We see things not as they are but as we are

drawing by Wawa

At the Leadership Insight Forum held for approx 300 MBA students in Shanghai, we explored the unfamiliar but ever so popular realm of a global mindset. Professor Fred Dubee sums up a closed mindset as "We see things not as they are but as we are".


To break out of the closet and build a global mindset, try some or all of these:


1. Stay (very) curious, ask questions
2. Be brave, take a different view of things
3. Build your network locally and internationally, say, get a penpal
4. Actively ask for feedback
5. Get out of your comfort zone, say, use another way to go home
6. When on a business trip, stay behind to look around
7. Read widely and regularly
8. Travel not just for sight seeing but for people interaction

And as the Chinese saying goes "Come to the table with an empty cup" so that the world can fill you in.

8 hand goddess at work

Style of cartoon inspired by Mandycats

Let me light up your life

"Radiate light, not heat," was the advice from coach James McLeod. Easier said than done but it certainly got me thinking.


Just how does one generate light (on the [problem) without the accompanying heat (the sting of criticism)? 


Here's a shot at light-giving.


To begin with, I think it is critical that our intention must be in the right place. If we intend to help, we would be throwing light onto the problem with a certain kindness, wisdom and/or understanding, as our wish is to bring the matter to a happy conclusion. However, if our intention is to show how much better we are compared to the other, then whatever we say would be perceived as an admonishment or a criticism. Serving only to make the other draw back from the heat defensively.


And a large dose of empathy would certainly help in our light radiation. When we step into the shoes of the other, look at the world through their eyes, we would think and act differently. Perhaps our words would somewhat gentler, more illuminating and certainly more focused on providing a solution than chewing on the problem. 


Copying a famous phrase from the Bible "Let there be light."

Tomato flower

Chao, a beautiful young Shanghainese girl, recorded her few days in Guizhou using a comic book approach. The sketching in black and white are vivid, full of energy and emotion. 


Observing the surroundings in her host's bedroom, a faded picture of Chairman Mao pinned next to Taiwan's heartthrob Jay Chou, expired medicine and a rusty mirror, Chao wrote "It is combination of out-dated fashion and tacky modernity. It is very hard to say whether it is local culture or local poverty." 

Diamond Club

My dream of setting a Diamond Club gets ever nearer. Diamond shines Diamond, I would encourage my mentees. "When we are together, we can help polish one another and help bring out the brilliance in us."

A typical day

Arrghh....the ultimate torture machine - a screeching alarm clock in the morning




And once in the office, keep aiming for the best






Ahhh, end of the day, can relax and reflect on my typical day




(Cartoon style inspired by a Hong Kong cartoonist - Mandycats)