All I Want For Christmas
When does the festive season start for you? For me, it begins with the installation of Christmas lights along Orchard Road, not to mention the year-end sales and the red Starbucks takeaway cups that have now become annual traditions.
It is also the time of the year when I go through a laundry list of gifts to purchase for family and friends. Maybe the end of the year just inspires thanksgiving but, in many ways, I feel that it is my duty to give back to those that have made a difference in the past year. I even make it a point to sign off gift tags with a heart-shaped symbol, as cheesy as it may sound.
And as for me, what do I really want for my Canon Singapore team this Christmas?
The Road Ahead
We all know that it has been a rough few months in terms of the economy — and the next few don’t seem that much rosier either. In fact, Canon Singapore organised an entire Think Big Leadership Business Series event back in November just to talk about the business outlook ahead.
In these troubled times, I am reminded of a quote by John Maxwell, a famous American author and speaker: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the leader adjusts the sails.”
That is why, for my Christmas wish, I want my team at Canon Singapore to take these three things to heart for 2017: dare to win, dare to change and dare to serve.
1. Dare to Win!
A winning attitude is key. While performance must remain the driving force in our everyday work, there are two other qualities with equal importance: speed and professionalism. I believe that these qualities are key to survive, succeed and win in the future marketplace.
2. Dare to Change!
Looking back, I see opportunities to improve upon our processes and the way we conduct businesses on a day-to-day basis. I believe that reassessment and realignment — in other words, transforming the way we work — is the best way to prepare for the upheaval ahead.
Innovation, however, starts from the top, and leaders have to lead by example in order to succeed. That’s why we have the annual Breakthrough Awards in place here at Canon Singapore. The purpose of the awards is to recognise innovative new ideas that challenge the status quo. Adapting to change and rolling with the punches is how we will stay afloat!
3. Dare to Serve!
This may sound strange, but hear me out. Servant Leadership is a term coined by Robert Greenleaf, the founder of the modern Servant Leadership Movement. According to its official website, the term is a philosophy and set of practices that enrich the lives of individuals, build better organisations and ultimately create a more just and caring world.
Servant Leadership is also a model I stand by as a leader in our organisation. One of my mentors has taught me to always put people first and, at the same time, demand performance and excellence. Some would question the idea of Servant Leadership, thinking it a weak ideal. Today, however, focusing on the people within our organisations, finding out who they are and what they need, is more important than ever before. I have absolute faith that this form of leadership is the best way forward.
Let’s Get Personal
On a personal note, when it comes to Christmas, what more can I ask for when I already have a loving family? My family is my harbour, lighthouse and pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, if I had to wish for something, I’d like to:
1. Learn More: read widely, ask questions, connect with people and stop to smell the flowers every once in a while.
2. Impact Lives: I want to be a servant leader, a humble follower, a good listener and a giving mentor. In my personal life, I want to be a fun father, a loving partner and a trusted friend. After all, giving is always more fun and fulfilling than receiving.
Here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and an eventful and rewarding 2017!
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