Shocking Revelation : Will I rise to the challenge ?

Today, exactly a week since I made that call to make the career move. It was a big decision for me moving out from Fortune 500 integrated oil and gas company, to the largest LNG producer in the world and now, with a small listed independent oil and gas company whose main asset is in one of the CIS country- Turkmenistan.

On my first day, I had my first meeting with my boss the Finance Director in a coffee shop [ a nice welcoming gesture from him], the Finance Director.

I did ask him few questions, but this particular one question, a question that really awaken me from my slumber sleep and dream.

" How long this position has been vacant ? "
" Since 2007 ! " replied the Finance Director.
" That long ? "
"Yes. Of course there were stories behind why it was vacant for close to 4 years " .
He explained to me the stories behind in great length. He further explained to me, some critics told him that the company has been doing great for the past 4 years and why do the company need me now to be on-board? He told me, he has different view and strategy on his decision to hire me.

I was still dreaming that time and it did not really sink in my thoughts and rational mind that it came with great expectations and big responsibilities, yet !

I shared the story with a friend of mine, and I proudly told myself- " They have been waiting for me to come for 4 years ! No wonder people told me that they have been waiting for me for too long. That too long was not 2 months [ notice period] but 4 years " I told myself. I was in the cloud 9, so to speak. 

I did not read between the line. Only today, while working on the assignment that my boss is giving me did I realize, that my honeymoon is over. Come next week, I shall start working hard to meet the expectations. Im here to bring and add value, I am here to bring changes, I am here to bring excellence, I am here to bring the change in mindset and I am here not for a mere job and career, but huge responsibility. Otherwise, I am irrelevant. Otherwise, I am not needed here at all . I have only 2 years to make that impact.

What are next ?

Next year, I would like to nominate my company to be part of Nafma - an award to symbolise excellence in the Management Accounting. The 2nd year, I would want my company to be in the top 3. The 3rd year, I would like to see my company as the WINNER of that prestigious of Nafma Award.

Why focus on the award ? Simple, there are lots of work and changes to do and winning the award is just a beginning of a long journey. 


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This is what I call...Malaysian Hospitality

I stayed overnight at Ascott Residence [ 3-bedroom apartment ] Kuala Lumpur recently with my family. Why Ascott ? Simply its location nearby KLCC which was convenient for me to meet up my long last ' Jimbengs' of KL and the price too. 

They invited me to participate in their survey for them to hear my feedback on my experience staying with them. Without hesitation, I participated and within hours, I received this reply from them ;

' Dear Mr. Irwan,

It was a great pleasure having you stay at Ascott Kuala Lumpur. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and for giving us an opportunity to address your feedback.

 

We are glad to learn that you enjoyed your stay with us. We are happy to have met your expectations in service and quality standards. Your compliments will be shared with team. Receiving such positive feedback from our guests motivates us to further improve our commitment to delivering good service.

 

We are happy to update that we will be undergoing our major refurbishment later this year. All our apartments will undergo a facelift which includes the changing of carpets, furniture and electrical appliances. We seek your patience and understanding on this matter and are sure that the facelift will address the concerns you have regarding the apartment.

 

Mr. Irwan, we will continue in our improvement efforts to provide excellent service and products to our guests. Once again, thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback and continued support. We hope to be able to welcome you again soon, and have another opportunity to serve you better.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Vincent Wong | Assistant Residence Manager, Executive Office
Ascott Kuala Lumpur'

This is what I called Malaysian Hospitality, stealing from Malaysia Airlines tagline [ with permission]. How I wish others who are in the hospitality industries to emulate Ascott, Kuala Lumpur. For sure, I will stay with them again in the future and recommend my friends, families and business professional to stay with Ascott, Kuala Lumpur.

We are all LOVE to hear good feedback. In contrast, Many also LOVE giving bad feedback. 

In either case, giving and receiving TIMELY feedback with an opened mind and hearts are the KEY for successful business and relationship. Many love giving feedback especially the negative ones but how many are willing to accept those negative feedback and criticism and turn those into opportunities for improvement to strive for excellence and move forward ? 

I have been in situation before where my stakeholders criticized me and threatened not to provide the data and information that I required. Why did I do then ? I listened to them carefully and emphatically though I was attacked left and right, front and back , up and down. Shall I say, I was 'verbally abused' ? Yes, I was. However, I decided to listen to them carefully, put their concerns on my notebook, understood their concerns and promised to address their concerns TIMELY. At the same time, I took the opportunity to explain the situation that I was in, the risk if I did not get the data from them . Ironically, I was different Irwan that time. Somehow, I was so calm and a peace man. 

What have I learned ?  

1. Listen ;

2. Respect ;

3. Act ;

4. Improve;

5. Communicate

TIMELY.

And the rest were histories....