Just came across an interesting article title " the less you know, the more you think you know"
http://www.omg-facts.com/view/Facts/26152
It makes you wonder how much do you really know? Is it because the more you know, the more you know you don't know? I have this feeling as I progress up the academic path. Used to think that I know quite a bit, but as I study more, I feel more and more inferior. Knowing that there are so much things out there which I don't even know in the first place.
It makes me think about another issue. Knowledgable people are usually more humble, and they don't boast around what they know. They will quietly do their work and feel that they are constantly not good enough, always looking to learn more. While those who thinks they are already good enough would slack and think they are dwarfing over the rest. Is that why the smart gets smarter ?
From the link, it lead me to two other interesting articles on Peter's principle and the Dunning kruger effect. It struck me hard as I think I belong to that category.
"In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence"
It's true isn't it. When we perform well in a task we expect a promotion and that usually is in the path of management roles or supervisory roles. But what we excelled in initially are the mediocre task such as individual work. How can that be a good gauge to whether we are a good manager? Often than not, I question the ability of the managers above me as I feel that they are not adequate in their roles. So have they rose to their level of incompetence?
Granted.. People can learn along the way and improvements can be made. But so often, they will be stagnant there for a real long period of time and that denies the potential employees below them opportunity for promotion. The article gave some good suggestions on how this can be minimized.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle
As for the Dunning-Kruger effect, is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people make poor decisions and reach erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the metacognitive ability to appreciate their mistakes. Put it in layman terms, stupid people think they are very good and thus often make stupid mistakes by thinking that they are smarter than average Joe.
To be aware about this effect I think it's critical for my own development as I believe I am guilty of that at times. Of course, whether one is skilled or not depends on what field you are comparing with. But in general, I think I've been thinking a bit too highly of myself and overly confident of my ability. This was evident when my boss gave me new tasked, I thought it was interesting and do-able. But when I started getting down to work, I'm at a loss of what to do next. That's a clear indication of lack of knowledge in that field.
Being aware of such effects and principles make me think a lot... and I think I need the time to self evaluate to better myself.
To begin, I need to be :
1. More careful with my choice of words
2. Don't be overconfident
3. Improve on my knowledge
I want to better myself.. and this is one big step for a giant change.. I hope..
Zee
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Begun my first Bahasa Indo lesson last week, and I'm revising it. It's a bit complicated, espsecially that it contradicts what English has taught us. A simple like this shows it all.
You're a clever boy.
Kamu anak pandai.
direct translation is :
Kamu = You
Anak = boy
Pandai = clever.
= You boy clever
In english, we use a adjective to describe a noun, thus we put it before the noun we are refering to.
In bahasa, it's opposite. the noun comes first, then you describe it.
In a simple sense like this, it's easy to read and understand. But when you try to form a sentence with it, or a conversation with it, it becomes very very tough since it's just not natural. The sentence structure is not what you've been using for the past 25 years. It's just like English and Mandarin.
Now I have one more to handle, and I was never good in language. Congrats... Either perish or thrive. I choose to thrive..
You're a clever boy.
Kamu anak pandai.
direct translation is :
Kamu = You
Anak = boy
Pandai = clever.
= You boy clever
In english, we use a adjective to describe a noun, thus we put it before the noun we are refering to.
In bahasa, it's opposite. the noun comes first, then you describe it.
In a simple sense like this, it's easy to read and understand. But when you try to form a sentence with it, or a conversation with it, it becomes very very tough since it's just not natural. The sentence structure is not what you've been using for the past 25 years. It's just like English and Mandarin.
Now I have one more to handle, and I was never good in language. Congrats... Either perish or thrive. I choose to thrive..
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I've managed to get one of my main task done, or rather almost done. The only thing to be done now is the execution part. If things go according to plan, all should be fine.
Next up is the Batam shop. Went there yesterday to find out more details and snapped a few photos back for analysis. Am I supposed to propose for a new location or stick by with the current one? What are the pros and cons of each option ? I've learnt something related to marketing before, something about strength, weaknesses, opportunity, improvement. To think of it that I remb this more than my Bio stuff, it speaks volume. haha.. The shop in Batam is now like my pet, i'm given full responsibility to run it and I'm actually scared, simply because I dont' have the confidence. I feel that i'm too green for it at the moment. With the boss also a bit too busy to provide much guidance, it makes it more challenging that I need to tackle it head on.
Went there twice, and I've got a general feel of what needs to be improved. I've got another 4 months to decide if the current location is to stay, or whether we should shift. That would be my next milestone. I feel this is like a make or break situation for me. If I excel, there would be plenty of opportunties for me to venture into. If not, I don't know what to expect... I don't wish to think about it. Only Success and no failure.. lolxx..
Was discussing with dear on the possibility of getting the DBSS at Tampines central. We are both genuinely interested in it and due to it's excellent location, we are very tempted. The only obstacle is the cost of it, which is likely to run into $550,000 and above. To cough out such a big sum of money, I need to skrim and save for the next half a year, so that I can contribute more to the down payment. Down payment would be $25,000 cash.. and because our CPF don't have enough, another $15,000 cash is required to be top up, and that makes it $40,000 in total. My goodness..
To show my commitment, I've agreed to try and save $6000 within the next 6 months. =.=" I think I can survive on water and grass liao.
Next up is the Batam shop. Went there yesterday to find out more details and snapped a few photos back for analysis. Am I supposed to propose for a new location or stick by with the current one? What are the pros and cons of each option ? I've learnt something related to marketing before, something about strength, weaknesses, opportunity, improvement. To think of it that I remb this more than my Bio stuff, it speaks volume. haha.. The shop in Batam is now like my pet, i'm given full responsibility to run it and I'm actually scared, simply because I dont' have the confidence. I feel that i'm too green for it at the moment. With the boss also a bit too busy to provide much guidance, it makes it more challenging that I need to tackle it head on.
Went there twice, and I've got a general feel of what needs to be improved. I've got another 4 months to decide if the current location is to stay, or whether we should shift. That would be my next milestone. I feel this is like a make or break situation for me. If I excel, there would be plenty of opportunties for me to venture into. If not, I don't know what to expect... I don't wish to think about it. Only Success and no failure.. lolxx..
Was discussing with dear on the possibility of getting the DBSS at Tampines central. We are both genuinely interested in it and due to it's excellent location, we are very tempted. The only obstacle is the cost of it, which is likely to run into $550,000 and above. To cough out such a big sum of money, I need to skrim and save for the next half a year, so that I can contribute more to the down payment. Down payment would be $25,000 cash.. and because our CPF don't have enough, another $15,000 cash is required to be top up, and that makes it $40,000 in total. My goodness..
To show my commitment, I've agreed to try and save $6000 within the next 6 months. =.=" I think I can survive on water and grass liao.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Back from Bali retreat
Went for Company retreat in Bali, and it was sure an experience. Though there were so many workshops and seminars to attend, we had our fair shares of fun and joy too. Understanding how the company has grown over the past 2 years is inspiring and looking at the vision they have set, it feels good to be part of it.
Actively expanding when opportunity arises, from a South-East Asian company to now a Asian company. The prospect that it shows is promising. Will I be riding on the wave with the growth? Many ppl were sceptical about me joining this company and I was one of them initially. But what made me make the decision was that I saw potential in this market and true enough it is growing. Being part of a Big company has it's benefits as there is a structure for you to follow and learn. The problem is that there are too many hieracy to follow, and you can't climb unless the person above you changes. Being part of a smaller company, there're more chances for taking up different roles as everybody is tasked with a secondary task. This allows you to add to your portfolio while learning on the job.
I'm hype up by the prospect of the growth the company is exhibiting. It is always exciting to be part of the winning team.
From the retreat, I've gotten to know more about some of the colleagues and some are really fun going. Play aside, work has to be taken seriously. Obviously, there are those who like to show off and attract attention. Was told by Wendy about the DOPE test, (Dove, Owl, Peacock, Eagle) test. I was observed to be a Owl/Eagle. While one of them was identified as a Peacock, an arrogant bugger who likes to attract attention. Different traits make the team interesting and it's the dynamic structure that brings us together as a team. All along I feel like I'm an Owl or Eagle, depending on the situation. When the need arises, certain traits can surface and dominate. But one thing I never want to be is the Peacock. It gets on ppl's nerve for being showy without substance.
http://richardstep.com/2010/04/29/dove-owl-peacock-eagle-dope-broad-personality-test-and-results/http://richardstep.com/2010/04/29/dove-owl-peacock-eagle-dope-broad-personality-test-and-results/
With new task comes bigger responsibility. And honestly, I'm at a loss at times on how to proceed. I'm now entering a totally new dimension, nothing related to what I've been studying. It's a chance for learning, but at the same time I want to be able to do well in it as it may mean pathing my road for many years ahead. Being lost is something I hate, and I need to find the solution to this...
Actively expanding when opportunity arises, from a South-East Asian company to now a Asian company. The prospect that it shows is promising. Will I be riding on the wave with the growth? Many ppl were sceptical about me joining this company and I was one of them initially. But what made me make the decision was that I saw potential in this market and true enough it is growing. Being part of a Big company has it's benefits as there is a structure for you to follow and learn. The problem is that there are too many hieracy to follow, and you can't climb unless the person above you changes. Being part of a smaller company, there're more chances for taking up different roles as everybody is tasked with a secondary task. This allows you to add to your portfolio while learning on the job.
I'm hype up by the prospect of the growth the company is exhibiting. It is always exciting to be part of the winning team.
From the retreat, I've gotten to know more about some of the colleagues and some are really fun going. Play aside, work has to be taken seriously. Obviously, there are those who like to show off and attract attention. Was told by Wendy about the DOPE test, (Dove, Owl, Peacock, Eagle) test. I was observed to be a Owl/Eagle. While one of them was identified as a Peacock, an arrogant bugger who likes to attract attention. Different traits make the team interesting and it's the dynamic structure that brings us together as a team. All along I feel like I'm an Owl or Eagle, depending on the situation. When the need arises, certain traits can surface and dominate. But one thing I never want to be is the Peacock. It gets on ppl's nerve for being showy without substance.
http://richardstep.com/2010/04/29/dove-owl-peacock-eagle-dope-broad-personality-test-and-results/http://richardstep.com/2010/04/29/dove-owl-peacock-eagle-dope-broad-personality-test-and-results/
With new task comes bigger responsibility. And honestly, I'm at a loss at times on how to proceed. I'm now entering a totally new dimension, nothing related to what I've been studying. It's a chance for learning, but at the same time I want to be able to do well in it as it may mean pathing my road for many years ahead. Being lost is something I hate, and I need to find the solution to this...
Monday, January 3, 2011
I'm disturbed.. VERY disturbed.
My sis may not be getting married in June le. WTF!!
Last night, suddenly throw a bomb say not ready. (The BF), and he's not prepared for a marriage life now. Feels that he need to say it out now rather than later when he "chu kui". Come on lar, you two have been together for 13 yrs? and you tell me that you feel she may not be the right one, may be just very good friends? F U. Bought the house 2 yrs ago, and started preparing everything for the marriage, from choosing hotel to getting photographer to taking wedding shots. Everything has been done and paid for and even the clothes has been custom made for the Big day itself and now you are saying such things. How irresponsible. Cancelling the house, banquet will likely run into 50k? But the money is not the main concern. It's the disappointment, the shocked, the " how do I face my colleagues and frens" feeling. The stress is enormous.
Last break up was 7 yrs ago, and throughout this time, dont' tell me you haven't been thinking about it until now. I'm sure things have been happening and certain thoughts must have ran through before. how many more years do you want to waste? 28yrs old already and counting. Seriously, I don't know what to say... Sis is totally not in the mood to do anything now and she's totally devastated. I feel unjust for her and I can totally feel for her. She's close to me and this has impacted me quite significantly.
I'm left with no words for now..
My sis may not be getting married in June le. WTF!!
Last night, suddenly throw a bomb say not ready. (The BF), and he's not prepared for a marriage life now. Feels that he need to say it out now rather than later when he "chu kui". Come on lar, you two have been together for 13 yrs? and you tell me that you feel she may not be the right one, may be just very good friends? F U. Bought the house 2 yrs ago, and started preparing everything for the marriage, from choosing hotel to getting photographer to taking wedding shots. Everything has been done and paid for and even the clothes has been custom made for the Big day itself and now you are saying such things. How irresponsible. Cancelling the house, banquet will likely run into 50k? But the money is not the main concern. It's the disappointment, the shocked, the " how do I face my colleagues and frens" feeling. The stress is enormous.
Last break up was 7 yrs ago, and throughout this time, dont' tell me you haven't been thinking about it until now. I'm sure things have been happening and certain thoughts must have ran through before. how many more years do you want to waste? 28yrs old already and counting. Seriously, I don't know what to say... Sis is totally not in the mood to do anything now and she's totally devastated. I feel unjust for her and I can totally feel for her. She's close to me and this has impacted me quite significantly.
I'm left with no words for now..
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Really Busy
Being really busy lately, with work and activities. Just a short recap:
13th-17th - Reservist
21st - Company training
24th -27th - Penang n Langkawi with Family
28th - Company Recce to Batam
These were some of the highlights that have just gone past. One after another and I've rarely stayed in office this month. It's being a bit packed and busy but nonetheless interesting. A week of reservist which took up some of my precious time away from work, forcing me to rush through.
Penang n Langkawi with family was relaxing. Just there to eat and look see look see. Enjoyed the Asam Laksa and Penang Hokkien Mee soup. Woot~! Langkawi was just so-so for me as I didn't participate much in the water sports. It's really expensive over there though.
Recce to Batam as I'm to take up a supervisory role there. Met with interesting encounters such as being locked in a room when my boss decided to test the sound proofing. LOL.. Fortunately we could pry open the ledge after 25mins of trying. Ferry back to SG was full, and we needed to wait 4 hrs for the next available one. We tried our luck and manage to squeeze onto the ferry when some passengers were late/ no show.
Admist all the many things that i've been doing, I have really neglected my training. =( Tummy has buldged out and I'm grossed out by that. So many things to do plus the tuitions coming up, balancing time is a real skill. I wonder if I will even see my frens soon. haha... On top of the daily working hours, these are my extra-curriculum activities:
Monday - Tuition
Tuesday - Tuition
Wednesday - Tuition
Thursday - Berhasa Indo
Fri - Tuition
Sat - FREE
Sun - Tuition in morning.
How do I squeeze in more trainings and meet ups with frens ? I've packed so many tuitions simply because I enjoy teaching the kids and the extra income will come in handy. Especially when I'm paying $800 a month for Tuition loans. At the end of the month, nothing much is left, and I'm supposed to start saving up for the house. Yes, I'm looking at it already and the thought has been looming for a period of time. Is it the right time yet? No. But looking at it doesn't harm, and personally I feel I'm more or less getting settled down le. I look forward to having my own home with my own decorations and a place I can fully call it my own.
I'm forcing myself to train according to the schedule, no matter how tired I may be. It's all in the state of mind and it shall begin from today. No more late nights, lights out by 1am latest and my day will begin at 7.30am.
2011 is coming and New year resolution is coming up.
I'm awaiting for your arrival 2011.
13th-17th - Reservist
21st - Company training
24th -27th - Penang n Langkawi with Family
28th - Company Recce to Batam
These were some of the highlights that have just gone past. One after another and I've rarely stayed in office this month. It's being a bit packed and busy but nonetheless interesting. A week of reservist which took up some of my precious time away from work, forcing me to rush through.
Penang n Langkawi with family was relaxing. Just there to eat and look see look see. Enjoyed the Asam Laksa and Penang Hokkien Mee soup. Woot~! Langkawi was just so-so for me as I didn't participate much in the water sports. It's really expensive over there though.
Recce to Batam as I'm to take up a supervisory role there. Met with interesting encounters such as being locked in a room when my boss decided to test the sound proofing. LOL.. Fortunately we could pry open the ledge after 25mins of trying. Ferry back to SG was full, and we needed to wait 4 hrs for the next available one. We tried our luck and manage to squeeze onto the ferry when some passengers were late/ no show.
Admist all the many things that i've been doing, I have really neglected my training. =( Tummy has buldged out and I'm grossed out by that. So many things to do plus the tuitions coming up, balancing time is a real skill. I wonder if I will even see my frens soon. haha... On top of the daily working hours, these are my extra-curriculum activities:
Monday - Tuition
Tuesday - Tuition
Wednesday - Tuition
Thursday - Berhasa Indo
Fri - Tuition
Sat - FREE
Sun - Tuition in morning.
How do I squeeze in more trainings and meet ups with frens ? I've packed so many tuitions simply because I enjoy teaching the kids and the extra income will come in handy. Especially when I'm paying $800 a month for Tuition loans. At the end of the month, nothing much is left, and I'm supposed to start saving up for the house. Yes, I'm looking at it already and the thought has been looming for a period of time. Is it the right time yet? No. But looking at it doesn't harm, and personally I feel I'm more or less getting settled down le. I look forward to having my own home with my own decorations and a place I can fully call it my own.
I'm forcing myself to train according to the schedule, no matter how tired I may be. It's all in the state of mind and it shall begin from today. No more late nights, lights out by 1am latest and my day will begin at 7.30am.
2011 is coming and New year resolution is coming up.
I'm awaiting for your arrival 2011.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Just realised that it's being a month since I last posted anything. It's not that I haven't been having any ongoing things, but simply just didn't post it.
Life now surrounds around work and lin and my part time training. Daily life is pretty routine and it gets a bit boring at times. The occasional meet up with friends liven up the routine life, but there's a time limit to it, we have just so much time on hand. Let me see, I've only being meeting up with a few of the chaps, Des, Ben, Tuck, Karen, TC and sometimes the SK ppl.
I've asked myself is it me that has been drifting away from them or have they drifted away? I've been much less active in organising outings and usually only attends when ppl ask me to. I feel perfectly fine to spend my time with lin, just chatting with her over the meal or just at her place watching variety show and have mini discussions over it. Am I really prepared for that type of life? Previously I mentioned that I'm a introvert person who expresses an extrovert personality when required. I guess, it's natural to be to do it ba.
Been reading up a lot of online articles of late and informations have been flowing. There are so much to learn and so much to give if you really want to. It really depends on what attitude you take it with. Just like my job at the moment, I took it up knowing that it's partly sales related but with the prospect in progressing in the company as it is actively expanding within the region. Sitting by the front desk and occasionally takign the consultation process is not exactly what I want to do for long. Thankfully, I've been doing what I need to and now I have the opportunity to take on more responsibility. Lookign at marketing developments for the company and extending to Batam is an exciting prospect for me. I'll glad that I've been given the chance to do it, and I'll grab it with both hands to make it successful.
I strongly believe that every position has it's roles and responsibility where we can gain something positive out of it. Looking at what I have on hand, it looks like an exciting 2011 for me. Resolution for 2011 would be pretty easy to come up with. =)
Life now surrounds around work and lin and my part time training. Daily life is pretty routine and it gets a bit boring at times. The occasional meet up with friends liven up the routine life, but there's a time limit to it, we have just so much time on hand. Let me see, I've only being meeting up with a few of the chaps, Des, Ben, Tuck, Karen, TC and sometimes the SK ppl.
I've asked myself is it me that has been drifting away from them or have they drifted away? I've been much less active in organising outings and usually only attends when ppl ask me to. I feel perfectly fine to spend my time with lin, just chatting with her over the meal or just at her place watching variety show and have mini discussions over it. Am I really prepared for that type of life? Previously I mentioned that I'm a introvert person who expresses an extrovert personality when required. I guess, it's natural to be to do it ba.
Been reading up a lot of online articles of late and informations have been flowing. There are so much to learn and so much to give if you really want to. It really depends on what attitude you take it with. Just like my job at the moment, I took it up knowing that it's partly sales related but with the prospect in progressing in the company as it is actively expanding within the region. Sitting by the front desk and occasionally takign the consultation process is not exactly what I want to do for long. Thankfully, I've been doing what I need to and now I have the opportunity to take on more responsibility. Lookign at marketing developments for the company and extending to Batam is an exciting prospect for me. I'll glad that I've been given the chance to do it, and I'll grab it with both hands to make it successful.
I strongly believe that every position has it's roles and responsibility where we can gain something positive out of it. Looking at what I have on hand, it looks like an exciting 2011 for me. Resolution for 2011 would be pretty easy to come up with. =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)