MJIN Advisory

28/08/2024

The Joy of Missing Out by Tanya Dalton
In a world obsessed with unrelenting demands and content, we have lost sight of the main purpose of technology: to give us back time and energy.
To prevent ourselves from becoming slaves to devices and always-tasking (extreme version of multitasking), Tanya Dalton shares 5 Ps to regain back control of your time and mind.

Purge - Create separate lists for home and work tasks. Utilise the Eisenhower Matrix to sort tasks: Not urgent, not important (reject), Not urgent, important (plan for later), Urgent, not important (delegate), urgent, important (focus now).

Process - Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones. Group similar tasks together.

Prioritise - Assess which task can be done with the least effort and finish it first. This builds momentum to carry on for the next tasks.

Protect - Utilise time-boxing to ring fence time for work and for winding down.

Propel - If a task needs to be returned to, write short, informative notes to allow quick resumption of task.

Here's to a more productive, joyful life, where doing less, is indeed more.

07/05/2024

We all have experienced it before: it rains just before you want to head out to play, the bus leaves as you reach the bus stop, the train breaks down just as you board it, there is a massive traffic jam as you are in a rush.
This is "when things dont go your way". And how do you react? With anger, irritation and your mood is negatively affected.
In the constant buzz and rush of today's world, have you ever slowed down to ponder, why do things happen the way it did? Did you have control over "the things that didnt go your way"?
Haenim Sunim provides easily accessible ways to flip the negative mindset, and allow peace to pervade the mind and build a resilient attitude.
All it takes, is for us to slow down :)

Book here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Dont-Your-Way-ebook/dp/B0C3C2XCG4

29/04/2024

Communication Strategies for the Global Workplace by Ulrike Marianne Murfett and David Yew

Delivered as a communication lecture to civil servants in SG, the book succinctly presents the basics of communication, challenges of communication in a fast-changing and unpredictable environment and research-based tips on effective communication. Here are some key points.

A communication framework, Strategic Contingency Model (SCM) is introduced. It breaks down the process of crafting an appropriate communication into 3 factors: (a) Determining the desired outcome, (b) Situational factors (knowing your audience, message orientation, setting the context, sender's credibility) and (c) Design factors (choice of media, info organisation)

Mastering the art of persuasion is the foundation of effective communication. This includes determining the benefits for the target audience, constructing sound arguments, utilising the right tone & media as well as focusing on a You-titide (a reader-centric mindset).

The book provides real world examples of the different message types (informational, persuasive, negative) and contrast between the different information organisation (direct Vs indirect) for clarity. Templates for business reports, presentations and document design are also provided.

The content presented is applicable to all professional levels and sectors.

Link: https://search.worldcat.org/title/communication-strategies-for-the-global-workplace/oclc/731801938

24/04/2024

In SG, the PM handover date is announced to be 15 May 2024. Beyond it being after "bonus season", are there any other considerations? Here is a Numerology analysis:

The Day contains the energy of the 'Devil'. While naysayers will have a field day on harping about the 'Devil' being appointed, the 'Devil' energies are actually more benevolent, carrying characteristics of Discernment, Smartness and Mastery.

The overall energies indicate a Pioneering spirit, of a new beginning and where all options considered, a path is chosen. A truly representative day for a leadership handover.

Finally, the underlying energies consist of Justice, Harmony and Balance, common themes that have been mentioned by the new PM.

Hence, from a Numerology POV, the date carries suitable, favourable energies for PM successor. We can only hope new PM delivers on what he has promised.

Copyrighted by Insights of Numbers

23/04/2024

Leadership and Self-deception by The Arbinger Institute
Elegantly expressed through a fictional story, the researchers at Arbinger Institute unpack the elusive reason why toxicity exists in the workplace, and why we get irritated by certain people, for no apparent reason. Here are some key points:

The "Box":
The main reason that people fall into a “toxicity” cycle, is that they are in the “Box”, a state of mind that constantly seeks self-justification through ascribing blame to others and/or defensive glorification, as well as viewing people as objects that could be controlled and manipulated to feed this self-justification.

Entering the “Box”:
People enter the “Box” via Self-betrayal, which is an act to consciously NOT do what one feels they should do for others. Upon entering the “Box”, one will begin the “toxicity” cycle of self-justification, causing the self’s view of reality to be distorted, only focusing on outcomes for the self and not on positive outcomes for all.

What happens in the “Box”:
When one enters the “Box”, it provokes others to enter their “Boxes”, which starts the Mutual mistreatment cycle (or termed as “collusion”, in giving each other reason(s) to remain in the “Box” through creating a vicious propagating cycle that accentuates the faults of others, while blinding the self to their own shortcomings). Over time, these “Boxes” become habit, and people carry them to all aspects of lives; at work, at home and even alone. It slowly becomes a way of life, and has turned into a “virus” that starts to erode all of the relationships in life.

Getting out of the “Box”:
It begins with a change of mindset, to view people as fellow humans, with needs and aspirations, and not objects to be controlled and manipulated. When compassion and empathy takes over, one begins to see clearly people’s feelings, needs and who they are. One will then naturally seek to do things to help people, rather than fall into the Self-betrayal trap.

Remaining out of the “Box”:
It is human to fall back into the Self-betrayal trap. Most importantly, it is the mindfulness of one’s “Box” and actions, when one has fallen into it as well as effort to get out of it. Don’t aim for perfection; Aim to be better and to keep trying, no matter the obstacles.

19/04/2024

Coaching for Performance by Sir John Whitmore
A seminal book for those interested in coaching, the 4th edition has remained relevant despite it being published almost 15 years ago. It covers the principles and practice of coaching, and the applicability to the workplace and leadership instances. Below are some key points noted:

The Essence & Goal of Coaching:
Is to unlock one's potential to maximise their own performance (unleashing their Inner Game; by building Awareness, Responsibility and ultimately Self-belief in the coachee. In which, building Awareness refers to sharpening acuity to high quality, relevant input, leading to empowerment and skill. Whereas building Responsibility invokes ownership, self-motivation and commitment. Combing both ultimately trains an attitude of mind that pursues inner potential all the time.

The Elements & Practice of Coaching:
The key element requires using Effective questions. As far as possible, avoiding 'why' questions (which may imply blame attribution) and 'how' questions (this invokes the analytical mode, which limits deep awareness).
The GROW model is espoused, consisting of:
- a Goal, which can be divided into a dream, end and performance goal, as well as the process in achieving them;
- examining current Reality. This involves objective introspection by focusing on descriptive details and tapping on the senses, emotions and attitudes;
- in generating Options to reach the Goals generated, the key is to not limit/dismiss any suggestion or let negative assumptions come in. Once all options are exhausted, sort them by cost/benefit;
- in the final phase, decision is taken via a set of 'Will' questions, that will determine the actions to be taken, timeframe, achievement to goals, possible obstacles, support needed and rating of certainty on actions to be taken.

Coaching in the Workplace:
- The benefits of coaching in the workplace are undeniable; improved performance & productivity & resource planning, improved Quality of Life & relationships, improved creativity, improved agility;
- It is the implementation that limits the effects. It is an intricate balance between performance, learning and enjoyment where employing a non-judgmental input-feedback loop enhances learning, real enjoyment comes about from being present and mindful and the combination of both will bring about sustained performance improvement.

Coaching in Teams:
Largely similar to coaching an individual, with the additional development phase needed to bring the team together. The phases are:
- Inclusion, where members seek belonging and place in the team
- Assertion, where members now compete with each other for recognition (self esteem or esteem from others)
- Cooperation, where members now reach a self-actualisation stage and focus on banding together for a common goal/purpose rather than impeding each other
Common Goals & Ground Rules (collectively generated and agreed upon) are more imperative for team coaching, as it sets a framework for all to follow and becomes the glue to bind members together

Coaching for Leadership:
The biggest challenge in current Leadership instances is for Change to be sustainable. For that, Culture needs to evolve. Fear is the main factor preventing culture evolution (fear of unknown, fear of breaking something working, fear of loss of control, etc). To break the cycle, it begins with Deconditioning (shedding baggage), Personal growth (of the leaders) followed by Transpersonal development.

The book also covers other relevant ideas such as the 6 qualities of good Leadership (Values, Vision, Authenticity, Agility, Alignment, Purpose), the relation of society's evolution (and current depressing state) to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how Transpersonal Development is able to lift people into the appropriate mental state.

Note: The 5th edition is available, revised with new practical exercises, corporate examples, coaching dialogues, and a glossary, strengthen the learning process, whilst a critical new chapter demonstrates how to measure the benefits of coaching as a return on investment.
(https://www.amazon.sg/Coaching-Performance-Principles-Leadership-ANNIVERSARY/dp/1473658128)

11/03/2024

In place of a "Manual of Me", an easier and more accessible method would be to leverage on Numerology and more specifically, Insights of Numbers.
Gather awareness and insights of yourself and others through profiling via Insights of Numbers, tailored for the workplace setting.
PM for more :)
Insights of Numbers

Some workplaces are encouraging staff to write personal user guides to help them get along with colleagues. The Financial Times' Bethan Staton looks at whether this can help improve cohesion among staff.

04/03/2024

Coaching, combined with profiling tools such as Numerology, offer a powerful framework that transcends any sector, providing insights that lead to transformative change.

In the face of rapid, disruptive change, companies are realizing that managers can’t be expected to have all the answers and that command-and-control leadership is no longer viable. As a result, many firms are moving toward a coaching model in which managers facilitate problem-solving and encourag...

08/02/2024

Awareness of oneself is only the beginning.
It creates a fundamental shift in mental paradigm of "Why can't I do this" to "Let's see what I can do".
Trust that everyone has a role to play, and you will not feel left out again :)

08/02/2024

This is one of the defining characteristics of the Period 9 (2024-2044) that we have entered into.
Chaos, uncertainty arising from a general "hot-headed" energy surrounding the world now is fueling this.
Nonetheless, navigating a turbulent period like this will be smoother, with greater awareness and insights to your own strengths, gifts and potential.
PM to find out more :)

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday (Feb 7) that the world is entering "an age of chaos" with a deeply divided Security Council unable to address critical issues such as the Israel-Hamas war. With the war in Gaza entering its fifth month on Wednesday, Guterres warn...

12/12/2023

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/dining/chings-pancake-circuit-road-min-jiang-kueh-381386

What a story it would be, if this couple actually used their expertise in the printing business to "print" min jiang kueh 😁
Now that would take an ordinary pastry up a level yea 😉

The 50-something husband-and-wife team initially delivered online shopping parcels on the side to keep their printing shop going. “Delivery prices kept falling, but the goods became heavier and heavier,” said Heng Ching Ching, who switched to selling pancakes instead.

24/11/2023

There is much beauty and value in simplicity, which comes the deep awareness of oneself and the practicing of mindfulness.
For the first step in achieving a deep awareness of oneself, the Insights of Numbers is a comprehensive framework to provide a picture of your strengths, weaknesses, comfort zone and traits to work on to fulfill your potential.

Leave a comment or DM for a complimentary report.



https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/i-turned-55-this-month-here-s-what-i-wish-i-knew-at-30?utm_campaign=stfb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2F-gSHIXeFSLGuAWQCb2n6e1PLjmKBlkHQjwJVYrinojS0MZ9LBLr_Quc

The chase for the good life can get addictive. Read more at straitstimes.com.