I had a team meeting. Our manager facilitated the discussion, took and showed the notes while we’re talking. It may seem unusual, normally admin or jr. person is (if) assigned to take notes yet watching what/ how my boss did was very clever. 1. Nobody needs to retype the notes after the meeting which is …
Author Archives: admin
Toastmaster
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 …
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 …