Networking or Neckworking

 It's a long weekend and I hope all is well with you.

I've coined a new term out of the networking experiences to be called, 'Neckworking'.

After some more thoughts, these are my lessons learned and why I call it this way ka:

1. Networking has got a new meaning in the modern world to refer to more 'personal' or 'company' benefits/interest....away from what I've learned throughout to take it as 'good relationships', 'opportunities', and 'shared learning'....basically then would be based on 'good intention'.

2. Neckworking includes some risks involved as it concerns one's own credibility to link people and sometimes, it's like 'เอาคอขึ้นเขียง' ....that's why I use 'neck' ..... in the era when 'trust' is very much needed.

3. Matching people up for some projects or activities need to be more aware of 'กาลามสูตร'.....more careful to research in further detail in some case. We've seen quite a few people who took pix with VIPs only to show to others that they know each other quite well....I witnessed a case that scared me off. Good thing I'm not an influential person for any to refer to ka.

In addition, in social media and AI age, fake stuff is easy to be produced and shared na ka.

Glad that so far, my neck is still attached to my body ka!

Behind the scenes of protocol management

 Swasdee ka, everyone...hope you're having a chill weekend plan na ka.

I have several little stories to share learning from a former ambassador's direct experience...and 5555! to me, they're so very interesting and fun to know ka.

The first story was about seating for a Thai Prime Minister during his state visit. 

At a reception preparation, he noticed that our PM was seated to the left of the host country's President.

We know that our PM had to sit on the right of the host.

What would you do ka? Honored the host and let go? Checked it out?

He chose the second one to ask the organizing team to learn that their President went to a war before and lost his right ear's hearing ka.

The strict protocol was no longer an issue ka!

The second one was about one regional Summit....we know that every host country would offer their traditional attire for their fellow leaders from other countries.

Well! What happened was when one of our PM's then forgot to bring it for the opening ceremony even when the protocol team told his personal secretary. But he was the one who packed his suitcase by himself.

How to solve this issue ka?

Several options came up to seek batik attire from different sources without success. Finally, they had to manage through THAI staff and it was solved. Yet, while waiting for the shirt, the PM got so stressed that his doctor had to give him an injection to treat his bad muscle cramps ka.

The last story was about attire for a Summit function ka!

The PM team was told by the host's director-general who served as liaison for the Thai PM to wear the red shirt. In between, one junior staff told the group that all had to wear white.

Who would you believe in this case?

What happened at the function was that almost all others were wearing white and only our and Malaysian PMs were in red.

Which story gives you some further thinking and what are they ka? Share with me if you wish ka.

Happy weekend ka.

visa system or techno glitch or both?

 Hello all...hope you had a very good Songkran festival ka.

My niece and her Italian hubby with their two boys from London were visiting then so we had a few things to share and do together. The only activity that would never get my involvement was water splashing in Siam and Silom areas ka. The family, especially my nephew-in-law, loved it so much that he wanted to come visit again next year!

Things went on smoothly with lots of playing, chatting, and eating until their airport check-in. There was a visa issue with Leo, their eldest son who holds an Italian passport like his Papa but didn't get access to the info on the system, which made it impossible to check in ka. We all were sweating with nervousness there. 

Long story short:

1. It's found that one possibility was that Leo had a new passport and even with some prior processes after getting the new passport back in 2024, his info disappeared somehow. No matter what was done, the system didn't allow any check-in. 

2. The EVA staff team was professional and super helpful. Quite a few seniors came to identify the issue and how to help out without success. They were sent to another counter with 2 seniors in their calmness and sharp sense of service. I did write a thank-you note with the two main staff's names to the airlines but had to pass it onto my niece as the contact system needs more info that I don't have.

All tried different processes to think that Leo's info was lost while transferring from the previous to the current passports. Anyway, finally with an online charge of 20 pounds, the check-in system was open to allow getting his boarding pass along with all others in good time.

3. My nephew-in-law was joking that he almost got a heart attack from facing this matter and would love to have gin tonic instead of espresso. He then said he could 'five five five' 555! started laughing with relaxation ka. Funny dee after some tense nervousness ka!

Can you 'five five five' after reading this email mai ka?

Being straightforward

 Hello all....on this long holiday, I hope you stay cool at home or wherever you're visiting ka.

There's one keyword I'd like to share ka.

The thing is I've been re-invited to serve on a committee and the chair told the meeting that I'm straightforward. 

It was the first time I heard it said about me in public ka. In fact, in my own little circle, my friends said the same thing to me some time after my retirement. I didn't realize how straightforward I've become so I checked in with myself to see how true it is....the answer is a 'yes'. 

I sure have thought of some reasons too.

- Having worked at Fulbright Thailand could help shape the ways I react and respond to be more direct, dealing with younger generations and being exposed to Americans.

- Getting much older to feel it's better to express my thoughts and comments....though I now have to slow down a little in some environments.

- Talking with younger gens who could find it harder to interpret what's said as they're at the speed of 'social media' and they don't practice 'reading between the lines' as much as before.

I only hope I offer my ideas assertively, not aggressively.....feel strongly about it as we see quite a number of younger gens express so aggressively with the unbearable choices of words that aren't pleasant to say in public. I learn to ignore their crude words to get into what they want to say. Unfortunately, I feel those impolite terms seem to be more and more acceptable. This doesn't mean I completely go against the use of swear words .... a few are ok but not every sentence is filled with vulgar expressions. 

Straightforwardness isn't equal to rudeness ka.

Still conservative to share what will be softer, not harsher ka.

What do you think ka?

Happy Songkran ka.

Of Pain and Prosperity

 Hello all. I just got back from a workshop/learning session held for International Relations Officers (IROs) by CUPT (Council of Thai University Presidents)in Pattaya. I had a role in jointly designing the whole event with my little 'TPop Plus' team and representatives of CUPT, i.e. Vice Presidents/Assistant to the Presidents for international relations from Mahidol, Mae Fah Luang, and Prince of Songkla universities.

The one and a half day event covered two big pictures on national policies, internationalization (IZN), and three separate workshops on the first day discussing three themes on, 'Now', 'Next', and 'New'....for IROs to share their thoughts on what they've been doing, next steps of improvement, and transformative actions as future-ready missions. The three groups were blended to form another three groups to share learnings and work on the final outcomes to present to three senior leaders-turn-commentators for comments and additions. 

My session was to integrate what they learned and the steps forward, including world trends, relationships with bosses, and networking approaches.

Naturally, the participants were mixed in terms of years of experiences, goals and directions of universities, and their own capabilities. In any case, my general observations and learnings are:

- Gaps between senior leaders and IRO teams persist, creating misunderstanding, pain, and motivation to work toward the same goals. It also means generational mindsets are different and haven't been well-taken up.

- A good number of IROs have various and diverse talents that their senior management hasn't realized....even IROs themselves have yet to reflect and excel.

- Top down approaches are still (far too)common while bottom-up initiatives need to be empowered.

- Quite a few stay passive or reactive (out of fear as well), partly because of the institutional environments and because of their own less curious selves.

- Some ideas on what they wanted to learn after this event includes relationship building with bosses, communication and networking, geopolitics and global mindset, meaningful IROs and recognition, work and time management, to mention but a few.

If IROs are empowered and they themselves try to reach their highest potential by being future-ready, our universities sure will thrive with hope and prosperity.

Any comments popped up to share with me mai ka?

Three life's keywords

 It's getting much warmer all of the sudden mai ka? 

Today I'd like to talk about a new program called, 'Openbooks Club with the Cloud'. I watched it on YouTube ka.

This is only it's ep 3, with Khun Pinyo Trisuriyathamma (ภิญโญ ไตรสุริยธรรมา), the founder of Openbooks publishing house, who shares one recent published book, entitled, 'อู๋เหวย (Wu Wei)'. This one touched on how to lead one's life in tune with the nature ka.

As the book mentions three keywords that really get my attention, I'll offer them to see what you think and how you'll respond ka.

These words are, 'stop/หยุด', 'discard'/ิทิ้ง, ' important things/สิ่งสำคัญ'. 

What are your responses to these three words? What should you stop doing? What to abandon? and what are your important things in life?

It isn't easy to answer and I found that for the first two, I'd add 'trying' like 'trying to stop overthinking' and 'trying to throw unnecessities away'. The third is easiest to read,' stay as healthy as possible to be independent and contributive'.

What are yours ka? I'm still searching my soul to answer the first two ka

Coach Tip?

Hello to all ka! The subject is not to imply that I'm considering adding my life with another role as 'coach' though I tend to 'หาทำ' na ka.

I have a little story to share ka.

Yesterday, I got a text from a gen Y girl, seeking advice. While we were talking on the phone, I thought of a key coaching technique....to listen with questions. I then tried asking some both to understand the context a little further and to know more about her thoughts and concerns.

It was clear to me how frustrated she was as she feels her contribution isn't meaningful to the organization. She finds it hard to accept perfection in everything they do and not to express any views. I gathered then that it must have been stressful for quite a few reasons:  the clash of personal and organizational values, inflexible culture and atmosphere, no impact in one's work, tough job market, fully self-financial freedom. 

She was crying so much that I decided that that coach technique wasn't applicable so I started thinking of some stories to tell her.....flipping my file tabs in my brain from what I've learned as a podcaster ka.

After several stories, she stopped crying and commenting on what she got from the stories to link with her issues. We talked about a few options for her to pick and act. 

I hope it was a 'happy beginning' for her. As for me, I may be a better 'storyteller' than 'coach'. I also feel thankful for working on my podcast show, enabling me to gain some real good stories and life lessons ka.

Leadership of Marriot International

Hope life has been treating you well ka. I couldn't believe how busy I can be kaaa! หาทำทั้งนั้น 5555!

Anyway, last night I went back to watch my favorite program, 'How Leaders Lead by David Novak'. I did listen to the podcast (episode#273) where he interviewed Tony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriot International. I liked it so much I watched it from YouTube to jot down what I wanted to share.

Here are what I'd like ka:

1. Leadership is to 'walk the talk'.  Tony Capuano got to learn from Mr. Marriot (second gen) when they both visited a Marriot hotel in Hawaii. 

Mr. Marriot went into the kitchen to find a young guy washing dishes with the rinse sprayer that didn't function properly. Mr. Marriot told the guy he himself went through washing many dishes before and he knew the tool had to be fixed.

Long story short, he asked his team to go back to the hotel even when they all were about to fly to another city. He went to the kitchen with Tony to try the sprayer. When he saw that it worked, he left. Tony said it was the story he'd never forget as it showed Mr. Marriot's humility, sincerity, and commitment.

2. Tony Capuano has 3 'keys to lead':

2.1 Be naturally intellectually curious -- I've listened to quite a few leaders mention the word, 'curious'.....this CEO adds 'naturally' that means it must come from the inner curiosity of the person loei ka. He's been learning about AI through reading, listening to thought leaders, and visits to sites like Silicon Valley.....this is for him to always aspire to get better. He also stresses the importance of learning across sectors and industries to expand horizons.

2.2 Be an engaged listener -- he doesn't 'take people with him'. Rather, he asks 'people to take him with them' so he learns from the subject matter experts from doorman and concierge to food and beverage associates (all the team members are called 'associates').

2.3 Be humble -- when watching him from YouTube, it amazed me how humble one could be, especially as President and CEO of one of the world’s largest hotel chains, operating about 10,00 properties worldwide.  

3. Little stories he shared show empowerment and best services in associates' DNA, holding up the Marriot's core values (Putting People First, Pursuing Excellence, Embracing Change, Acting with Integrity, and Serving Our World).

One was about an associate who walked for miles during heavy snowy days to pick up needed medication for a hotel guest.

Another was about special arrangements given to a girl who survived cancer with an amputated leg. Her family wanted a celebration in New York and called the hotel up to see how to manage what the girl wished to see/do. They were very surprised when they reached the hotel....welcoming them with red carpets, arranging Broadway show tickets and a car to bring them to places as planned.

Yes....money speaks loudly but service minds and hearts  go much further!

Any thoughts from this message mai ka?

One favorite book

Hello all! Hope you're enjoying your Wednesday ka.

For the past several months, I've been watching some talk shows on YouTube and wish to share with you one program called, 'My favorite book' หนังสือเล่มโปรด moderated by Khun Taew -- Jirayong Anuman-Rajadhon. She's in the financial industry so I only know her from this show.  Her plan to get 99 celebs and key public figures from businesses to share their favorite books is impressive, showing her determination to work on the program and how 'influential' she is to invite them ka.

I know quite a few people she interviewed ..... again from YouTube and podcasts, not in person ka. Here are several people I want to mention.

Let me start from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pasu Decharin พสุ เดชะรินทร์ (Chula's Faculty of Commerce). I know him best as a columnist for Krungtepturakit newspaper. At one point, when my family still subscribed to the paper, I sure looked forward to every Tuesday.

I recall vividly how I love his choice of book, which was beyond expectations ka. He chose วังบาดาล (Underwater Palace), Chinese martial arts fiction. What was even more fun to see was his joy when talking about it....his eyes sparkled and his face lit up with smiles, confirming how reading the fiction over and over again still led him to wonder about the mysteries with unlimited imaginations. Listening to him and watching his reactions were delightful ka. 

The second one is Khun Phaniang Pongsatha ไม้ฟืน พะเนียง พงษธา  a highly successful venture investor whose health was harmed badly from the paths to success. Instead of choosing a book, he chose a deck of cards 'เพื่อนใจ -- Mind Friend Cards' as he finds it healing with the statements that help him look within and learn more about his own self and life ka.

His childhood left some scars to him as he was seen as some kind of a 'loser' and he himself took it in to feel unconfident and insecure. It gave me lots of thoughts how families, teachers, and societies need to be more observant and caring for this group of kids to grow up more mentally healthy ka. Practicing Buddhism with a monk he has faith in turned to be very helpful.

The last one was Khun Apiwut Pimolsaengsuriya อภิวุฒิ พิมลแสงสุริยา, an international coach. He chose 'Die with Zero' by Bill Perkins. It gives a very good lesson how to live a life without being too obsessed with wealth and materials. Rather, we should learn to have a happy life till we die....not that we spend to the last penny as some can literally interpret it na ka.

From these three persons, it makes me notice that they are all male and the ways I watched and learned from them are totally from different angles na ka.

I also have to think hard of what I'd choose as my favorite book.....could be a novel I read when I was young ka.....still can't decide. What about you? and why that choice ka?

Successful eye surgery with a little shock

5555! calling for your attention to read mai ka?

I just had cataract surgery on the other eye after the first was done early last year ka. I thought it'd be much easier since the left eye didn't have any complicated issue unlike the right eye.

It seemed so and all went smoothly for me to lie down on the operation bed. As it was the final ready preparation, before I started my 'พุทโธ', something hard with some weight fell onto my face. 

Thank goodness it hit my cheekbone and inside my mind, I was wondering if my cheekbone was broken and what the next steps would be.  Definitely, all in the room jumped yet with calm reactions and instructions to bring several types of cold pads. 

Long story short ka:

The eye doctor checked my cheek and said it was fine. She asked if I wanted to continue the surgery. After she confirmed that the accident didn't have any impact on it, I decided to go on with the operation ka. Things worked out smoothly from there.

After it was done, the doctor ordered to have my face x-rayed and the result was a relief like what she said ka.  She said several times she was very sorry about it and so did other assistants.

The doctor explained that the thing fell on me was extra equipment to help doctors see details better which isn't that necessary. 

How did I feel?

- Strangely, besides being shocked briefly, I was really calm and didn't feel angry.

- I appreciated my eye doctor who showed her caring all along. It was also helpful how confident she was to confirm the surgery.

- A little amusing?? story ka: one assistant got close to the surgery bed to kind of comfort me and then hugged me after I said they all must have been relieved because I didn't show any negative reactions to them. Sure they couldn't have agreed more.

She then asked me how old I am....when I said '70', she said, 'Oh! it was the most recent lottery prize for the last two digits.'  I was wrong to think she'd worry about me and my age na ka nia....funny dee mai ka?

I'm doing well and recovering ka...nothing to worry except to be patient to get my vision fully clear.

What an experience na ka.....once is more than enough ka.

Toothpaste as a gift

 Happy Chinese New Year to all ka. Today's the second day for us to celebrate it and after two big meals, I stay back home today with lighter meals kaaa.

Let me share one light cross-culture story na ka.

Last week, I had a little challenge, thinking of a gift to offer to a more senior American colleague who helped be our EdPEx resource person. At first, I thought of an 'elephant bag' for him to bring to his wife and decided not to as I felt it was kind of 'too basic and not consumable'.

After some long thought, I came up with 'Dentiste toothpaste' but again wasn't so sure if it was proper as a gift to an American.

I consulted with Copilot to advise that 'it isn't good as a gift to Americans since it's 'personal care' stuff. Then, I prompted Copilot that Dentiste is a local yet premium brand. Its response changed to add that Lisa (Blackpink) is its presenter and it should be seen as a good choice.

Using a world-known influ works.... up the level of our products too!

Before I gave this gift to our guest, I had to make a little intro what Copilot said and let him know that it's a Thai premium brand....even my Japanese friends love and see it as one perfect gift they always buy to bring back home. My Japanese friends and our 'ship' friends have exchanged toothpastes as gifts for some years now as well. I fulfilled my wish to give a gift that's Thai, consumable, and practical!

What did he say? What else could he say na ka 5555!

Any comments mai ka?

Lovely little stories

Hello all.... I'd like to add a little more smiles to you today na ka....see if this message can do it or not.

Recently, my life seemed to be quite busy, talks and pleasure, enabling me to learn more stories to share.

The first was from a soon-to-be doctor ka. He was chatting with an elderly patient (คุณยาย) while taking care of her wound. Then she asked him to get closer to tell him she dreamed of 'numbers'. He told her he'd plan to buy 2 lotteries if possible. That evening, it so happened that a lottery seller had the numbers. This young doctor did as promised, giving one to คุณยาย.

The story didn't end as expected as both didn't win any prize so my advice was for him to tell คุณยาย to keep the heaven's secret to herself ka.

I enjoyed listening to it, feeling so good about the warm interactions between patient and doctor....what I hope to see and hear more in the future.

The second was from a workshop about standards and quality. I was sharing with them how I defined 'quality'. My example was why I chose to buy 'Srichand lipsticks' not only because they were on sale, but also because of my pride to buy something made by Thais. 

I gave one color lipstick to a young guy who answered my question. I told him it could be for his 'fan' (hard to say it outright these days if it's a 'girl/boyfriend'/ 'hubby'/wife). He told us he sometimes wears lipstick....I told him it was an orange shade, not lip balm. He said it was fine with him and he wanted to try. It was a fun time for all to follow what he'd do and he himself was pleased with the color, saying he liked it ka....narak mak. Learning that he's married, guess he'd have to fight with his wife over the lipstick ka.

Something different was a good sharing to feel belonged.

Do these two stories bring smiles?

My passionate IRO world

Hello all. I had a wonderful opportunity to go back to my world of international relations......meeting with its IR team ทีมวเิทศสัมพันธ์ from both the central office and from faculty representatives.

Why wonderful? 

One university becomes more proactive to sharpen the potential of its IR crew. 

I hoped my retirement would have seen me being more helpful to this IR circle but to my surprise, things didn't seem to be as proactive as I wish to see and hear...instead, it has been filled with routine, paperwork, and numbers including trips, foreign students and MOUs, turning some university offices to be like travel agencies to handle programs and visa.

It's like 'back to the past' when I started my 'witait' career track ka.

What's wonderful?

Many lessons learned from my involvement with the IR team for about two days in a province.

My workshop buddy and I designed quite a few activities for 47 participants (+1.....their VP for IR) on the basis of doing groundwork for them to self assess (their own selves, faculties, and university), offer a big picture about the world trends, internationalization of higher education (IZN) and internationalization at home (IaH), university directions, and how these topics/issues need to be linked  and aligned with their needs for improvement within their scope of responsibilities as IR members. 

The workshop went fine, allowing them to connect and communicate, think and reflect what they've done and what the IR offices are for, and learn about and link the world and their university to make their IR missions work in the better directions. Gen gaps were felt though to us not that strong. We sure admire their boldness and creativity which add to the strengths of the IR for their boldness and creativity. Would be awesome if they're guided and supported appropriately with simpler systems and flexibility.

What's better is hopefully they feel proud of being support staff of their university and faculties and that their meaningful efforts from teaming up to learn and move to the same/right directions will enhance the quality of the development of all. Senior leadership support is essential.

How will it be more wonderful?

There's a lot more work, more understanding to reach from both top down and bottom up. Yet, it was cool to see that there was an initiative that would be extended to key leaders who are involved in IR at the university and faculty levels plus more regular meet-ups. Some said they felt an urge to learn more about what they haven't known before while some others thought they would need to be more disciplined.

We left the workshop feeling fantastic ka.

Leadership from private sector

I just attended a keynote speech session yesterday and was eager to write so I can capture the essence even better what I've learned ka.

It was given by Khun Banyong Pongpanich, Chairperson of the Executive Committee at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKPFG), one person who I've admired and followed his thoughts for some years now......from Cariber, Facebook, YouTube, etc.

In fact, I was the one proposing to the EdPEx Subcommittee to invite him kaa.....(the full responsibility was on me:)).....from trying to find ways to invite him, volunteering to introduce him, and to moderate his session! 

หาทำค่าาาา!

Even though several are interconnected, let me try to share what I've learned from this overall 'mission':

1. It wasn't hard to invite him (he said when we met that he was ใจอ่อน easy to accept invites). We worked only through his secretary who is one lady with gentleness and a service mind. I was asked how I got to know him ..... through my involvement in Khon Thai 4.0 project where he also helped and we had lunch together....I then only ate and listened with keen interest and admired him for his well-rounded insights. He preferred walking to the room when he was ready, not to expect to see us once the car arrived at the hotel ka.

I couldn't help but think of some invites to high-level officials and some academics ka....sure love this simplicity and his humbleness.

2. Despite his powerpoint ready to be presented (with AI's help), he rarely used it and told stories instead. He only showed the last slide on servant leadership ka. My intro didn't include his storytelling talent and if I have to do it again, this aspect will be included in my intro (yesterday, I touched on his ความ..... ความพิเศษ ความคุ้นหน้า ความเป็นคนของแทบทุกวงการ ความเป็นคนตัวอย่างของ 5L (Life-long learning, Leadership, Listening)....if anyone wishes to get my intro text, please let me know ka.

3. His involvement in higher education goes beyond what others know as he's been helping in some communities, discussing with key leaders, urging some new drives, etc. The essence about today's leadership drawn consists of the following:

3.1 Leaders learn to build on beliefs from history, determining the gaps and reviewing what options could be most possible....noting also that changes aren't as fast as expected. Yet,  they must face the facts as they are, not what they were!.....be more in the present when tackling challenges. One example is about 'capability' and 'connections' กึ๋น/เส้นสาย, this is what we must admit that the strings stay on and we should stop arguing about this issue to move forward ka.

3.2 Mindset about learning is essential and from his own self, his stories showed so obviously that he never stops being curious to learn more and more in depth, yet to use what he's learned to link with the actual practice.

3.3 Think beyond the current frame of thoughts/actions to get new ways of working and possibly cross-sector learning like inviting external practitioners to lecture in every subject for at least 3 hours to widen students' perspectives. May I cite this example to let you know how it could lead to several key learnings ka: 

With this initiative, he was asking lecturers what they thought....only 3 out of 10 agreed. Here's something I really like: 3 implemented it as proposed! Normally, if the majority disagrees, we tend to say goodbye to the idea but this is one good strategy not to have only 'yes or no' so at least we can try something new and see the differences while keeping every voice heard, not to take 'consensus' as the only decision ka!

3.4 Real leaders are those 'forming something up' without going down to details. They can't be perfectionists but are the combination of  'big picture masters' (my own term) and appropriate level of being 'specialists'.

3.5 Education system should be market-driven with efforts to help the younger get to know their passion at the earliest....it must be decentralized with changed goals....not to gear only through exams or grades as the judgement of capabilities.

3.6 Reform over revolution is preferable especially in terms of sustainability. 

Alums should be invited to learn something new like the case of NUS (National University of Singapore), which invites its alums to take for free every year, one course in faculties other than their own for graduation then. 

Immediately, this example tells us how reform can be introduced to engage alumni while helping upgrade the quality and identify new areas of experience or even new passion na ka!

Any comments mai ka?

Meanings of Life

Happy day kaaa!

These days, it seems I get to read or listen to matters relating to 'meanings' of life ka.

First, it was from the Standard/ Secret Sauce, episode 933. Ken Nakarin was saying that at work, all should care for what meanings we can get from work. He then tabled out 5 pillars to make life meaningful which are: skills, health, relationships, mental health, and finance.

Isn't it strange to separate health from mental health? It shows clearly how we may confront more mental health challenges and awareness is a must. 

Listening to this ep led me to think back to a future-related article I read about 20 years ago....OMG! Then it was the very beginning of encouraging more STEM in education with a sharper sense of competition. One of the future projections was that many people would wish to seek 'philosophy of life'. I feel this aspect has been much higher on our life agenda as years go by ka.

How would you prioritize these five pillars ka? What do you think about your own philosophy of life ka?

Second, I observe that younger gens tend to go for 'all of none' .... or is it in our older gens too but went without notice?!? For example, we want to be rich so we have to do everything we can to earn money. If we don't believe in traditions, we must change it fully.

How could we let them know two key words, 'balance' and 'life'?....not that the elders like us know them well....but at least some past experiences have helped us understand a little better mai ka?

Any comments mai ka?

One favorable discussion/sharing atmosphere

Happy happy New Year ka.....this message came to you a little slowly na ka....been thinking of what to share and I was kind of sick yesterday and now back to normal ka.

I can't let go this Youtube/podcast on 12 Stories that Shook the World and Thailand, shared by 7 editors of The Standard/Secret Sauce....if you haven't watched/listened to it, check it out following this link ka:

https://youtu.be/ua3-q4RiP8g?si=I1FxRL_1fBI6ao2C

Why I keep thinking of it? 

1. All my inner circle listened and enjoyed it very much.

2. t's an 'all in one' episode to learn about the world/Thai situations last year in a less serious way.

3. It shows the capabilities of the editors (effective recruitment and retention with proper development programs). They know what they're doing while going beyond it to share their thought what could possibly happen.....they sure prepared well ka.

4. I love the 'lighter' atmosphere that offered a pleasant environment for all to share.....for those who wanted to jump in and add more insight to do so comfortably.

I think after all, thumbs up to Khun Ken Nakarin, CEO, whose moderation skills (communication, listening, follow-on questions, sharing moderate amount of insights only to go to the next question/end the) led the session to go very smoothly and enabled all to talk freely about their key messages.

My mind goes to our own higher education meeting settings ka. Quite a number in our traditional senior management would tend to talk, explain, order, etc....without much listening/learning from the members....or only listening to those with high positions/profiles....am I too negative mai ka?

Guess I've been dealing with some support staff matters and it seems that things don't really improve that much even after decades of development. Partly, it could be recruitment and training process, partly because of each personality with chill attitude and much less curiosity and need for learning, and partly because it's the need for psychological safety, which has been repeated in many programs I listen to ka.

It isn't easy to break old habits but if individuals and leaders feel the need to change, slowly yet gradually, we'll be able to maximize the capabilities of so many support staff around with more impacts they can make for our organizations ka.