I joined Saturday Toastmasters of Arlington meeting today. H was the table topic (impromptu speaking) master. Instead of simply asking people question/ giving topics. H gave us a structure ‘What, How, and Why’ and 3 minutes to think of the content (pick 1 thing to evaluate the speaker). The structure makes thinking on your feet …
Author Archives: admin
Just Ask!
I arrived at airport and found out there is an earlier flight so I asked the agent if I can change. He looked at my check-in monitor and said changing option didn’t appear. There might not be seat left but I could ask the gate agent. I went to the gate and the agent told …
Special Trip
A special trip to visit aunt who has been through chemo, explore Iowa (a new state for me and getting close to achieve 1 of my bucket list to visit all 50 US states), and stay overnight on a tree house (another bucket list item). Aunt seems skinner, thinner-haired, yet in good spirit. As always, …
Work Around
In the first meeting to discuss the new initiative ‘code name’ and structure with key stakeholders, we encountered strong resistance (A expressed the objection and B walked out of the meeting). Later, I talked to A, a senior executive, privately to seek her support and advice before gathering the core team. I didn’t get a …
Yoga & Stretch
Happy October! New month, new start. I joined a yoga studio in my neighborhood, a lapse for 2 years and 1st time to try different types of yogas (beyond gym class). It’s no surprise how I feel my muscle, tight or shaking sometimes yet ‘breath’ during movement and stay ‘present’ are more difficult. Mind kept …
Happy Teacher’s Day
Happy teacher’s day to mom and all the great teachers around the world! Your life lessons have changed my world: be genuine, generous to others, and curios about life. Mom’s motto ‘誠樸’ (honest & humble) says it well and she lives it, 27 years as a teacher and lifetime as my role model. I have …
Roller Coaster Ride
A roller coaster ride this week for the A initiative. We achieved the milestone target ahead of schedule. Before having time to celebrate or take a break, we ran into system performance and capacity issues, on top of that, accidental system shutdown. No question of the stress to teams and long hours of works yet …
Buffer
I have a conference starting at 9AM today. Compared to a normal (working) day, it’s 1hr later start and I don’t need to make breakfast at home yet I decided to get up at 6AM as usual. When I took out the vest I plan to wear, there were 2 big folding marks on the …
Change Management
I started the new role as a key initiative lead this week, learning, discussing with teams, and preparing for the executive meeting on Friday. It started well, I had good conversations to form/ continue the partnership with 3 key players. My manager initiated a meeting to share/ discuss the new structure/ plan for the initiative …
Customer Service
I love Trader Joe’s, not only for its unique and often-refreshing selection of goods but also (more) for its excellent service/ staffs. Let me share with you 2 recent experiences… A few weeks ago, I was at a store and overheard 2 young staffs talking about a colleague who got promoted and will be moving …