Start With You: A Brief Review

Start with You: Lead from the Inside is a book by Belinda Brosnan, published by Baker Street Press in Melbourne, Australia, in 2018. The book has 132 pages, including the table of contents, and is divided into two main parts.

Part 1 consists of four main topics that focus on navigating personal leadership. It explores ideas such as personal leadership starting from within, the stages of personal leadership development, mindset, and unlocking possibilities. These topics are supported by relevant, practical examples and thought-provoking statements that encourage readers to reflect on their own leadership journey. Nonetheless, one point of time; everyone no matter what is a leader. 

Part 2 contains five main headings that focus on navigating one's way forward: Reveal, Resuscitate, Regulate, Recalibrate, and Radiate (5R's). Each of these ideas is explained through meaningful examples, relationships, and quotations. Together, the two parts provide a reflective journey from understanding oneself to becoming more intentional in the way one leads and influences others.

There are quite a few interesting lines in the book that resonate strongly with my beliefs about people, leadership, and, more importantly, the power that leaders hold, no matter how big or small the organisation is. A leader can influence an organisation or a community in endless ways, but the same influence, when exercised poorly, can also severely damage the people and community around them.

However, in my case, I'd like to take this idea from a little different angle. I believe that the power of an individual is significant not only within one's own home but also with community or organisation. Leadership does not necessarily begin with a title, position, or workplace. 

Children often look up to their parents as role models for different reasons. A father, for example, can be an important figure in a child's life, particularly through the sense of protection, guidance, and security he provides while the child is growing up. At the same time, a mother is equally influential, and, in many cases, her sacrifices leave a lasting impression on her children. The courage of a mother can be seen in the sacrifices she makes to raise her child. Whether facing heat, cold, hardship, or uncertainty, she continues to give her best so that another human being can grow, live, and become capable of surviving independently. This I believe is a true leader! because it involves difficult roles-no giving up mentality is the one I feel is so important. 

The child who grows up within such an environment eventually becomes part of society. That child may become a teacher, an engineer, a leader, or even a nation builder. In this sense, leadership at home can have consequences far beyond the boundaries of the family. The values, attitudes, work ethic, and integrity learned at home can eventually influence organisations, communities, and society they live in.

Likewise, becoming a successful leader is not easy, but it is certainly not impossible. There are many successful leaders across different organisations and institutions, and behind the success of many organisations is a good, visionary, and capable leader. For example, I see the Lt Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew-popularly known as LKY was someone to look up to as a visionary leader. Someone who has turned a small Island into a global hub and many more that what we all know about Singapore today is the hard-earned sweat of Mr LKY. The same principle can be applied to a successful family, where strong and responsible parents provide guidance, stability, and direction.

Some leaders may appear to be naturally gifted, but many leaders are shaped through experience, learning, mentoring, and the influence of others. Throughout my own life, working under different leaders has played an important role in shaping the person I'm today. The influence of a single person in a leadership position can be remarkable. A good leader can inspire you, develop your confidence, and bring out the best in you. Conversely, a poor leader can undermine your confidence and leave an impact that may take years to build or in some cases, it will damage everything including one's very morals. This is why having good leadership in an office, organisation, company, or institution is important.

Ultimately, leadership begins with oneself. It begins with how we think, how we treat people, how we respond to challenges, and how we influence those around us.

As a father myself, I'd like to believe that this book will help me become not only a good father but also a better leader. One day, my children will enter workplaces and become part of organisations and communities, and the ability and mindset they carry becomes my ability to nurture them in the best possible ways-to let them see the unseen or invisible! Long before they reach that stage, however, the foundations of their mindset, work ethic, integrity, and attitude will already have been shaped by the people and environment around them.

Perhaps, therefore, one of the greatest leadership responsibilities I've is not simply to lead people at work, but to lead by example at home. Many would believe that “everything starts from home and so is the leader.” If I can help my children grow into responsible, compassionate, resilient, and capable individuals, then perhaps I'll have contributed, in my own small way, to shaping a happy family person who can possibly have influence in building the nation.

This book is for all of us.

Whether one wants to become a successful leader, parent, teacher, lawyer, businessman, it starts within. Simply, one positive attitude or mindset can change everything!

An Extraordinary Nurse

It is not about perfection. No one walks into a room or a service centre expecting someone to be perfect, nor seeking attention. It is about being mindful of what one is responsible for, understanding what one has been trained to do or paid to do. 

Perhaps, dedication and humility don't come with pay or someone's qualification especially in public service to be efficient or genuine, it comes with  great sense of workmanship or wanting to serve sincerely.

I've accessed different public services, but not quite like this one. The one that was so efficient and professional. Having spent a decade in public service myself, I've gained a considerable experience of working in the public domain but sadly, in many instances, those experiences have not been very impressive.

Of course, many would say that it starts with you, or that it depends on your attitude. I believe the same.

Recently, I happened to walk into a health centre for an emergency. "Hi, how can I help you?" was the greeting from the reception desk. As I entered, I noticed a curious receptionist's eyes following our footsteps. They seemed to sense that we're worried and perhaps understood that their words at that moment could either add to our stress or help calm the situation.

We must remember that someone walking into an emergency centre usually arrives with a purpose or a sense of urgency. What happens next can leave a lasting impression. In my case, it did.

Knowing that our situation was being treated fairly and equally, we were able to calmly explain why we needed to see the Nurse. We did not arrive with hope alone but with immense trust in their service.

Once everything was under control, we took a seat and eagerly waited for our turn. Our token number was 54. A moment later, token number 53 was called. I assumed they had arrived with a similar hope. When they left, I saw them with a huge smile and thanking the staff. That simple sight reassured me. That is the kind of service we look forward to receiving.

Soon, our turn came.

We were called into the nurse's room and after settling down, began having a simple but meaningful conversation. The Nurse on duty handled our situation with care that we did not feel panicked or even bored while waiting. Somehow, in that moment, everything began to feel better.

My daughter's fever and headache seemed to ease gradually. It was like a magic! Perhaps it was simply the psychology of being cared for by a professional or the reassurance itself helped, but everything gradually began to fall back to normal and seeing that smile on my daughter's face in fact brought a huge relief to me.

I was genuinely overwhelmed by the service provided in the centre. It could be the culture or simply the act of being professional, all that I can think of is the act of being kind and genuine.

I was not simply happy because I received the service I needed. I was grateful for how the situation was handled. We're treated not merely as another patient, but as human beings, another family looking for help during a difficult moment, hoping that someone would make the situation a little easier.

It was the humility, kindness, and genuineness of that interaction that made everything feel normal again. 

In a world driven by so many challenges and pressures, it is not always easy to give or receive; whether it is a service, material support, or simply a kind word. Sometimes, all it takes is a different approach, a different attitude, or a small gesture to make someone feel safe. 

When I think back my days in school as a teacher, I somehow feel good and satisfied that I always tried my best to be as professional as possible. There was no special treatment for someone I know or someone coming from well-to-do family or public servant or someone from farming background. All these did not matter to me so long they are my students, they are treated well and with equal respect they deserve. Simply, I treated them as another human being.

A kind gesture can make someone feel that they matter and that they too have a place in this world.

It was the genuine humility and kindness shown by one person that made such a difference to us. On the surface, it was simply a Nurse doing their job. But doing a job in a way that makes another person feel safe, respected and cared for is something much greater.

Providing a service at that level is not always easy. It takes a different mindset. It takes patience, awareness, culture and, above all, humanity.

Perhaps we do not always need extraordinary things from one another. Sometimes, all we look forward to is a small act of kindness, who can feel someone is drowning.

Whether in a hospital, a public office, a workplace, or even within our own homes, the way we treat people matters. And sometimes, an ordinary act of service, performed with extraordinary humility, can stay with someone for a lifetime. I probably would take the service as an example above ordinary of a Nurse doing their duty so well.

Thank you!

 

 

The Journey Ends

Among thousands, getting to work as an educator for more than a decade in two beautiful schools is truly an amazing journey. One that is fulfilling and unforgettable. 

Working under different school principals is another plus side to cultivate meaning in management and leadership. Sharing space with work mates or colleagues from different backgrounds and aspirations are worth remembering for the rest of my retired life. 

Above all, getting to interact on a daily basis with thousands of innocent young kids who want to do something in life is absolutely amazing. Although, it's a rare chance to meet and interact and understand different minds, for a school teacher it's a unique opportunity to be and guide, share dreams, hope and aspirations to fulfill one's dream are a rare treat. 

In the span of my teaching career, I had done a great deal of work, I tried hard in all the best possible ways, and went beyond normal to give my best for all types of students who carries big hope in life. 

Above all, getting to serve my nation in the capacity of a school teacher is both an opportunity and a luck. I personally feel that I gave my best that I could to nurture our young minds who all converged in one place with some common dreams and hopes across the country, treated all kids with humility and dignity, and all levels of academic achievement were treated fairly and professionally. 

On some occasions, I was and have to be a father, brother, sister, friend, relatives, doctor, counsellor, and many more. I was what the situation had demanded to be in different forms, voices, and minds. One thing I always upheld to do my job was to be inside the teacher code of conduct. I was trying my best to be as professional as possible because I believe teachers are the role model. What we show becomes the future of the nation. I also believe that teachers are the face of the nation!

This voluntary resignation was taken with utmost consideration because leaving a job that is so dear and close is not an easy choice. However, I am also happy that someone in my position gets a chance to lead with a different approach. I personally feel that this is also an opportunity to share the space with someone of similar background and subject interest. So, my resignation is someone's opportunity!

 

A tribute to nature icon Sir David Attenborough

Source: BBC/Wendy Hurrell

I vividly remember watching a beautiful narration by Sir David Attenborough on National Geographic, BBC, and many other TV channels and fast forward, it's already historic 100 years that he has been the "face and voice of countless documentaries". 

It was a rare treat to watch TV in those days, that too at someone's home or a cousin's place. The little moment of privilege was well spent watching documentaries on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, etc., with so much caution and without flinching an inch. Missed opportunities would be too boring and regretful.

Those are the days of beautiful innocence!

For a million dreams, I never imagined the world would be this crazy with the internet and technology. Now with Artificial Intelligence mania, it is only going to get crazier! Not sure what tomorrow would look like.

I reminisce about those days as simple and ordinary. I think those days are quite irreversible and gone forever.

Watching endless Sir David 's documentaries on TV was something I took very seriously for connecting with nature, especially animals and landscapes.

One thing I always remember is his deep voice, so suited to the subject he brings into the frame for us to watch and feel so deeply connected. It was too beautiful and crazy to watch him narrating and enjoying as if he controlled every bit of the life around him. I always used to get so moved by his narration and sense of occasional humour when he talks about wilderness and nature.

He is an absolutely rare piece who completely sacrifices his life for nature and the wilderness. 

So, simple yet so profound, human he is for me and to the rest of the world.

As he turns 100, I take this opportunity to wish Sir David, 'A Happy Birthday.' May you live long and happily. May you continue to spread love across the world through nature and landscape. May you unite people across the world and ocean. May you shine like a diamond. May you sing the song of heaven to all humanity.

You are the voice of nature -animals, birds, and other creatures you have touched and shown to the world that every single life, no matter what, what size and colour, it still plays significant role for the very survival of this Mother Earth we all call HOME!

Let's save nature to save our planet. Let us become the voice like Sir David to save our planet. 

LONG LIVE SIR DAVID FROM THE LAND OF HAPPINESS!