The review – My first month

July 29, 2010

I have just about completed my first month in my new career. So much has happened in such a short space of time.

TOTAL ENGAGEMENT – I find that when I get home I am drained but I love it.  There is much less time to do things like chess or  art. In fact I have been playing over one chess game for a few days now. In the past I would play over a game in a matter of minutes. I think I am totally engaged in what I do during the day. I have to think on my feet all the time. I am dealing with current and potential customers  a great deal of the time and everything I do matters, it affects my personal and company’s brand in one way or the other.  I am interacting with colleagues from other teams and other parts of the company from our management consulting space, interim executive business and sales performance.

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS – I ask questions every single day. If something doesn’t make sense to me and I can’t figure it out within a few seconds, I will ask. I think it’s much more efficient that way and I get to move on quickly. The doubt and confusion is replaced with clarity. That can’t be a bad thing!  I have felt silly many times but it’s fine. I just move on. I have asked the same questions again but it’s fine. I need to get it right!  New processes, new systems, new people, new markets and new frontiers - I am asking questions about everything and everyone and absorbing as much as I can.

LESSONS – There has been so much to learn. Every single day I have learnt something new. I know tomorrow there will be a new lesson and I am looking forward to it. I keep an open mind about what I will learn next. I imagine it is my first few days in school again. I am a rookie again and it’s a nice feeling. I am reading a motivational book when I have time and trying to apply the lessons when I put the book down.  I am very clear about my goals now in life and see no reason whatsoever why they will not become a reality. If God is on our side, who can stop me, who can stop us?

LEARNING TO LISTEN – One of the biggest experiences so far has been just learning to listen. I deal with people much more than before. The exchange of ideas and communications has increased exponentially.   Its been a big lesson to just have a clean slate when I converse with someone, totally focus on the message, process it and respond appropriately. As basic as this might sound, I think I have fallen short a great deal in the past. I used to think of myself as a great communicator but I realised I have a very long way to go. Communication is a two way process and I have focussed too much on the one aspect and side of it, my own story. What I want  and have to say, what I had in mind. It’s been me, me, me. What about the other person?

IDEAS – I love to generate ideas about everything I come across and I have been suggesting this and that. Why not try this and why not try that.   However, this can be a tricky business. I have to express my ideas and  without making compromising anyone’s dignity and self worth.  Many times I do this, I pretend to be the other person and it helps a great deal. It can take a few seconds but these can be vital in the quality of communication. Do unto others as you would want others to do unto us. Why not say unto others in the same spirit?  If  there is better way of doing things, let’s consider it and put it forward in the best way.

FINDING MY OWN STYLE – I think it will take some time before I have developed my style of doing things. My own way of selling, of marketing and going about the business. I feel really great about this. I love this freedom and will make the most of it. I think I have suppressed my creativity a great deal in my working life and there is no reason to really. I am little conscious of other people when talking on the phone but I know this will go with time and I will be in my element in good time. I find that being too nervous leads to mistakes but practice makes perfect.

KNOWING EVERYONE – One of the challenges I set for myself early on was that I should know everyone in the company by name within a week. With less than 50 people it has been quite easy.  For the first week or so I would move around the company with a phone list and every time I met someone new I would mark their name on the list and write what they did. Some people’s names were not so easy to remember for some reason but I kept trying. The next challenge is to know intimately what everyone does in the company. I have a very big interest in cross selling across the group and the strategic view of all the functions.

MANAGEMENT CONSULTING – Even though I am in executive search and selection at the moment which I am enjoying immensely I think where I really want to be is in the mentoring, leadership and coaching space. That kind of work is done in our management consulting business. I have already engaged with the relevant parties regarding my career plans.  I am quite sure that will be my next stop within a year or so. I feel that everything is slowly coming together. Regarding my career I am now much more decisive. I know where I want to be tomorrow and I will do what it takes to get there!

TOUGH MEANS I GET TOUGH – Let me make no mistake about things.  The new role is very demanding. I have targets to pursue every week and every day.  It is tough but I think it’s making me tougher. I will not shy away  from the challenges that lie ahead but I will take them head on. There is one life to live on earth and I will take all my chances. From where I stand I cannot see any limits and will not accept any. I will embrace all the possibilities that come my way and work hard towards the future I desire.  I want to be all used up when I am done. Let the journey continue!

Have a great weekend and all the best. Be The Man you want to be. BTM

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This and that – Its ok! (from the high school days)

July 22, 2010

NASTY SHOCK – The high school years were humbling for me. For some reason in Form 1 in the hills in Chishawasha I imagined that I would be one of the top students in class. I got a nasty shock at the end of the  first term during the school holidays when the reports came.   At first I thought there was a mistake with the school report but sure enough the report was mine.

FAMILIAR FEELING – After that it became a familiar feeling when the report came out. There were several kids getting better grades than me not just in one subject but all the subjects. There seemed to be a champion in every subject. To make matters more interesting there was one chap who had a monopoly of sorts. No matter how hard I studied I could never beat him in anything. One term I solemnly swore that I would surely be better the following term and did as much studying as I could. I woke up at very odd hours just to put in some extra hours. I went to bed very late hoping that I could improve the grades. I am not even sure these interventions really worked. A good deal of the time I was really tired during classes the following and would need more extra hours just to catch up.

WORK SMART! – More curious for me was the chaps I never saw studying an extra minute but who consistently gave me a walloping when the results came out. This was really hard for me to accept. That another kid could be much better than me without even putting in any extra effort at all.  One day I asked one of these chaps what his secret was.  Understandably, I was very curious, as would have been anyone else in my position. He told me that he made sure he paid attention in class and did not need to redo things afterwards.  I have no doubt this chap was a really bright chap but his reasoning also made sense to me.  He was working smart long before I knew the concept existed.

Fast forward more than a decade later into my working life, things could not be more different.

YOU TAKE THE CREDIT – It doesn’t really matter who takes the credit for the work. As long as it is done. My former boss took me by the side some years back after probably observing an overzealous subordinate who needed a pat on the back for any significant milestone at work.  I wanted to be the best with the recognition that came with it. That was an important lesson for me from the whole experience. Let’s work together and make it happen. Let’s exceed the targets that we have set. If you want to the credit, no problem with me. So long the work is done!

BRIGHTER AND LESSER LIGHTS – My former boss taught me another lesson which I will never forget. Recounting his earlier years in his career, he told of how a subordinate of his had later gone on to become his boss. Personally I would not have handled such a situation well. Would my ego have allowed me to work well, reporting to someone who used to be my very own subordinate. This is not a problem. In life there will be brighter and lesser lights. You might think your light burns the brightest until you realise just how the brightly the room is when another light is on. Do your best in everything and wait for the rest! Interestingly my former boss is doing very well in his career with his philosophy.

LIVE LIFE – One sad thing about constantly trying to outdo each other is that life is passing us  by while we are at it. Before we know it, the years have rolled by and we don’t have a single beautiful memory to reflect and reminisce on   but dry, dull days with no smiles and laughter at all. Live your life and look back with nostalgia to the days when you did everything you could but did not let it run your life. The days when you worked hard but you still found time for family and friends,  and to just have fun with family and friends.

I think it’s ok not to be the best but it’s not ok not to do our best. Maybe too many negatives in that one. Be the best you can be at all times and everything will take care of itself.

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This and that – On a weekend

July 17, 2010

On a cold winter morning I reflect on what life has given me so far and am at a loss for words. I had to run out of the kitchen to the computer in case I forgot my ideas.  My wife is now probably used to this.

THE SIMPLE – To my great surprise I have found the greatest satisfaction in the simple things in life. Not in the flashy and expensive things but the simple things that money cannot buy. Just to come home and be with my wife, someone I know I can always count on and someone who has always been there for me. To talk and catch up with my friends, to find out what’s going on around me. To read the paper and find out what’s going on in other parts of the world.

FAMILY – I am not really a family person but over a period of time I have been learning to appreciate the meaning of family. Perhaps some day we will have kids and I hope that I can show them some love and teach them one or two things. Some people with kids have told me that having kids gives you the opportunity to experience real unconditional love. You love the kids, not for anything that they can give you or you can give them, but for just being your kids, your very own gift from God.

LOVE – You can have everything in the world but without love I think it all means very little. If you have noone to share with, then it won’t mean much. The love for others, for friends, for God,  the Love for life and all things in it. Love the four-letter word that means so much to us, maybe everything even.

LEARNING – Each and every step I am learning something knew. Whether at work or at home, the lessons keep coming and I will be a willing student till the last questions. I do not hesitate to ask questions and get more insight. Learning about life, about religions, about spirituality, about God, about everything really. Every day I amazed by the things I do not know.

FRIENDSHIP – I can’t imagine life without friendship. The people I have called for advice at odd hours asking for advice on critical matters. The countless times when I shared my excitement on new ideas, thoughts and just about anything really. I honestly believe that if a monetary value could be attached into friendship, would it not run into billions? Can we quantify the impact and benefits of friendship over a lifetime.

CONTENTMENT- I have seen first hand the consequences of greed and selfishness. Being content and grateful has brought me much peace of mind especially in my personal life.  Life is short, I want to look back with pride rather than regret. The contentment I refer should not be confused with complacency.

TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE – I am constantly surprised when I seen people after a very long time. You can see some big changes have taken place. Strands of grey hair, some wrinkles, for those who see me it would be a receding hair line. From the day we were born, our clock is constantly ticking.  I won’t fight time or fight nature but I will go with its flow. Every minute that comes my way is surely a gift. I accept it with sincere gratitude.

Let’s make beautiful memories, memories to last a lifetime. Have a great weekend and all the very best in everything you do.

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Posted by Bruce

This and that – Reflections

July 14, 2010

During my teenage years I seriously considered priesthood. I am not sure what attracted to it but it was something I thought about a great deal.  I spent 6 years in a missionary school in the hills of Chishawasha and greatly admired the Jesuit way of Life. Of course I enjoyed the music and dancing in church a great deal too.  It was an incredible period in my life which I met some really great people, some of whom I still remain in contact which.

 The parish priest at St Mary’s Anglican church in my hometown in Cranborne, Harare, once asked me if I would consider being a priest. He was very serious. The Diocese  needed more priests. The old priests were retiring and too few people were joining the priesthood. I told him I would think about it but I am not sure I ever got back to him.   I went as far as being a server in church which was a  great experience. I got incredible insight into the church’s doctrine and got to understand why we Anglicans did  things the way we do.  Looking back I am really glad I did not become a priest. I am pretty sure I would not have lasted in the field.  It would have been too tough and demanding for me given my restlessness and sense of adventure. However,  I met the most influential people in my life in church, they practically changed the course of my life.

Crossing over the border to South Africa several years ago was a life changing experience. Away from the familiar faces of family and friends I believe I was able to discover who Bruce is, what Bruce is about and what Bruce is searching for in life. It has not been an easy process at all. Many mistakes have been made in the process and I have no doubt that many more will be  made. In the past I had spoken out about several things which I really had no idea about, things like drinking alcohol, going to nightclubs to mention but a few. In my books these were all vices, case closed!  Out of simple curiosity I tried drinking wine for a few seasons and at some stage was going through two bottles a week.  The neat collection of empty wine bottles also drew curious comments from visitors and guests.  I drank wine too fast and the effect was obvious. I would be drunk after just one glass. Now being a person who likes to be in control, getting drunk was not amusing at all.  I felt light headed and I did not like this sensation at all.  In the end after trying to master the art of drinking wine I had to concede defeat. A friend advised that I should let the wine massage the palate but I had no idea what he was talking about. You need to start some things a little early!  You cannot drink wine the same way you drink softdrink. I went back to my tried and tested fruitjuice and so far it seems to be working well.

THE BEAUTY in the CHANGE – I have seen the changes in my friends over the years. The subject matter of our conversations had changed considerably over the years. From discussions about careers, cars and trying to outdo one another we now discuss family matters, finances and deep spiritual matters to mention but a few. The issue of retirement seems to come up more and more often. Well we cannot stay young forever. We will not fight the process of ageing but rather embrace it and enjoy it.

NO JUDGING – One of the lessons I have learnt is not to judge anyone.  I have learnt to leave judgement to those who will judge. A few days ago I read somewhere that if God has left it right until the end to pass  judgement, why should I? This argument made perfect sense to me. Looking at it from another angle at this stage I cannot think of any benefits accruing to myself or the other person by passing judgement. Since I stopped passing  judgement on others I have not seen a decline in the quality of my life at all. It also appears more people are prepared to confide in me than before. I believe I need to clear out the log in my eye before I start stressing about the speck in someone else’s eye.

DYNAMICS – I have observed first-hand the ever changing dynamics of life. I have seen things go up and down, left and right, back and forth, this way and that way. I have to agree with the person who observed that nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. The things I have seen thus far have convinced me that nothing can be taken for granted in life. I am fortunate to be in this place at this time but tomorrow it could be a different story. I am thankful for each day. Every single minute is precious!

THE PERSONAL STANDARD – In the past I paid particular attention to what others said and I did my best to always give a good impression. To this day I still try to give a good impression in most things I do. However, the motivation and reasons have changed a great deal. Now one of the tests I need to pass is my own personal test. Do my own actions and thoughts comply with my own personal standards. What do I think? Why I am doing it? Is it something that I will be proud of tomorrow? I find that this approach puts me under much less pressure but I still get to enjoy life.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES – I find that motivating and mentoring others is more enjoyable. With my real-life and first hand experiences I have plenty of material to use which hopefully will hold others in good stead. Rather learn from the mistakes of  others than your own. Sadly a number of us still insist we want to make our own mistakes. This approach is not advised.

DON’T BE TOO SERIOUS – In the past I just took life way too seriously. I was preoccupied with too many things that do not make a big difference in the bigger scheme of things.  One needs to relax every now and then. Now I try to smile as much as possible. I try to spread a cheerful spirit wherever I go. I believe I actually have much less stress than before. Hypertension was becoming a real concern at some stage but I know this is well and truly under control now. Don’t be too serious with yourself!

Have a great day and all the best!

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Posted by Bruce

Lost my voice, motivating!

July 12, 2010

Today I had to meet a friend I had not seen in a while. The meeting was supposed to last a few  minutes. After all, it was really freezing today and it made so much sense rushing back home soon.  However, my friend brought his younger brother with him and before long we were discussing some really serious issues in life. In my chat I drew upon just about everything in my life.

I only realised how long we had been talking when I looked around the restaurant and saw that everyone else was gone. We had been talking non-stop for some hours. We are the only ones left and the waiters were very patiently waiting for us to pay up before they could lock up. Honestly I was a little embarrassed.  My voice had gone hoarse from all the talking.  In fact my voice was gone!

Going back home I realised just how much I love to motivate and uplift people.  For such a long time, for so  many years I really struggled with my purpose. What was my purpose?  Would I ever get to discover it? Why really did I exist? I have done a great deal of searching in my life for many years looking for meaning. I read up a bit on philosophy and tried to find out how some of the great minds had addressed some of the basic questions in life.

I have found my purpose and it gives me so much joy every time I am able to share a word of encouragement and uplift someone. I love painting, playing chess and a whole lot of other things but nothing gives me as much  peace of mind as  motivating and inspiring others and trying to bring the very best of them. When I introduced myself to my colleagues at my new company, I said that if anyone in the office was having a bad day they could talk to me and I would make them feel better.

My approach when I motivate is I act like my life depends on it and I believe it does. I use a multi-faceted approach and draw from all my life experiences thus far, personal and professional, spiritual and non spiritual, from my experiences as a chess player and artist, from dance and from the thoughts I have about life.  I love to talk and share ideas. I don’t worry at all about what I will say. I believe that God will inspire me in everything I say and do. I don’t worry about using big words. I don’t need them. My message needs to be simple and straightforward.

Being a motivator is really fantastic. I am living my dream every single day. In everything I do I try to bring my enthusiasm, energy and zest for life.  I carry with me a positive message and am always trying to spread the vibes. I do take some knocks now and then but guess what, I just get up and keep going!  My love of motivating others fuels my hunger and thirst for knowledge, I am looking to discover and learn more, that I can also share and uplift others.

I am really excited right now to be alive and to have a chance to tell the next person that all things are possible. I used to wonder about whether I will live long but right now I am really concerned about the quality and impact  of my years. Every single day I must give it my all, every day I must use the chance I get.  The chance to tell you that you can do it and that you will, if only you can believe it.  I don’t mind talking about it for hours, even if it means I will lose my voice in the process.

Have a great week and all the best in everything you do!

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Posted by Bruce

The value of a smile

July 10, 2010

It costs nothing, but creates much.

It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.

None are so rich that they get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.

It creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in a business, and is the countersign of friends.

It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and Nature’s best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away.

If during the course of my day I should be too tired to give you a smile, may I ask that you leave one of yours.

For nobody needs a smile so much as one who has none left to give.

(Copied and adapted from “How to win friends and influence people” by Dale Carnegie.)

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Posted by Bruce

Jump into the deep end

July 3, 2010

I recently jumped into the deep end in my career. I had a complete career change and started in my role and company a few days ago.  Of course it’s far too early to tell how things will go in the long term but I am absolutely loving it.  One of the questions I ask myself is why did I take this long to make this move. Well honestly I was scared. I was afraid of the unknown. I was comfortable with what I knew and had always done even though I no longer had the motivation and drive to continue. The number crunching had served me for the better part of my working career and it brought the food on the table. But did I have the passion, energy and enthusiasm to excel in it and bring the very best out? Not really!

Just about everything so far is different. From the size of the company I joined to the culture and the way things are done. In my first few days  I know about one third of the company by name and which area they are in. I am hoping that by month end I will exactly what everyone does. I have had fun memorising names and roles. Forgetting people’s  names is a NO NO for me going forward!

The environment is high pressure and target driven but everyone is extremely friendly and willing to help.  In my first few days I am already talking about sales, how to grow the business and leverage on my networks.  There is so much to learn and having the experts right next to me is very reassuring. Having jumped into the deep end, I have to swim. And swimming is not good enough, I intend to swim well! I hope for the best and can’t wait to get into the office on Monday! One day I want to say I took my chances and was not just content with what life threw at me but actively worked towards the circumstances I desired. Bring it on! BTM

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People for numbers

June 23, 2010

After spending almost all my work life in Accounting, Risk and Governance related roles I will now be taking a completely different career path. I am now going into the Human capital and networking space.  Networking is something that I have been doing as a hobby for a very long time now but hopefully I can now take it to the next level. This is my last month in a finance related role.

GREATEST CAPITAL – I think the greatest capital that any corporate or company can have is its human capital, its people together with all their ideas and potential. I am extremely excited about this move. I have taken a leap of faith, leaving something that I was now very comfortable with to go into a completely different area. I have spent many years sitting behind a desk, pouring over figures and trying to make sense of them. Now I intend to be out there, talking a whole lot more to people.  It took me a very long to realise how passionate I am about customers, about motivating people to do their very best at all times. I realised just how much joy it gave me to share ideas and see people blossom in their careers. My dream is coming true!

NOW OR NEVER – I decided that it’s now or never. Either I stay put where I am or I take this risk and see where it leads me. I am not getting any younger and my capacity to take on risks is also evolving.  This is the time for me to take risks of this nature. I have consulted with the people who really matter and they are fully supportive.

NO REGRETS – Ten years from now I don’t want to have any regrets about my career. I want to say that I did everything I could to be a success. I took my chances, I went for it and go it.  There should be no regrets now or at any other point in my life.  I honestly believe that all things work for the common good and I getting ready for the next big challenge in my life.

NEW FRONTIERS, NEW POSSIBILITIES – New frontiers mean new possibilities. I feel like a freshman again. I will be going back to basics.  There is so much to learn in the new area. That also means new possibilities for me. The sky is the limit that’s for sure. No one can define what I can or cannot do except myself.  I might be starting anew today which gives me a chance to bring on board new ideas as well.

ALL COMING TOGETHER – I feel that everything is starting to come together. Over the years I have learnt about Risk, control, financial strategy,  accounting to mention but a few things.  I am sure that I will apply in some way these things I have learnt over the years.  This is a big risk I am taking in my life but I feel it’s worth it. I am ready for both success and failure. But I what I really working for is success.

BREAK FREE and BREAKTHROUGH – I honestly feel that I am now breaking free. No more boundaries. My potential must now be unleashed in its totality. I have always considered myself a creative person and spending a lot of time with numbers and less with people did not give me a chance to truly express the innovative aspect. Now is the time. I am working on a breakthrough which I know is coming. My gut feel is very strong on this and I will work as hard as I can to bring about the reality.

So I moving to work more with people and less with numbers and hoping for the best while I am at it. BTM

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Posted by Bruce

Let the Games Begin!

June 11, 2010

EXCITEMENT – Excitement is in the air. I have been feeling it for some time now. On the way to work I saw a taxi driver blowing the vuvuzela with one hand, and driving with the other.  Can we bring excitement, passion and excellence to everything we do. Can we not extend this excitment into our interactions with others, our work, into life!  How about infusing some excitement into everything that is connected to us?  Everyone is full of anticipation. What will happen today? How will the first day go? 

TURNING POINT – Could this be the turning point for Africa? For a long time many have doubted that Africa could host an event of this size, magnitude and importance.  I myself doubted at some stage but today with so many other critics we are dumbfounded. The calabash-themed Soccer stadium in Nasrec, Johnnannesburg is a sight to behond, a wonder of architecture and enough reason to travel thousands of kilometres just to see this amazing piece of construction.  Go Africa Go! Go for goal. Go for gold!

GOODWILL – There is a tremendous amount of goodwill everywhere I look.  Most people I see are  smiling or in good mood, very positive and very much in the moment and wishing for the common good for the national soccer team, BAFANA BAFANA and success of the world cup.  How great it would be if we could carry this goodwill beyond the games and make it a part of our lives. Imagine the impact if we could all be extremely positive in everything we do, every single day of our lives, working and striving together with one purpose and one vision.

THE GAMES BEGIN – The games kick off. The games begin but I am also hoping that a lot of positive things are kicking off and beginning in our lives. Don’t look back once the game begins. Focus on the ball, don’t lose the ball when you pass. Share the vision with others, pass the ball.  Keep track of your vision and objectives in life, keep the score.  If you overextend yourself, get back on track, don’t play offside.  Play fair, Play the ball, not the man!  Let the games begin. BTM

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The 3 Js – Joy, Journey and Jewel

June 8, 2010

The 3 Js today are JOY, JOURNEY and JEWEL.

JOY – Do you get a deep feeling of happiness and contentment with your personal and professional life? What will it take to get to this level? Do you bring  JOY to yourself and others  from what you do? Do you get JOY from what you do? Let the JOY not exist only in your mind and imagination but within your grasp and indeed in your life and reality. Do it with some laughter every now and then. After all laughter is the best medicine. May today mark the beginning of many JOYs for you! JOY lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved,  not in the victory itself. – Mahatma Gandhi.

JOURNEY – You are on an amazing JOURNEY. Enjoy every single minute of it and day of it. This is your very own journey that no one can travel for you.   Make the most of time on this JOURNEY and savour every moment of it.  Look forward to the destination but do not overlook the things you see and experience on your way.  Your JOURNEY will be different from any other JOURNEY before your time. Never again will there be a JOURNEY like yours. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Lau Tzu. Take your step today.

JEWEL -You are a JEWEL, precious in so many ways, more than you can ever imagine. Let your light and brilliance shine through.  Your company, your advice, your work, your presence is to be esteemed and treasured. Pressure will not defeat you but rather it will build and strength you, like it did the diamond.    Let your brillance shine through  in every thing you do.  Let the JEWEL find  JOY in the JOURNEY. BTM

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