worldly.airship.gallows

worldly.airship.gallows

That's the 3 words to pin-point our exact Pasti Nyala office location. The words are generated from their Mobile Apps that give the 3 unique words for 3 x 3 meter squares.

To decode it, search our coordinates using their site at https://what3words.com/

A rarely used App in normal circumstances but extremely life-saving when you are lost but without Internet or GPS coverage. It's a technical mystery to me on how exactly they transmit the signal without online coverage.

Install the apps on your phone, just in case.

Praise makes you feel good, Critique makes you better

Taking criticism can be a difficult thing. At some point in your personal life or working life, you will encounter a customer, a user, superior, colleague or audience member – maybe even an online reviewer or a social network friend – who wants to tell you how to do things better.

It can be hard to deal with; after all, nobody likes to be told they're wrong. Some resist to change for the betterment.  But it's not all bad news because sometimes you can use criticism to give you a competitive edge.

Criticism is a form of communication
If someone has a criticism it means they want to give you feedback on what you're doing for them – that means an opportunity to learn more about the person who you're working for and how to convert them into a satisfied customer or audience member. Take a moment to think before you respond to what they're saying – in business, working with someone who is patient and able to receive and act on criticism means both parties can work towards a better outcome. It's the result that matters. For a business, it might mean getting to know what your paying customer actually wants.

Feedback helps make your product stronger
If you always think you're right but don't get feedback from anyone else, how do you know for sure that what you're doing is any good? Whether you're selling or performing, whether it's a product or service, listening and acting on those honest views will tell you precisely what's good and what can be done better. Use that information to change your performance, service, exhibition or event – sometimes it will make for uncomfortable listening but it can make your product or work stronger as a result.

It forces you to think about how you work
Constructive criticism can guide you away from bad practices and towards good ones. Try to be objective and look at what you're providing as though it's not yours. This can be particularly difficult when you're deeply involved in a particular work but, if you can take a step back, you might see how to improve your way of working and avoid any negative outcomes down the road. Did you need a more specific brief? Was there something you missed in the early stages of the project? Is the performance deadline too unrealistic? Ask if you are not sure.

The right kind of criticism can give you an advantage
Think about it: if you can get a customer to tell you – and just you – how to give them the perfect product or service, that's information you've got that no one else has. That puts you at an advantage over anyone else in your sector and can be used again in the future to get things right, even faster. Find ways to squeeze that information from your client or audience and get them to tell you what they really want.

Don't take it personally
Don't take it personally if someone doesn't immediately like your work. Even if you feel you're being criticised unfairly, don't retaliate with an extreme knee-jerk reaction or else you can irreparably damage your prospect of working with that client or audience and can even harm your reputation as well.

There will be occasions when you feel the criticism is personal and, now and then, you'll be right. People are fallible and it's important to remember to not be offended by someone's remarks. However, a good professional is able to take criticism on board and not respond as though it's a personal attack. They are also able to make it work to their advantage or, if all else fails, politely conclude the partnership and leave with their reputation intact.

Resistance to change

Why does the management want us to implement those new standard operating procedures? Aren't our current procedures okay? Is there really a need to carry out the changes recommended by our consultants or senior management? It's so troublesome, why can't we just do it the way that we've always been doing it? Have you ever overheard such conversations in your office pantry or one of your Whatsapp group chat?

These are early signs of resistance to change in your organization, in your department, or in your team. Resistance is a natural reaction when team members are asked to change (I'll call "to improve"). For that matter, most of us feel uneasy and even threatened when asked to make changes. We're by nature creatures of habit and simply hate to step out of our comfort zones. Change is uncomfortable and most people are reluctant to embrace it, regardless of the environment.

A call to change also doesn't mean the boss specifically tell you so. He could be giving criticism. He could be giving you a cold shoulder. That is his sign for a request for you to improve, to buck up. 

Making a change requires a leap of faith: it's moving in the direction of the unknown (to you at least). Taking that leap of faith is risky, and people usually will take active steps of faith toward the unknown only if they truly believe - and more importantly, feel - that the risk of standing still is greater than the risks of moving in a new direction. Don't be a sitting duck, they said.

Change requires new ways of thinking and doing things. People generally have trouble developing a vision of what life will be like on the other side of a change, as they've not been there before. So naturally, they tend to cling to the known rather than embrace the unknown. 

Certain people resist change because they fear they lack the competence or confidence or knowledge to change.

There is also a fear many of us will seldom admit. But sometimes, certain changes introduced by organizations necessitate changes in skills and knowledge (and sometimes attitude), and some people will feel that they won't be able to make the transition very well. They don't think they can do it individually or collectively. However, in the corporate world, to survive the organization must be ready to execute changes in order to stay ahead of the competition. The user of Information Technology including the consumers (that is the general public) are also not spared, they are forced to adapt and change their lifestyle due to advancement of technology. Those advancements introduced innovation and a new way of doing things. We as the consumer has no choice but to change as well.

In today's fast-paced workplace, it's quite common for team members to feel overloaded and overwhelmed, thus resistant to change. They may prefer the status quo. There is also a sign that the younger generation of the workforce would prefer to do their thing their own way. Subtlely they are expecting the organization to do things their ways.

Resistance to change can take many forms and good managers must develop the knack of identifying signs of resistance fairly early into any change, and take appropriate corrective actions.

Signs of resistance to change:
- Complaining, directly or indirectly. Complaining is contagious and can often be disruptive and counter-productive.
- Defiance. They'll ignore it, they'll say it detrimental to their work. For example, a company may implement different procedures or changes in work methods but those who are most resistant may continue operating the same way. Old habit dies hard.
- Missing meetings.
- Missing deadlines. Certain employees may use the change as an excuse to miss deadlines in their assigned task. This happens in Pasti Nyala too.
- Excuses. Instead of a new way of doing thing, employees give excuses like "it's not working", "I forgot", "customer says so" and reverting to the old way of doing things.
- Tardiness. Frequent leave, time-off, absenteeism, and lateness. A simple sign of employee not willing to comply with a new change in working hours, for example.

For Pasti Nyala members,
- Have the Courage to act (change).
- 10 Things that require ZERO talent
- Creating Innovative Solution to a Problem


For the Pasti Nyala TPU, please read How to deal with Resistance to Change. A quick summary to deal with resistance:
- close supervision, i.e getting the people involved in the change to participate in making it.
- understand the true nature of resistance.
- improve attitudes.
- emphasizing new standards of performance.
- encouraging them to think in different ways.

Related articles
- To grow, you need to move out from your comfort zone

Down but not out

Are you feeling down after being reprimanded (brushing) by your superior or got a nasty complaint from a Customer or your codes failed the QA test?

In every part of life—romance, work, family —stuff happens. And these disappointments can indeed set you back, make you feel anxious and fearful. In moving through the recovery process, you may likely feel a range of emotions including anger, anxiety, confusion, low self-esteem and self-doubt. These represent stages of response and cannot be rushed. But over time you will begin to feel acceptance and hopefulness. When you let go of the past, you will experience increased self-esteem and renewed optimism.

Some people flounder in frustration and blame after a disappointment. Worse, some people fall into deep depression. But then again others bounce back quickly and with energy. While you can argue that these people may well be born more resilient, resilience can certainly be learned. Practice and experience help. Most successful people have had their hard knocks, but they recover and move on. They, in fact, see disappointment as a prospect for something new. "Big losses provide the biggest opportunities for change," says Needels. "They make a person more open to trying new things."

Here are a few tips to learn how you can become more resilient and overcome life's big disappointments:

Accept the setback. Know that setbacks happen to everyone. And realize that you may never understand what happened.

Face your fears. It's normal to feel insecure, but don't cower and avoid uncertainty.

Be patient. Reflect and think about what you plan to do; but don't rush, it will only aggravate the process.

Go beyond your comfort zone. Take risks. Go after that task you think you can't do, doing so will build self-esteem and resilience.

Find your hero. Think about people who have survived adversity—Christopher Reeve, Oprah. Use them as your role models.

Know what you want. If you have goals, it's easier to make plans and move forward.

Be a problem-solver. Don't be the victim, instead learn to behave and act proactively.

One step at a time. To move forward, the enormity of the task (such as finding a new job after a lay-off) may seem insurmountable. Focus on each step you must take, not the entire undertaking.

Seek support. Talk to friends, family or a therapist. In Pasti Nyala, talk to your Team Lead or the TPU.

Be kind to yourself. Disappointments are a source of stress, so exercise, eat right and get rest.

To conclude, remember this saying "I might fall down. But I will not stay down."

Innovation commitment by developed economy

Innovation can be a major competitive advantage for any developed economy. That is the same in business.

However, achieving a sustainable rate of innovation isn’t necessarily a straightforward exercise. The reality is that innovation is a complex and difficult outcome to measure, and there are many different variables that factor into.

Research and development (R&D) expenditure is certainly one of these factors – and while it doesn’t always directly correlate with innovation outcomes, it does represent time, capital, and effort being put into researching and designing the products of the future.



The above infographic from HowMuch.net compares R&D numbers for nearly every country in the world. Put together the numbers for the U.S. ($476.5 billion) and China ($370.6 billion), and it amounts to 47.0% of total global R&D expenditures. Add in Japan and Germany, and the total goes to 62.5%.

At national level, Malaysia could have done better if not for fund mismanagement, flip-flop policies and her priority of focusing one race instead of developing all the talents as a whole.

At Pasti Nyala, we could be more involved more in R&D as well. The key is time. Unfortunately, we are more preoccupied with firefighting and lack of commitment from some staffs. If we can commit more and improve our level of productivity, we could invest some time in putting a more serious effort in our Innovation Lab and create some awesome products.

Innovation is one of the key to leap forward. Without this concern, we will forever be at the bottom of the food chain.

Related articles
1. Innovation in the Workplace
2. Creating Innovative Solution to a Problem

To grow, you need to move out from your comfort zone

While you might think you’re challenging yourself and moving toward your goals, you could be confusing daily frustrations and roadblocks for actual growth.

Our worlds shrink or expand based on our willingness to do things outside of our comfort zone. While this growth can feel uncomfortable, it often is what’s needed to propel you forward.

Identify one project that is high value to your organization and find a way to proactively put it into your day-to-day task list. Make sure you prioritize it over less-significant work.

Pick a goal that you don’t totally know how to accomplish, commit to it, and watch your abilities and confidence grow as you work towards it.

Comfort zones are sneaky because they feel, well, comfortable. Obviously, I’m not suggesting you push yourself to do scary, uncomfortable things every moment of every day. But I will encourage you to add some productive discomfort to your routine. When you push outside of your comfort zone, you’ll know that you’re doing more than just busy work. You’ll be actively growing your skills, your confidence, and your career.

Make use of your time properly

We only have one life, and it is very precious, and there's a lot we can do, and there's a lot we should do. ~ Selena Gomez

Life has a limited timespan. Don't waste it. Do something beneficial. Go to work on time, get the job done and learn something new.

Spend more time with your family, do stuff together, get ample rest. Don't overthink. Don't lepak too long. Don't dwell on the past too much.

And always be positive.


View the video below:

Eyes on the Rise

Rise Up! doesn't means taking part in a rebellion, oppose or protest a rule or an ideology. Rise Up can also mean adopting a fundamental change for self-improvement by rising up above any situation and achieve your goals.

For Pasti Nyalian, how do you RISE UP to your true potential? First, the willingness to change to take responsibility and commit. Lastly, make it happen.

Below is an excerpt from Corey Alvarez, which also partly reflect my true self.
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My COMMITMENT and obsession is always to be better today than I was yesterday
If I have to make sacrifices to do that: so be it.
If I have to tell that person I can’t go out drinking with him anymore: so be it.
Because that’s not what I value.
Anything or anyone that is taking me further away from my dreams has to go.
I’m committed to self-development not self-destruction, and you know, any person that is meant to be with me on the journey will choose that higher road with me.
Yes, a tougher road, but it is also a much more rewarding one.

I want my life to mean something. To be able to look back at my life and say, yeah, I made some tough decisions, but they were the RIGHT decisions.

So many people don’t get it. They piss their life away every weekend for what? 
So they can complain about their current circumstances for the rest of the week?
SCREW THAT! 

NO CHANCE! I’m in charge of my own life!
It’s all on me!
I take responsibility. I take action. And I GET S**T DONE!

You will never hear me complain about another person or circumstance as the reason I’m not where I want to be.
If I don’t like where I am… 
Time to knuckle down and work harder!

I am a perfect reflection of the hard work or lack of work I put in. And luck, that only comes to those who have paid their dues.

If I am weak in a certain area, it won’t be for long.
Because I’m committed to be better. I will learn, I will read. I will make it happen. I will FIND A WAY.
I will WORK until that weakness is turned into a strength.

No one can beat me, because I don’t give up!
I’m RELENTLESS
You might knock me down, but I NEVER stay down!

It’s time to RISE.
RISE UP to your potential!
RISE UP past your limitations!
RISE UP past your family or friends limitations!

Set the standard for those around you!
Don’t conform to the standard, like a sheep. Get out and LEAD THE WAY!

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You will arise, so start by attempting to rise and you'll be a Rising Star in no time.

Suggested reading:
Courage to Act

What makes a team effective

Based on Google research on their executives, team leads and team members to determine the key dynamics of what makes a successful team, Google concluded that the best teams were effective because they worked together well, regardless of who was on the team.

From Google's conclusion about the traits of best teams:

1. Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is about the environment. It's about creating a safe culture in which team members feel "safe" enough to take an interpersonal risk. Encouraging team members to voice their opinions, even if it goes against the group, can be risky. However, teams that exhibit high psychological safety encourage risk-taking. Plus, when team members take risks, they aren't viewed as disruptive, disrespectful or incompetent.

When teams promote psychological safety, there is a free flow of ideas, which can lead to better outcomes. You can ask for help without fear of retribution or adverse impact to your reputation. Team members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing opinions, which can lead to healthy debate and help the team thrive.

2. Dependability

Dependability is about accountability. It's about reliability. It's about trust.

When everyone on the team is accountable, reliable and trustworthy, the team succeeds.

How many teams have you been on when one person shirks responsibility? We've all seen it before. A team can crumble when even one person can't be trusted to do the work. On a highly dependable team, every team member can trust that high quality work will be produced on time.

3. Structure and clarity

All teams need structure and clarity, so long as rules are not too rigid that they stifle progress.

When teams have structure and clarity, there are specific and clear performance standards and directives for the team to work and achieve. With these inputs, team members understand their function, purpose, expectations and performance objectives.

With structure and clarity, specificity is key. Team members will thrive when they have goals that are clear, specific and transparent so they know what is expected of them. For example, at Google, Objectives and Key Results (OKR's) are a management tool used to establish and communicate both long-term and short-term goals. Some teams even establish a common vocabulary to start introducing norms that reflect the team identity.

4. Meaning

No one wants to work in a job or organization without meaning or purpose. So, you can imagine how a team member feels working on a team without either meaning or purpose. There are many ways to create meaning within the construct of a team. For example, you can create meaning in the work itself or in the final product.

Google found that other ways to create meaning in work include creating financial security, supporting one's family, helping the team succeed, or exhibiting self-expression.

5. Impact

Work is about creating value and impact for others. Team members want to know - from their subjective perspective - that the work they are doing is creating impact. Also, team members want to feel that the team's work is helping to advance the organization's overall goals, mission and impact. Reserving time for each team member to reflect on their impact can be a valuable exercise to further purpose and meaning as well.

Source: Forbes

Courage to act

Peter F. Drucker argues that “In every success story, you will find someone who has made a courageous decision.”

That decision is a processing thought of selecting a course of action. To do (despite your fear or pressure) or not to do. Courage is an attribute of good character that makes us worthy of respect.

Regardless if you are in management, lead or contributing members, you are are not exempted for making a decision.

In Pasti Nyala operation, there are plenty of decisions and actions to be taken, such as:

• to complete a task timely with good quality
• willing to spend the time to participate, observe, learn and share
• willing to commit to self-improvement
• taking challenges to be accountable for or take lead to be in charge of something
• to have the desire to be more competent
• learn to lead and show positive examples
• contribute to the cause

Let me give an example. Suppose Ms Heidi Hamilton is the Team Lead for a module called "Datapuri Human Resource Information System". Being a senior coder, Ms Heidi is expected to make sure that the module is free of defect. But having the courage to act, on her own accord, she could do even more, like, learning the HR industry (knowing the HR processes inside out), plan for upgrades, preparing marketing kits, helping in sales, support, you name it.


If you are somewhat in a senior position (either based on your position or length of service) and if you don't dare to decide (act), probably because of:

• not willing to spend extra time for the team
• well, my juniors will do the work
• I'm contented with my existing workload

then, expect the following:

• you will still be the same in time to come
• some young blood will be called in to deliver better outcomes, and 
• the team will be losing trust in you

If the above sound hash, then view it from this perspective. Being willing to act more, you will accomplish more:

• gain more knowledge for yourself and your team
• gain more trust and respect from your peers
• you become more reliable and competent in your workplace
• gain potential for rewards and incentives
• gain possibility of being selected in something greater
• you become a true leader that influence

If you are not bold enough to take the leap at the right moment than you might never reach the destination you aimed for. The road toward success may not be easy for everyone. Yours may be full of challenges. That is when you have to take the risk and make a bold decision. You may lose, or you may win, but you will never know if you don’t try.

The more you have followed your fears and acted despite of the discomfort you have felt, the more your life will have expanded.

So don’t wait for the courage to act. Instead: act, and courage will follow.