7/7/05

Read 4 law cases in the morning. I have been treating those law cases as stories. Reading about other people's lives is really something. Those cases are no more the dry and uninteresting legal documents. They have become my source of learning about life. There is really much to learn.

Then i played game for abt 7 hours. I realise that i'm still far from completing it. OMG no time no time.

It was 5.30pm when i started preparing to go out to watch Mus Art's pre-world music competition concert. I was mesmorised by the percussion band that played the first half of the concert. Its really an enjoyment watching the high level performance. I realise that percussion is not just about hitting notes and getting the right rythmn. Its about a whole body performance. Unlike the wind players, percussionist stand while they are playing, so it is important to perform using all parts of the body. The facial expression, the nodding of heads according to tempo, the side stepping in a rythmic style, the preparation beat before hitting a note, all of which contributes greatly to the visual enjoyment of the audience. I'm starting to like percussion music. I might even wanna try joining a band just to play percussion. Its a different experience. Good Job Mus Art Percussion club.

The Mus Art Wind Ochestra isn't any far off. They have prepared well enough for a division 2 competition. They sound totally different from the previous few concerts. THe balance, the togetherness, the articulation, the mood, all blended together. They are the sort of loud band but they don't sound ugly. Nice. I wish them good luck for the competition. Gambatte Kudasai.

Slice of Life

Becoming a Great Leader

What's the difference between a "good" leader and a "great" one?

First of all, a great leader has a clear vision. You have to know exactly what you want, where you want to go, and how to get there. Asking your workers for ideas is one thing, but relying on them is entirely another. When you do that too often, your subordinates wonder if you have any ideas of your own. So take all the time you wish, but get that vision right, and get it cast in concrete.

Next, a great leader is continually rowing for safety, even when the raft seems doomed for sharp edges, and after the rest of the team have let go of their oars. This chestnut, at least, is true - the most powerful way of learning is by example. If you can consistently show your team how they can achieve a preferred future, they will begin to believe in it and live it.

Do you believe in yourself as a great leader? Are your passions and values aligned with your vision? If you're afraid to power your team forward, stop squeaking at the meeting. Or worse, pretend to be a lion when everyone knows you're really a mouse. It de-motivates your staff and makes them lose their faith in you.
If you're in a position of power, the burden of responsibility is unavoidable. If you're scared of responsibility, the best thing you can do is step down. If the careers or lives of many are in your hands, either lift them up, or give them to someone else. You know that the world would be a better place if certain world leaders simply relinquished their power to someone who truly cares about making the world a better place.

If you strive to be a great leader, establish measurable goals and plans. Know how to invest your time. Identify and eliminate time wasters. Know your priorities. Take time to set and evaluate goals. Learn to say "no".

To have an A-Team in your organization you need acquire the best talent possible. Talent is many times hidden, but once found it is like a polished gem. The leadership skills and abilities in your team will only be increased as you increase yours. Simply stated, the better leader you become, the better leaders your team members become. As a leader, you must always remember that your team is watching and waiting for you to lead them with committed excellence and exuberant passion. As your team begins the journey to A-Team status, your job will be to show them how to think with creative minds, and to empower them to accomplish your organisation's vision and mission.