RESPECT

It’s another beautiful week here with us. Last week was a crazy week for me. Several assignments at my place of work left me with little breathing space. It was a productive week though
Like many Kenyans, I realized that every time I get to the office, there are a number of things I do, before I settle down to serious business. This is what happens on a typical morning when I walk thru the office door.

• Walk around in the office, greet everyone by hand (as a rule!) wearing a smile (I rarely smile, so when u c that smile, its genuine)
• Connect my laptop to power, plug in the network cable
• Once on, Start browser, logon to FB (yes, FB first, damn! I shud quit FB), log on to Lotus, log on to my three gmail accounts, log on to my two yahoo accounts, log on to Simba, then run wikipedia
• Check msgs on FB. No messages on FB!!?? Curse all my friends and decide to log out, but b4 I do, I convince myself to stay on.. I browse a few of my friend’s profiles and walls….. I laugh at some, curse others and admire a few photoz,
• then check gmail - reply to mails, check yahoo - delete junk mail, Check Lotus, reply to ones I can and the rest are included in the 2do list for the day.
• Scan through the diary for urgent things to do, and get down to business.
  
  The reason why I spelled the sequence of my morning tasks is coz of FB. Facebook has become the in-thing nowadays. We meet new friends on FB, flirt on FB, date on FB, pass time on FB and begin affairs on FB! That’s the reality! I spend almost 30mins on FB everyday, and I kick myself for this, however, I console myself coz I have friends who spend almost 5hours on FB everyday!! I will tell you how, you can cut down on the hours you spend on FB to boost yourself respect among your colleagues.

Action Point: Earn The Respect of Others

I came across an article by Brian Tracy and thought I should share some extracts from it.. .read on…
Being respected by others is very important to all of us. Surveys have found that the most prominent living humans rated respect of others as the most important measure of success in life. They worked hard to earn the respect of their parents, the respect of their spouses and children, the respect of their peers and colleagues, and the respect of mankind at large.
It seems that we truly respect ourselves only when we feel that we are respected by others, and will go to great lengths to earn and keep that respect.
There are two things we can do to put ourselves in a position to be respected by others. This first is to develop our knowledge of our field. The more people perceive you know about your subject, the more they will respect you. The highest-paid people in almost every field are those who know more than the average people
Another way to put ourselves in a position of being respected by others is to develop your expertise. Expertise is closely tied to knowledge, but it is a little different. Expertise is the ability to do, the ability to perform well in your chosen field
There are things you can do to put these ideas into action.

First study you field in detail. Cut down on time spend on FB and dedicate at least an hour per day to reading and studying to become more knowledgeable.
Secondly, continually upgrade you knowledge and skills in your field.

Quote

its not knowing much, but what is useful that makes a wise man

Thomas fuller

I'm back!!

Its been long!! since August 10th 2008!!! wow....I changed work stations, work multiplied, I went underground, then hibernation, then on leave and back again, 5 months laters. I've done things I have neva done before, been to places I've never been b4 and acquired knowledge that took perseverance and endurance to gain. I had my own share of terrible experiences, uphill tasks, I have been blasted, name called, congratulated, misjudged, rewarded and seen my efforts bear fruits. I've done stuff that amazes me, and stuff that makes me wanna kick my ***. I have sinned, begged for 4giveness, risked my life, risked my finances and stood for what I believe in. All in all, Gods grace and favour have followed me through out!!

I shall be putting down an account of all these experiences here, soon. I penned down resolutions for this year as well, and one of them was to blog regularly, if I lay them down here on the blog, then, it will be easier for me to keep, coz then I will be accountable.

Action Point: ULIMWENGU

Ulimwengu Utauweza Ujifunzapo Kut0 Kata Tamaa

Quote

I rate enthusiasm even above professional skill

Edward Appleton, Physicist

have a relaxed weekend!

Squad Leaders experience

thi is a continuation of the Squad Leaders experiences narated earlier in this blog... read on
... the second day at APTC was a test of attitude and the will to remain strong in light of adversity. That morning, we realized the importance of working as a team. After the strenuous morning run (we called it ‘morning glory’) and grueling exercises, I could not help but toy around with the idea of quitting!! There was a problem though. Quitting would mean losing my job but more importantly, we were a team and just like a chain, a team is as strong as its weakest member. (The law of the chain: The strength of the team is impacted by its weakest link) Quitting would kill my colleagues’ morale and make the team weak and vulnerable. And of course I had the male ego to guard!!
After dressing up in our military gears, we went to the mess for breakfast. Not without drama though. Our admin Sergeant was hot on our heels backing instructions left, right and upside down! “Soldiers flock in 3’s!”, “Soldiers run or quick-match, no leisure walking”, “Soldiers salute their seniors!”…. After breakfast, we headed straight for the morning parade. This was like one of those primary school assemblies where the teacher inspects your cleanliness, only that this was stricter.

Our boots had to be sparkling clean and shinning, the uniform well pressed to match the shirt and our jersey had to be tacked in…yes tacked in!. We had to stand under the scorching sun for one and half hours, all the while commands flowing:-“kifua mbele!” “kaza kiwiko!” “Angalia mbele kulingana na urefu wako!” By now, I could tell the sun was not doing any favors to my colleague standing in front of me. He relaxed his stand and sighed. “Nani hiyo nasisimama kama match-stick!” thundered the corporal. …then the unthinkable happens, my colleague bends and starts vomiting on the parade ground!! The corporal walks over slowly, bends and counts the pieces of meat in the vomit. “mocha, mbili, tatu” then he thunders, “Hii mutu natapika nyama tatu, na sisi tuna mpatia mbili, atatwambia hiyo ya tatu alitoa wapi?”…..I was dying of laughter…I could not dare laugh though! (The required meat consumption for a recruit is 75g per day… appr. 2pieces of meat, and that’s what is served at the camp)

After the parade, we went back to the drill ground for training. Drill; this is where we were taught how to stand attention, at ease, left turn, right turn, about turn, how to match both quick and slow match. Now this was fun, though not for a lady who had knock-knees! She could not stand attention! And then we had this guy whose coordination of his hands and legs was zero! “kwani miguu yako yote ni ya left?” the corporal used to ask

This is where we got to know why we had written our names and qualifications at the gate when we were reporting. Our drill sergeant made it clear that we had left our degrees, our A’s in Maths and all other qualifications at the gate. While at the camp, the Maths that mattered was 1, 2, 3 and the English that mattered was Yes Sir/Madam. No more!! He said we could always pick our degrees and masters at the gate on our way out after the training!! This guy was dead serious. We matched in Numbers, shook hands in numbers, received our certificates in numbers and shouted in numbers!! One, two salimia, two three kata.. one, two pokea (certificate), two, three kata…that was life. He also made it clear that “YES SIR/MADAM” was the only acceptable answer and all what we had and owned, “ni mali ya serikali”. He made us confess at the top of our voices by asking, “hizo boots ni za nani?”, we replied in unison “ni Za serikali sir!!”, “na hiyo miguu imevaa boots ni ya nani?”…. “na kifua ni ya nani?”, ….“kisigino ni ya nani?”… “kiwiko ni ya nani?”…. “ndevu na nywele ni za nani?”…. you can guess the answer to all those questions. Then came the instructions “Ndevu na nywele za seririkali zinyolewe, kisigino ya serikali ichimbe chini, weka kifua ya serikali mbele, kiwiko ya serikali ikazwe na boots za serikali zing’ae”
I loved drill; this is where the discipline begins. We also leant that every move a soldier makes, he begins with the left foot. That got soo into me that every time I stand to walk, or I’m climbing stairs or boarding the bus, I always begin with my left foot!!
After a heated discussion over tea break, we unanimously vowed that no one would quit however tough the training would be. The 2nd law of teamwork came into the picture. We were recruited in to be change agents; we were determined to serve our employer and our country. The law of the price tag: The team fails to reach its potential when if fails to pay the price. The training was the price we had to pay, and we were willing to pay it.

After tea break, we joined the physical training instructor for PT (Physical Training). This was a no-nonsense session where endurance was instilled. Sit ups with logs on our chests, push ups on tires, crawling on our stomachs and frog jumps so intense that I felt like doing it on my pants!! Sweat is salty while tears are sugary; this is where you get to taste the mixture of the two!
(in the next issue, I unveil the Mt. Kenya experience, the chilly nights, the Long walks, the early morning water dips, the panga walks and the solo camp)

An account of the 'New Year' Resolutions

It’s been a while now; I had several deadlines to meet. Well, those were met, and new ones set! It’s been a challenging two weeks for me; a lot happened, some life changing moments, heartbreaking moments and heartwarming moments as well. But well, çést là vie mòn amí!

Its mid-year, I know most people have 4gotn all about their new year’s resolutions and diaries are gathering dust at some shelf in the house. Well, as for me, my diary is my companion, take that away, you cripple me. I think its time I upgraded to a PDA (of course, if wishes were horses…yeah tha’ one) Now, last weekend I was reviewing my ‘new’ years resolutions while trying to determine how much I had accomplished and how further ahead I need to go. I must pat my back because for sure, I have done a lot. That’s not to say, I have accomplished, nope. Truth be told, there is much more I need to do. In the beginning of this year, I listed my New Year’s resolution in the happy New Year greetings on Colleague talk. Going through em’, I realized how powerful resolutions can be.

Action Point: My account of the new years resolutions
I had intended to begin a course I had always wanted to… ( I did, I’m takin an online MA..hurrraayyyyy)
I intended to inject new ideas at my work place ( I did bring forth great ideas that were implemented, but as for how well they worked, I will leave that to my boss!!)
I intended to make my work place as enjoyable as possible (I introduced the idea of having lunch fortnightly as an office.... mostly Fridays, its worked, sometimes, we do it weekly!! .... its Fun especially wen we throw ni a few pints!!!)
I intended to put down my personal Vision and Mission Statement (well, I’m not willing to reveal these, coz they are very aggressive, but my motto is ‘its not enough to do your best, you must know what to do, then do your best’)
I intended to learn new skills ( well.. eeeh.. still thinking)
I intended to cultivate a number of virtues – Assertiveness (improved), Time-keeping (50%), Self-respect (on track), Self-confidence(on track), Courage (on track..more), Determination (on track..more needed) and Going the extra mile (on track..more)
I intended to improve my job acumen (I have done this through the online MA)
Pray Until Something Happens (I need to do more of this)

Well, that’s the mid-year account of my resolutions. Feel free to share your account with me!

I’ve just leant that my organization has surpassed the targets set for the previous financial year…. That means I’m pocketing a bonus in two weeks. Phew…. It will come in hardy, I need to clear hizo madeni’z.

Quote

It is not falling in water that makes you drown, it is actually staying under
water that will make you drown

Unknown

The Most excellent way

Last week I attended a course on Search and Rescue Operations. I thot I knew alot about this world, but hey, I realized I know very little. Do you know what a GMDSS is? I thot so. It is Global Maritime Distress Safety System recommend by International Maritime Organization for all vessels operating in the international waters. Main purpose is to send distress calls wen the personell and vessel is in danger. Kenya has a well equiped Search and Rescue Regional command centre at KPA (Kenya Ports Authority), run by KMA (Kenya Maritime Authority)

ACTION POINT : The Most Excellent Way
We all fall in love, sometimes, our lovers disappoint us, things don't seem to be the way we wud like em to be. But hey, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 has The Most Excellent Way... if only we can try
" The Most Excellent way
Love is patient
Love is kind
it does not envy
it does not boast
it is not proud
it is not rude
it is not self-seeking
it is not easily angered
it keeps no record of wrongs
love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
it always protects
always hopes
always perseveres
Love Neve Fails. "

That got me emotional ....

Successful People

The past two weeks have been very challenging for me. I’ve been juggling books, work load, deadlines, reports and of course, personal relationships. It’s been hectic, to say the least, and I had to go back to my time management manual to get tips on how to utilize my time effectively. Work - family and work - social life balances are challenging acts, very challenging. I feel that my employer needs to do much more in terms of educating staff on especially work-family balance. This is a fundamental aspect of our lives, just like our health, that the organization needs to have a keen look at, as well as train staff on, how to balance the two. Failure in one, may spell doom to the other.

Action point: Successful people
I got this article from a newspaper column and thot it wise to share with you….
Successful people are those who do things when they are supposed to be done whether they like it or not. Discipline and delayed gratification can be achieved through building a system of rewards and punishments for yourself. There should be a price to pay for indulging yourself and a reward for resisting temptation. When you complete something that needs to be done, reward yourself.
Having an accountability partner is also important. The simple human desire to appear competent to someone else is often enough to control your spending.

QUOTE

I learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything…atleast not at the sametime. So, think of your priorites not in terms of what activities you do, but when you do them. Timing is everything”

Dan Millman, Author.

Have a fantastic week and a fabulous weekend ahead….

Colleague Talk: Telephone Etiquettes

I had a fabulous week, I was working out of my office and a different office setting is always welcome. I’m not by any chance implying that I dislike my office, if anything; I missed my immediate colleagues a lot. I had a chance of meeting colleagues in other sections as well and it was interesting. The other week I attended Customer care training at my organizations training institute. It was da bomb! I leant soo much that it would take me four Colleague Talk (CT) columns to capture quarter of what we leant. But just to mention, I leant that I am Customer number one, you my colleague, are my Most important customer and the taxpayer is my most critical/essential customer, how about that, huh?

ACTION POINT: TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE
I have made a number of calls internally and the response on the other end of the line makes me think my organizations family lacks Telephone Etiquettes!! This true for many organizatons, even yours!! You doubt? Pick a phone and call your colleagues’ extension and listen to how they respond. In upholding professionalism, the small things taken for granted speak volumes. How you answer the phone says a great deal about you and your business. I think this should be included in all customer care trainings.

Phone answering tips

1. Answer all incoming phone calls before the third ring
2. be warm and enthusiastic when you answer the phone and welcome the caller courteously
3. There are four parts of a proper greeting
• Proper greetings of the hour
• Section name
• Your name
• How May I help you?

Good morning, KPLC supplies, this is James, how may I help you?Or Good morning, Customs KPA maintenance section, Kilindini, James speaking, how may I help you?(You don’t say ‘yo man’..NO!, because you don’t know who is on the other end!)

There are 4 parts to a proper greeting:

1. Proper greeting of the hour…
2. Section name
3. Your name
4. How may I help you?

Take notes regarding calls

• Write down the callers name
• Let them know if you can’t hear them
• Include their name when talking to them
• Always repeat the message
• Wear your smile!

Wearing a smile makes you feel happier and will also brighten up the whole room. Smiling will also make you feel more positive and have a feeling of well being.

On Hold Techniques

• Ask them if they could please hold and wait for their answer.
• Give them an option….Hold or leave a message.
• If holding, check back with them every 30 – 60 seconds.
• Don’t leave them wondering.
• Don’t forget to include their name when thanking them for holding

Types of Transferring

1. Guided Transfer – Let the caller know who they are being transferred to.
2. Description Transfer – Announcing the call to inform your staff the reason they are calling and their name.

Speak slowly and clearly, Enunciate your words and stay away from sounding monotone.
Don’t have a lazy tongue.
Try some tongue twisters to get you moving in the morning.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore
Rubber baby buggy bumpers
Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers

Positive speech

He’s currently out of the office, May I take a message?
I’ll be happy to…..
I’ll transfer you now….
Thank you for holding Ms. Blah…..
One moment please….
Not a problem at all, thank you…..

effective listening skills

• Prepare yourself to listen
• Concentrate on what is being said
• Visualize the speaker
• Hold your tongue, don’t interrupt
• Take notes
• Use summarizing statements
• Use conversation cues if the caller is getting long winded
• Listen between the lines
• Be open minded
• Practice positive listening habits

Next time someone calls, please don't say "yo man"