At the Crossroads?

Which way to go now?

You have the Power to Choose….

Keep Walking.

A brilliant commercial for Johnnie Walker. Created by ad agency, BBH, London.

Do you know what a Grease Trap is?

A grease trap also known as a grease interceptor are plumbing devices designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system.

That was never known to me, until I was tasked to evacuate one.

In 2007, soon after I withdrew from my Scholarship program, my uncle sounded me out to assist him in his property projects. I was reluctant at first. However as there were no replies to any of my job applications then, I decided to give it a try in his home-based estate consultancy firm.    

My first project upon accepting my uncle’s offer was to set up the branch outlet of a well known steamboat restaurant at a notorious local red light district.

The unit rented by the client was a dilapidated shop house which required major overhaul. That involves repairing the leaking galvanized roof, retiling the floors and hacking the walls. The basic provisions required for the operations of a F&B outlet such as grease trap and exhaust system was not in place as the unit was previously a shabby internet bar. 

On top of facilitating the administrative work which involves the tenancy agreement and clearance for the necessary licenses, it was also then my responsibility to oversee all renovation and construction works. Time line given was 2 months and all I had was 4 Bangladeshi workers. With no prior experience, this was one of the greatest challenges I had ever faced.

I vividly recalled the emotions churning within me then when I stood in the pits of the Grease Trap, examining the piping system that links it to the sewage.

“Is this what I had exchanged for by giving up my scholarship and university education?”; “I should be right now sitting in a cooling seminar room of a city campus. What am I doing in a 2m soiled hole in the centre of a stale, moldy, reeking backyard?”; “I should be in ties, blazers and corporate suits! Why am I bathing myself in mud and sweat?

I started to doubt myself and the decision I had made. Did I make the wrong choice to pursue my career and discontinuing my education? What had I exactly got myself into by agreeing to take on this job? Literally, standing in a dark pit, what lies ahead me seem bleak at that instant. What doors could open for me in a situation like this?

I needed a miracle.

 *                   *                  *                    *                       *

2 years later, I am now managing the Retail and F&B spaces of a $50 Million building project.

A unique hybrid of institutional and commercial space, the 5 storey estate situated in the heart of town gave me the opportunity to work with award winning architects and professional property consultants on the layout, concept and tenant mix of the retail mall.

Amidst intense competition from new neighboring landmarks such as Ion Orchard, Orchard Central and 313, it was my duty to personally lead an aggressive team of property agents to market the retail space.  Retail partners whom I currently worked closely with consist of international brands and established local retailers.

Recently, I had also completed the establishment of a centre management team to manage the retail spaces when it’s into operation next year.

*                   *                  *                    *                       *

Recollecting my humbling experience as a renovation contractor 2 years ago, there were many times I felt doubtful, demoralized and close to giving up on the steamboat restaurant project assigned to me.   

Fortunately, with the support and encouragement from my loved ones, I begin to embrace a postive attitude and persisted on despite the arduous challenges ahead. Other than the construction aspect of the restaurant, I gradually extended my services to fulfill the clients’ added requests in Interior Design, Marketing, Sponsorship and Human Resource. When the steamboat restaurant was successfully completed , I was overwhelmed with pride and felt inspired to start up a property consultancy firm with a good friend of mine.

However, my plan to be an entrepreneur was hijacked when I was extended an invitation to join my current company. Knowing that I have a background in property management and construction works,  the general manager of the corporation entrusted me with the task to manage the entire retail entity of the upcoming 1.2 ha property. It was an offer almost impossible to turn down and a golden opportunity that could not be missed.

 *                   *                  *                    *                       *

Humility, resilience and perseverance to endure on the journey which I had chosen and walked on are important lessons which I had learnt in the above chapter of my life.  In the pits of the grease trap, it is beyond my imagination that a project which involves a 2000 sqft restaurant at the corner of a sleazy lane will be a portal that opens me to a lifetime opportunity to manage a 40’0000 Sqft retail mall of an iconic landmark in Orchard Road.

My friends, if you are pausing at a junction and things seem to at a standstill, or if you are feeling unsure of yourself and what lies ahead of you, do not be at dismay. My word of advice to you is to keep walking.

I believe that every road will lead one to somewhere. In the Urban Area, there bound to be moments when one is at a crossroad, feeling uncertain of what decision is to be made as what greets us at the end of each route is unpredictable. As long as one perseveres to walk on with an enthusiastic and positive mindset, regardless of which path you might have chosen, miracles will unfold  along the journey. 

Opportunities are for those who are prepared. Get ready.

My college mate who is now a senior auditor recently shared with me an interesting account.

Late last year, he was nominated to attend a management training. The trainer who is also an associate director of the corporation kicked starts his presentation with an animated opening:  Screening of a 3 minutes clip from the famous/infamous Hong Kong Triad Film Series, Young and Dangerous.

Everyone was instantly baffled.

Young and Dangerous movie series know in Mandarin as 古惑仔 is a collection of Hongkong films mainly about Chen Hao Nam (starring Ekin Chin) and Chicken ( starring Jordan Chan) , detailing their adventures as triad members. All 5 sequels were exceptionally well received in Hong Kong, Taiwan and many parts of Southeast Asia.

Put aside the brawls, gunfights, coarse languages and the fact that the series was condemned for glorifying secret societies. According to the trainer, who was on the topic of “Strategic Leadership” there is something worthwhile learning from the film:  To survive and thrive in the Urban Arena, the golden rule is to “Follow the Right Boss”.

Controversial it may seem but pragmatically, the trainer was absolutely right! Serving the “Right Boss” does play a pivotal role in one’s career success.

In Young and Dangerous, Hao Nam’s Bosses, Brother B and the two Jiang Brothers whom he served loyally at different points of his career are men of honor, righteousness and magnanimity. During moments of adversity which Hao Nam required their trust, they unquestionably stood by and supported him.  They acknowledged Hao Nam’s strength and appreciated his talents. Ultimately, Hao Nam was given the opportunity to emerge as the “Top Man” in the organization.

The “Right Boss” in the corporate context does not simply refer to someone that diligently signs your paycheck, claims and leave forms. Neither is it referring to those who sit at the rear cracking whip, dangling carrots while expecting you to pull the cart.

The “Right Boss” is a divine status and only those who are true leaders deserve to be crowned. In my perspective, a true leader is one who

1) Places great emphasis over the staff’s integrity, morale and work ethics.   

2) Shares his/her experience and expertise freely.

3) Develops the subordinates’ learning curve and learning journey.

4) Understand and maximizes the staffs’ strength and potential.

5) Respects, trusts and empowers the employees.

6) Instills sense of ownership, responsibility and belonging amongst the staff.

7) Forgiving and assuring when mistakes are made.

8) Paces and motivates the team at tough times.

9) Maintains clarity, transparency and consistency in his/her communication.

10) Provides solution and come forward as a custodian when the team faces problems and challenges.

Just like in the movie series, in reality we do also stumble upon “Villainous Bosses” from hell that bear the following traits:

1) Manipulative and Vindictive. Relentlessly exploit and sacrifice the staff for his/her own selfish gain.

2) Hypocritical. Do not walk their talk but merely pay lip services and conjure empty promises.

3) Insecure and paranoid. Constantly suspicious and feeling threatened by their employees.

4) Self righteous. Defensive against conflicting opinions and refuse to acknowledge wrong decisions made.

5) Indecisive and Inconsistent. Unable to provide solutions and clear direction while expecting the staff to deliver optimally.

6) Self-centered. Pursue personal interest at the expense of the company and team.

In the Urban Arena, it is not just the ship you board that matters but it is vital for you as the crew to trust and know the person at the helm. The captain of the vassal primarily determines the joy and outcome of your career journey. A friend of mine had lately experienced intense frustration at work because of her new superior’s arrogant behavior and abrasive attitude. She is so jaded and demoralized that she is now contemplating to tender her resignation.

Prepare your career for a stormy sail if you are working under someone who you had identified to be devious, self-centered and exploitative master. Pledge your allegiance to the “Right Boss” and your future will be enjoying a fulfilling and pleasant cruise ahead.

“The Gladiator”, a masterpiece by director Ridley Scott is one of my all time favorite movies. Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, was a loyal Rome general who was accused of assassinating the King and was forced into fugitive. Enslaved and sold to a gladiator school, Maximus chanced upon the opportunity to be a Gladiator which he was later able to dethrone the treacherous prince.

On top of the breathtaking cinematography and powerful screenplay, what the show had left in me were lessons of courage, honor, strategy and leadership.

The game of life is like a gladiatorial sport played in the Colosseum, where the fittest win and survive. In “The Gladiator”, Maximus had his victory because he won the respect of the people through his benevolence, valor and wisdom. However, many who do not understand these elemental keys of life successes often subject to the means of manipulation, deception and hypocrisy. Their success, like Commodus, the villain in the film, is often short-lived.

I had been battling under the settings of an Urban Arena ever since my career had taken off 3 years ago. My current appointment as a Head of Department of a start-up organization had intensified circumstances as the job scopes are extremely demanding and challenging. Indeed, in the Corporate Arena, though challenges don’t come in the forms of cannibal tribes, chained beasts or evil prince, they can be still as threatening and nerve wrecking. Therefore, as we build ourselves a successful career, it is vital for us to constantly keep our minds clear and our hearts guarded. Unfortunately countless in their frantic scramble up the corporate ladder, had compromised their ethics and value as they lost themselves to the temptation of Power, Fame and Wealth.

This Blog, the Urban Arena, inspired by my personal encounters and experience is dedicated to all like-minded fellows in the corporate world who are strategic leaders, driven go-getters, passionate change makers and ambassadors of honor and integrity. I look forward to share with you my thoughts and related articles on corporate issues such as Ethics and Governance, Leadership, Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing etc,

I will like to also thank a good friend of mine for pacing me to start up this Blog which I have procrastinated over a year. And my love and appreciation goes out to a special person for her constant encouragement for me to complete this post.

Bless.