was easy but it is definitely worth the journey.

TS

Golden Rules

what you see , you can pursue

• Start with a clear , concise Vision
• Write it down
• Make sure you can see it
• Review it daily
• Share it with people who will help you
• Focus on it
• Give it your dedication and commitment

First you visualize,then you actualize