A colleague currently attending an industrial relations conference in Bangkok wrote, "Japan has a very interesting model to handle Greying Issues and the re-employment of senior workers. The retirement age in Japan is 60. When a manager retires today, he is being re-employed as a consultant and plays an active role in guiding his deputy who is promoted to take his place. This excellent solution provides both good career advancement opportunities to younger colleagues and re-employment opportunities to more senior colleagues, where their much valued experience can be shared and continued."
I prefer another model.
Not too long ago, a senior person stepped down from heading an organisation in Singapore. He continued to come back to the office afterwards. The new man sent him a memo to such effect; requesting him to vacate the office expediently, as his continued presence was not helping the transition to new leadership.
The old man's office was moved out of the premises soon after. And he has gone on to contribute to other organisations in other ways.
When a manager retires, he should let the new man handle his job without his looming presence. This will enable the new man to pursue his ideas freely without any shadow lurking around.
This is especially useful in situations where one's predecessor is what Harvard Business Review describes as a "narcissistic leader".
Separately, it is useful in roles where your position requires absolute independence. For example, as chief justice of a country.
The old man is, of course, free to share his experience with other companies. The world can be the old man's oyster.
After all, a good manager's expertise is transferable skill and can be as valuable elsewhere.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Reader's Question: Can I Share Your Blog?
QUESTION
Hi, I stumbled upon your blog by chance. I am impressed by the content and style of writing, as well as the purpose (the way you sign off says it all) of your entries. Gushing aside, I would like to request your permission in allowing me to share your blog addresses with my friends. (21-year-olds have much to learn!) I believe they would benefit much from the knowledge that you share on your site, as well as learning about being happy. May I spread the word? - Joy =)
ANSWER
Yes, Joy, Think Happiness can certainly be shared! You and any other reader have my permission to share the blog address.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
At first, I was somewhat perturbed by this question. But I remembered that it is normal for some terms of use on certain websites to say you are not allowed to link to that particular website without prior consent from the website owner / publisher. I also realised that this blog is silent on such a position; there is no express permission or prohibition. Perhaps, the reader was in doubt and wished to clarify her rights of use. Hence, an express permission is now given to all readers, thanks to Joy!
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Hi, I stumbled upon your blog by chance. I am impressed by the content and style of writing, as well as the purpose (the way you sign off says it all) of your entries. Gushing aside, I would like to request your permission in allowing me to share your blog addresses with my friends. (21-year-olds have much to learn!) I believe they would benefit much from the knowledge that you share on your site, as well as learning about being happy. May I spread the word? - Joy =)
ANSWER
Yes, Joy, Think Happiness can certainly be shared! You and any other reader have my permission to share the blog address.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
At first, I was somewhat perturbed by this question. But I remembered that it is normal for some terms of use on certain websites to say you are not allowed to link to that particular website without prior consent from the website owner / publisher. I also realised that this blog is silent on such a position; there is no express permission or prohibition. Perhaps, the reader was in doubt and wished to clarify her rights of use. Hence, an express permission is now given to all readers, thanks to Joy!
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Is the Singapore Police Force inadequately prepared for outdoor protests?
There was a Channel Newsasia report on 12 September 2006: "WTO summit showed outdoor protests can turn violent: S'pore Police".
The report noted, "International Risk says, on hindsight, this episode uncovered a key problem - that the Hong Kong authorities did not adequately prepare for such a thing to happen, and it is a risk the Singapore Police Force is not prepared to take."
Immediately after this, the man shouldering the prime responsibility of security for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings was quoted.
Soh Wai Wah, Chief of Staff, Singapore Police Force, shared why these meetings pose key risks for Singapore. He said, "This underscores the point that outdoor protest can be unpredictable. They may appear harmless, but they have a huge potential to turn disruptive or violent unexpectedly. Singapore has been a terrorist target for a number of years and now. On top of that we have this high profile meeting, VIPS coming from all over the world. So we are even more attractive than ever. The threat of security is very real and that is whey we are taking it very seriously."
It is appreciated that the report intended to show the security risks facing Singapore.
But a reasonable person reading the report was likely to come away with the impression that, having factored in the unique security risks for Singapore during the IMF/World Bank meetings, the Hong Kong experience at the World Trade Organisation summit and its own level of preparedness for such risks, the Singapore Police Force concluded that it was ill-prepared for the risks of outdoor protests and has therefore opted to ban them.
Simply put, the report appears to imply that the Singapore Police Force is not taking on the risk of outdoor protests because it is not adequately prepared for such a thing to happen.
To what extent is this true?
Firstly, this appears to run contrary to what the Singapore Police Force has been assuring members of the public about its level of preparedness. It has been quoted extensively in the media that it is prepared to deal with outdoor protests fairly and firmly. It has also invested substantially in assets that will enable it to address effectively public disorder situations.
To a competent policeman, there can be no better baptism of fire than having to really face and control such security situations.
Unfortunately, despite this, it seems that the hands of the Singapore Police Force are tied on this issue, as much as the Singapore Police Force has shown and is showing that it is highly prepared for the risks of outdoor protests.
Perhaps, there are some who do not share this same level of confidence as certain members of the public or the Singapore Police Force itself.
As a result, the prohibition on public gatherings, unless authorised, continue to be enforced NOT because Singapore Police Force is ill-prepared but for other reasons.
I hope that the media will appreciate the unique situation the Singapore Police Force finds itself in, and treat these public servants as fairly and firmly as they would others.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
The report noted, "International Risk says, on hindsight, this episode uncovered a key problem - that the Hong Kong authorities did not adequately prepare for such a thing to happen, and it is a risk the Singapore Police Force is not prepared to take."
Immediately after this, the man shouldering the prime responsibility of security for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings was quoted.
Soh Wai Wah, Chief of Staff, Singapore Police Force, shared why these meetings pose key risks for Singapore. He said, "This underscores the point that outdoor protest can be unpredictable. They may appear harmless, but they have a huge potential to turn disruptive or violent unexpectedly. Singapore has been a terrorist target for a number of years and now. On top of that we have this high profile meeting, VIPS coming from all over the world. So we are even more attractive than ever. The threat of security is very real and that is whey we are taking it very seriously."
It is appreciated that the report intended to show the security risks facing Singapore.
But a reasonable person reading the report was likely to come away with the impression that, having factored in the unique security risks for Singapore during the IMF/World Bank meetings, the Hong Kong experience at the World Trade Organisation summit and its own level of preparedness for such risks, the Singapore Police Force concluded that it was ill-prepared for the risks of outdoor protests and has therefore opted to ban them.
Simply put, the report appears to imply that the Singapore Police Force is not taking on the risk of outdoor protests because it is not adequately prepared for such a thing to happen.
To what extent is this true?
Firstly, this appears to run contrary to what the Singapore Police Force has been assuring members of the public about its level of preparedness. It has been quoted extensively in the media that it is prepared to deal with outdoor protests fairly and firmly. It has also invested substantially in assets that will enable it to address effectively public disorder situations.
To a competent policeman, there can be no better baptism of fire than having to really face and control such security situations.
Unfortunately, despite this, it seems that the hands of the Singapore Police Force are tied on this issue, as much as the Singapore Police Force has shown and is showing that it is highly prepared for the risks of outdoor protests.
Perhaps, there are some who do not share this same level of confidence as certain members of the public or the Singapore Police Force itself.
As a result, the prohibition on public gatherings, unless authorised, continue to be enforced NOT because Singapore Police Force is ill-prepared but for other reasons.
I hope that the media will appreciate the unique situation the Singapore Police Force finds itself in, and treat these public servants as fairly and firmly as they would others.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Monday, September 11, 2006
FAQ: Third Thursday Thinking Talkies
Over the last 3 years, I have from time to time organised dinner gatherings on the third Thursday of every month. Here are some frequently-asked questions about these gatherings.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
When I first started this initiative, the main intention behind this was for me to find an efficient way to catch up with friends that I had lost touch with. Since then, the idea has evolved to Third Thursday Thinking Talkies.
At these dinners, I bring about 15 - 20 people from different walks of life together; sometimes, they bring friends.
They join me for a meal, and on a typical evening, we discuss a range of issues from history to culture to current affairs to international developments to society, and other things which people wish to know more about.
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY?
Each person pays about $10-$15 for his own meal.
WHAT ELSE IS EXPECTED OF ME?
People are requested to come without expectations. They should be prepared to meet everyone and anyone!
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR?
I have hosted at the same table young and old; academics, students and school drop-outs; chief executives, businessmen, social entrepeneurs, professionals and persons just starting out in their careers; news-makers and journalists; leaders from various sectors of the community; the religious, the non-religious and even a psychic!
One of the things I have realised is how much others know that I don't. And I think the realisation is the same for people who have attended Third Thursday Thinking Talkies. It has been an engaging gathering of wit and wisdom of sorts!
Some who have attended have also gone on to organise their own similar gatherings.
HOW DO I GET INVITED?
Leave a comment here requesting for an invitation and your e-mail address.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this?
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
When I first started this initiative, the main intention behind this was for me to find an efficient way to catch up with friends that I had lost touch with. Since then, the idea has evolved to Third Thursday Thinking Talkies.
At these dinners, I bring about 15 - 20 people from different walks of life together; sometimes, they bring friends.
They join me for a meal, and on a typical evening, we discuss a range of issues from history to culture to current affairs to international developments to society, and other things which people wish to know more about.
HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO PAY?
Each person pays about $10-$15 for his own meal.
WHAT ELSE IS EXPECTED OF ME?
People are requested to come without expectations. They should be prepared to meet everyone and anyone!
WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR?
I have hosted at the same table young and old; academics, students and school drop-outs; chief executives, businessmen, social entrepeneurs, professionals and persons just starting out in their careers; news-makers and journalists; leaders from various sectors of the community; the religious, the non-religious and even a psychic!
One of the things I have realised is how much others know that I don't. And I think the realisation is the same for people who have attended Third Thursday Thinking Talkies. It has been an engaging gathering of wit and wisdom of sorts!
Some who have attended have also gone on to organise their own similar gatherings.
HOW DO I GET INVITED?
Leave a comment here requesting for an invitation and your e-mail address.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Parallel Importers Get More Attractive
Individuals in Singapore prefer to buy cars from authorised distributors, even though parallel importers can offer cheaper cars. Many of my friends have done the same too.
On 26 July 2006, the Business Times, Singapore, reported that "a total of 61,069 passenger cars were registered by the LTA [Land Transport Authority] in the first half of 2006, and parallel imports accounted for 12 per cent".
A key reason for this trend is the warranty of up to 3 years that comes with the car one purchases from an authorised distributor. This enables a person to have peace of mind, should any manufacturing defect affect the car in the short term.
Now, NTUC Income has started an initiative to make it as attractive, if not more, for individuals to buy from parallel importers. It will work with selected parallel importers to provide a similar warranty on parts due to manufacturing defects. It will also offer motor insurance cover at competitive premiums. More information is available at this website.
In my personal view, this is a useful development for the budget-conscious consumer.
It will also make the growing private transport sector in Singapore more competitive.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
On 26 July 2006, the Business Times, Singapore, reported that "a total of 61,069 passenger cars were registered by the LTA [Land Transport Authority] in the first half of 2006, and parallel imports accounted for 12 per cent".
A key reason for this trend is the warranty of up to 3 years that comes with the car one purchases from an authorised distributor. This enables a person to have peace of mind, should any manufacturing defect affect the car in the short term.
Now, NTUC Income has started an initiative to make it as attractive, if not more, for individuals to buy from parallel importers. It will work with selected parallel importers to provide a similar warranty on parts due to manufacturing defects. It will also offer motor insurance cover at competitive premiums. More information is available at this website.
In my personal view, this is a useful development for the budget-conscious consumer.
It will also make the growing private transport sector in Singapore more competitive.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Book Review: Singapore Queers In The 21st Century
Some hours before this book was launched, its publishers received a call from the government department responsible for control of publications in Singapore.
Complaints had been received about the book. The public servants thus needed to investigate if there was a need to control the circulation of this book in light of the complaints.
On the surface, a complainant could put forward some valid reasons.
The cover of this book is brave yellow, a colour which the people of Thailand wear to show their love and loyalty to the Thai monarch.
It has a bold title "SQ 21: Singapore Queers In The 21st Century". SQ21, as the author of the book writes in his afterword, "is the world's only direct flight between New York and Singapore" operated by Singapore Airlines.
The stories in the book capture experiences faced by a diversity of people - about 15 of them - in telling others they are homosexual.
To the ill-informed public servant, this would be much cause for concern.
It could have repercussions on an international Singapore brand. It could spark off bilateral tensions. It could also affect other national interests such as the family values which Singapore so proudly cherishes.
But as one delves into this book, one will be struck by how much this book is not an attempt to discredit Singapore and its national interests.
In fact, two themes are striking about the many stories in this book: love and courage.
Heterosexual couple Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen readily highlight this in their foreword.
They share, "SQ 21 is ultimately a book of stories about love... We found ourselves smiling as we read these stories, because love is very much like that for the two of us as well."
It is about "love for one's partner" and loving your parents and children. It is also about being true to yourself and those around you.
As importantly, this book is about saying the things that need to be said but that are difficult to be said. And it is about living with the consequences of decisions one has made.
To do all these, one needs courage and this courage is seen in the many persons who contributed to this book.
One will also find this book an exploration of living in Singapore.
Another interesting highlight of this book is how it shares the plight of other minorities. For example, the deaf person that found difficulty in securing a suitable job. Or the Malay lad who aims to rise the ladders of success and inspire a new level of confidence among Malays in Singapore. Or the woman that is beaten up and gang-raped.
This book has the potential to take reflections about both the Singapore identity and being minority in society forward.
There are some assertions in the book, which are topics of a raging debate in Singapore and elsewhere. For example, the acceptance of homosexuality in religion or therapies to help a homosexual become heterosexual.
This publication will inject new energy to such discussions.
Earlier this month, an encyclopedia was launched to serve as "a reference book for anyone seeking to understand Singapore's history and culture".
Channel NewsAsia reported, "The "Encyclopedia of Singapore" has been launched in conjunction with National Day celebrations. Written by an Australian of Singaporean descent, it is the first of its kind here, featuring an A to Z of Singapore's history, people and culture. It is Singapore's first comprehensive reference source."
There was glaringly no topic on "homosexuality" in that encyclopedia.
"SQ 21: Singapore Queers In The 21st Century" is therefore an attempt to fill a missing page in the Singapore story. This will certainly help complete the Singapore story and facilitate appreciation of a lesser-known aspect of Singapore's history, people and culture.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
Complaints had been received about the book. The public servants thus needed to investigate if there was a need to control the circulation of this book in light of the complaints.
On the surface, a complainant could put forward some valid reasons.
The cover of this book is brave yellow, a colour which the people of Thailand wear to show their love and loyalty to the Thai monarch.
It has a bold title "SQ 21: Singapore Queers In The 21st Century". SQ21, as the author of the book writes in his afterword, "is the world's only direct flight between New York and Singapore" operated by Singapore Airlines.
The stories in the book capture experiences faced by a diversity of people - about 15 of them - in telling others they are homosexual.
To the ill-informed public servant, this would be much cause for concern.
It could have repercussions on an international Singapore brand. It could spark off bilateral tensions. It could also affect other national interests such as the family values which Singapore so proudly cherishes.
But as one delves into this book, one will be struck by how much this book is not an attempt to discredit Singapore and its national interests.
In fact, two themes are striking about the many stories in this book: love and courage.
Heterosexual couple Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen readily highlight this in their foreword.
They share, "SQ 21 is ultimately a book of stories about love... We found ourselves smiling as we read these stories, because love is very much like that for the two of us as well."
It is about "love for one's partner" and loving your parents and children. It is also about being true to yourself and those around you.
As importantly, this book is about saying the things that need to be said but that are difficult to be said. And it is about living with the consequences of decisions one has made.
To do all these, one needs courage and this courage is seen in the many persons who contributed to this book.
One will also find this book an exploration of living in Singapore.
Another interesting highlight of this book is how it shares the plight of other minorities. For example, the deaf person that found difficulty in securing a suitable job. Or the Malay lad who aims to rise the ladders of success and inspire a new level of confidence among Malays in Singapore. Or the woman that is beaten up and gang-raped.
This book has the potential to take reflections about both the Singapore identity and being minority in society forward.
There are some assertions in the book, which are topics of a raging debate in Singapore and elsewhere. For example, the acceptance of homosexuality in religion or therapies to help a homosexual become heterosexual.
This publication will inject new energy to such discussions.
Earlier this month, an encyclopedia was launched to serve as "a reference book for anyone seeking to understand Singapore's history and culture".
Channel NewsAsia reported, "The "Encyclopedia of Singapore" has been launched in conjunction with National Day celebrations. Written by an Australian of Singaporean descent, it is the first of its kind here, featuring an A to Z of Singapore's history, people and culture. It is Singapore's first comprehensive reference source."
There was glaringly no topic on "homosexuality" in that encyclopedia.
"SQ 21: Singapore Queers In The 21st Century" is therefore an attempt to fill a missing page in the Singapore story. This will certainly help complete the Singapore story and facilitate appreciation of a lesser-known aspect of Singapore's history, people and culture.
Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav
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