Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson – REWORK

source: Google

Rework is a thought-provoking book that comes in a simple language yet powerful to rethink many aspects of our work especially on doing business. 

I came across this interesting line from my FB friend by name: Dorji Wangchuk, whom I have known for many years now as a blogger, educationist, and engineer. He pointed out "Jaigaon. People in the same business coordinate. Bhutan: People in the same business cancel each other". What can be more thoughtful than this phrase? I believe this is nothing far from the real-truth that's in our veins, kind of traditional  pass down from generation this slow nerve, and especially our people need to relearn, and unlearn through this beautiful book "REWORK" about the art of doing "BUSINESS".

The best part of the book is that it did not need to be read in order, page-by-page, or chapter-by-chapter, or topic-by-topic, one can read by picking up any page, or topic or chapter in any order. The other interesting part is that each topic is not more than a page with a lot of information, and practical knowledge usable in everyday life. 

Rather than overloading with a lot of information, or review, I would simply lay down a few takeaways from the book which I felt is worth sharing and hopefully reminiscing for future. 

There is no big thing, or wealth, anything in life, or business. One must have the courage to make a start, it need not be big or small. I have “NO TIME” is an easy lie in life. As we move on with life, one must embrace a continuous constraint both big and small, now and in future, one must learn to adapt with challenges not just in business but in life.

Focus on what won’t change is another interesting eye-opening lesson I had through the “Amazon.com” example of –fast shipping, great selection, friendly return policies and affordable prices. As it says, these aspects will always be in high demand all over the world. The Japanese automakers principles of reliability, affordability and practicality were in a good mention. 

The mention of Zappos customer-service to Polyface’s selling of ideas and thinking were something that everyone needs to rethink and rework on to be successful in business and in life. 

The ideas of drug dealers get it right is so much to do with one’s brilliance and astuteness. In business and in life, one must have the art and courage to be like a drug dealer, “emulate drug dealers”! Make your product so good, so addictive, so can’t miss that giving customers a small, free taste makes them come back with cash in hand –what an idea!

I half believe in someone’s resume for the fact that I have made it to simply land a job – and nothing more. The Authors put it as “resumes are ridiculous” is something that everyone including rudest to brightest need rethinking and reworking. In simple terms –resumes are an exaggeration and don't hold anything much to the need of any business. 

Another bolstering topic I have come across to my likeness is “put everyone on the front lines”, to me this looks like, “everyone here is a leader” concept which is always close to my heart in whatever affairs of life we are, it really doesn’t make difference with position, experience or qualification, rather its tantamount to understand the whole dynamics of work, business or anything. 

“Send people home at 5”. It sounds like crazy stuff but what can be more practical than making someone over-work, or holding back to finish the task when the energy is in the last bar. How beautiful and practical is this “human need better hours, and not more hours”. I understand that it means work-life-balance is crucial for everyone. 

I am an avid believer of this word “workaholism” because I fall in this category. Until I saw this topic in this “rework”, I couldn't believe more than my foolishness of a rudimentary, more like a blind faith to this. It could have been so far that for the longest period, I fancy “Japanese” work culture, ethic, belief, and principles of life. To the extent that now I suffer from acute back pain to eye pain to muscle pain, and more is yet to come by. 

This book has opened my eyes in many ways. Wholesome! One inspiring book that I've read in my reading list. I suggest all to read this book as it is available online in "pdf" version for the easiest grab. Easy to read and understand. However, I would like friends to take care of your eye-on-screen. 

 

 

The Power of a Positive Workmate - II

"That's strange," Simon remarked. "The cars are ridiculously filthy." I advised him to be careful when bending over to clean the car, reminding him that self-care is crucial to avoid back pain and to maintain our ability to keep working in the yard all week. 

Simon quickly got the hang of cleaning the cars, showing a great sense of humor and a better taste in cars than I had. While I was clueless about a few brands, he seemed an automotive genius.

To pass our time, Simon and I discussed a wide range of topics –politics, wars, sports, culture, weather, and music, sharing our experiences and exchanging some random thoughts and comments. Perhaps, we acted like an expert! 

Technology, AI, education, jobs, and business were frequent subjects as well. We even did not spare our mountains, trees, rivers, landscapes, and wildlife. Discussions about car brands, colors, and smoothness energized us and kept us motivated throughout the day. We were occupied talking about our passions and hobbies, even sharing personal stories, musical tastes, food, wine, bills, saving habits, pensions, society, etc, etc,.

Simon, who has a lot of experience in the hospitality sector, joined me in working outdoors on cold winter days. He brings a bag of experience and maturity in workplace; ethics, professionalism, diligence, and committed to his work, possessing a cool and pleasant personality, he kept me engaged with different perspectives. 

He speaks passionately and enthusiastically about every matter like a true Australian gentleman. Despite his long span in hospitality, he never yearns to return to his first job (reason:unknown!). His knowledge of cars, including caravans, 2-wheel drives, power, and interiors, is exceptional. 

   ... he reignited my passion for nature even more than before...

With a lot of experience in logging, gardening, horticulture, and landscaping, Simon is a very clean and organized person. We also discussed humanity, climate change, fashion, the market, mental health and well-being, and many aspects of our culture and youth. 

A pet lover, Simon has a pet cat, while his mother loves dogs. When I asked him why most people prefer pet dogs, he unfailingly explained at length that "dogs are likely the most obedient and loyal pets, understands feelings, provides good companionship, and encourages daily walks."

We had some brief discussion about life challenges—pain and happiness. We recognize that future challenges will intensify with advancements in technology, AI, IoT, and cyber threats, alongside escalating geopolitical tensions and a decline in humanity. Amid these issues, we stress the need for social cohesion to protect future generations. We also call for strong leadership to guide our nation forward, ensuring the world remains a beautiful and happy place to live.

Despite our different upbringings and cultural backgrounds, Simon and I shared similar values and beliefs regarding nature and humanity. While Simon had his first Bhutanese workmate, I had pearls of wisdom from this gentleman on many topics.

As I called Simon over to give the last car of the day a final wipe, I spoke to him about the beauty of Australia -I whispered in his ear, "your country is amazing."

To A Beloved Lady

To My 

Wife,

Sometimes, I'm not in the best of moods or conditions.

I talk less.

I work less.

I share less.

I express less.

 

I know...

It hurts you and others in the family.

It gives you cause for concern.

It burdens you.

It frustrates you.

PLEASE know that...

I'm always here for you and the family, no matter my situation.

Please accept me as I am!

Thank you for understanding 

and

 giving me another day to work through my hard times. 

I will return in a good mood on other days...

For English Medium

Third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck 
Source: Google

 This is the extract I'm looking for long to put as an archive. 

“The Third Druk Gyalpo was a visionary who understood that Bhutan was small and isolated, and that a Hindi-based modern education system would limit Bhutan's scope in international engagement. He therefore, adopted English as the medium of instruction in schools and began in earnest to build an education system that became the foundation of a network of primary, secondary and tertiary institutions that we see in Bhutan today”.

 

I'm still looking forward to anything more priceless than this King's vision. Small yet so profound that we are lucky to have our education system all in English. Otherwise, we would be lingering and behaving so traditionally in all aspects of life. 

I've been eager to put this into perspective for several compelling reasons that I believe are important for us. If for nothing else, our shared working language of ENGLISH is invaluable.

 

Thank God!

We can compete with any other English speakers like PROs.

We can write and express ourselves just as well as any other English speakers like PROs.

We can communicate in any complex English medium with other English speakers like PROs.

We can read any texts or sentences without needing assistance, just like PROs.

We understand any type of English expression as well as any English speaker, just like PROs.