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2022

  • 2 min read

Personal Action Plan

As I was taking an online course on achieving personal and professional success through Wharton Online, I completed an assessment of my current influence behaviors. Based on this assessment, below is my action plan for improving my influence.

One influence tactic I would like to utilize more effectively is Pathos, which Aristotle identified as appealing to the emotions of the audience in his three means of persuasion outlined in "Rhetoric." I aim to convey messages with emotional resonance. The role of a leader isn't merely to present rational arguments; it's also about framing issues emotionally. If I can get people to reveal their problems, pain points, and unmet objectives, I can encourage them to take action by selling them a vision that presents the perfect solution to their problem. Knowing the emotional drivers allows me to frame the benefits of actions in language that will resonate.

I haven't been using this tactic effectively because I've focused too much on Logos, which Aristotle describes as the logic of the idea. My education has primarily trained me in analytical skills rather than in generating passion in others and leading emotionally. Relying solely on logical reasoning, expertise, and data isn't the most effective way to persuade others. Typically, I aim to use concrete examples to present my case, rather than telling an emotionally compelling story. The barrier has been the difficulty in making the audience experience the same emotions that I am trying to convey through a story.

One concrete step I can take soon to show improvement in this area is to incorporate storytelling to help make my points and to find ways of communicating that arouse emotion. Successful people don't necessarily become better leaders because they know more; they improve because they follow through. Following through requires the courage to face the feelings that arise when taking risks and breaking old patterns. This courage is crucial for finding innovative ways to present information or ideas and for thinking about how to articulate them, not just what to articulate. This isn't something I'll learn by listening to lectures. The best approach is to practice in my next presentation, tailoring the communication content and style to the specific audience to influence their emotions effectively.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Personal Action Plan

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore strategies for personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we will dive into the topic of influence and how to improve our ability to connect with others on an emotional level.

As you may already know, influence plays a crucial role in our lives, from our interactions with colleagues and friends to the impact we have as leaders. During my recent online course on achieving success, I took an assessment of my influence behaviors, and I discovered an area where I can make significant improvements: using the power of emotions to connect with others.

In Aristotle's "Rhetoric," he identified three means of persuasion: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos. Ethos deals with credibility and trust, Logos focuses on logic and reasoning, while Pathos appeals to the emotions of our audience. In my own personal journey, I have realized that I have been relying too heavily on logic and data, neglecting the importance of emotional resonance in my communication.

To address this, I am determined to incorporate more Pathos into my presentations and conversations. By understanding the emotional drivers of those around me, I can frame my messages in a way that resonates deeply and inspires action. It's not just about presenting rational arguments; it's about connecting with the audience on a level that touches their heart.

Now, you might be wondering why I haven't been utilizing this influence tactic effectively. The answer lies in my educational background and training, which primarily focused on analytical skills rather than emotional intelligence. This imbalance led to a tendency to rely solely on logical reasoning and concrete examples, rather than storytelling and emotional engagement.

But I believe that growth comes through action, not just awareness. So, I am committed to taking concrete steps to improve my influence. One of these steps involves incorporating storytelling techniques to convey my points. Stories have the power to transport others into an emotionally charged experience, allowing them to see the bigger picture and feel compelled to take action.

I also recognize the importance of tailoring my communication style to specific audiences. Each person has their own unique set of emotions and experiences, and by understanding these, I can craft messages that truly resonate with them. It's about finding innovative ways to present information and ideas, not just what to articulate, but how to articulate it effectively.

Now, this isn't a skill I can develop overnight. It takes practice and courage. I must be willing to face the discomfort that comes with breaking old patterns and taking risks. This courage will allow me to explore new ways of communication and refine my ability to connect emotionally with others.

So, in my next presentation, I plan to put these strategies into action. I will focus on crafting a compelling narrative that engages the emotions of my audience. By doing so, I hope to inspire and influence others in a more profound way than ever before.

In conclusion, improving our influence requires a willingness to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the power of emotions. By incorporating storytelling and tailoring our communication to specific audiences, we can create connections that drive meaningful change.

Thank you for joining me today on Continuous Improvement. I hope you found our exploration of influence valuable and that you will join me again next time as we continue to delve into strategies for personal and professional growth.

This is Victor, signing off. Remember, continuous improvement is within your reach.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

個人行動計劃

當我正在透過沃頓在線學習達成個人和專業成功的課程時，我完成了一項關於我當前影響行為的評估。基於這項評估，下面是我提高影響力的行動計劃。

我希望能更有效地利用的一種影響策略是感性(Pathos)，亞里士多德在他的《修辭術》中將其認定為他對說服的三種方式之一，用於調動觀眾的情感。我希望傳達具有情感共鳴的訊息。領導者的角色不單單是提供理性的論述，還包括用情感來框架問題。如果我能讓人們揭示出他們的問題、痛點和未達成的目標，我就可以通過提供解決他們問題的完美視野來鼓勵他們採取行動。了解情感驅動因素讓我可以用能引起共鳴的語言來描述行動的好處。

我一直未能有效地使用這種策略，因為我過於專注於羅吉思(Logos)，亞里士多德將其描述為理念的邏輯。我的教育主要訓練我分析技能，而不是激發他人的激情和情感領導。僅僅依賴於邏輯推理、專業知識和數據並不是最有效的說服方式。通常，我傾向於使用具體的例子來表述我的案例，而不是講述一個情感吸引人的故事。這其中的阻礙是讓觀眾經歷我試圖通過故事傳達的相同情感的困難。

我很快可以採取的一個具體步驟，以在這個領域顯示改進，是結合故事講述以幫助我講點，並尋找激發情感的溝通方式。成功的人之所以能成為更好的領導者，並不是因為他們知道的更多；而是因為他們有所貫徹。進行貫徹需要勇氣面對當我們冒險和打破舊模式時所產生的情感。這種勇氣對於找到創新的信息或想法呈現方式，以及思考如何表述它們，而不只是表述什麼，是至關重要的。這不是我通過聽講座就能學到的。最好的方法是在我的下一次演講中練習，根據特定觀眾的需要來調整溝通內容和風格，以有效地影響他們的情感。

  • 2 min read

Reflecting on Influence and Power

I am reflecting on two aspects of influence and power: relationship-oriented (investing in relationships) and result-oriented (building a reputation for performance).

Firstly, investing in relationships has led me to rethink how I view power. Effective managers devote 50 to 60 percent of their time to building and maintaining networks. I can encourage collaborative behavior by fostering communication and demonstrating my commitment to teamwork. This isn't about engaging in office politics; rather, it's about leveraging influence to enhance team effectiveness. Leading diverse teams requires balancing different priorities effectively. Building a support network and motivating people to take action necessitates investing time to build rapport.

For example, Sergio de Mello, a Brazilian United Nations diplomat who worked on various UN humanitarian and political programs, prioritized the dignity of citizens. Local staff members were unaccustomed to receiving such a level of respect from foreigners. His investment in this regard significantly increased his effectiveness. He even learned the native language, recognizing that language is the key to understanding a people's culture, and culture is the key to winning people's hearts. This approach allowed him to gain the sympathy of the people and invest in the relationship.

Secondly, building a reputation for performance made me realize its importance in acquiring influence and power. Team leaders should be both relationship-oriented and result-oriented, as both are crucial for successfully leading a team. People tend to give credit to and follow leaders who have a strong track record of accomplishing tasks and achieving positive outcomes. This means that my name needs to be associated with quality work. I must not only do what I say I will do but also do it well. This focus should be on tasks with the most significant impact. Power is legitimately earned when a leader delivers actual value.

For instance, Robert Moses, an American urban planner and public official who worked in the New York metropolitan area, gained access to levers of power primarily because of a reputation for performance that was built over decades. He was known as the "Man Who Got Things Done." He demonstrated leadership principles that earned him trust and enabled him to deliver results.

Overall, upon self-reflection, I've found that there's a sweet spot between focusing on relationships and results, both of which are critical aspects of influence and power.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

Reflecting on Influence and Power

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore strategies for personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the fascinating topic of influence and power. Specifically, we'll be reflecting on two key aspects: investing in relationships and building a reputation for performance.

But first, let's talk about the importance of relationships in acquiring and leveraging power. As I discovered, effective managers invest a significant amount of time into building and maintaining networks. It's not about playing office politics, but rather fostering collaboration and enhancing team effectiveness. Building rapport and communicating effectively are crucial for leading diverse teams.

One inspiring example is Sergio de Mello, a Brazilian United Nations diplomat who prioritized the dignity of citizens. By investing time in building relationships and respecting the local staff, de Mello increased his effectiveness and gained the sympathy of the people he worked with. He even learned their native language, recognizing the power of understanding culture and winning hearts.

Investing in relationships is just one side of the coin though. The other side involves building a reputation for performance. Leaders who have a track record of accomplishing tasks and achieving positive outcomes tend to acquire influence and power. It's not enough to simply promise and say the right things; delivering quality work is essential. This focus should be on tasks with significant impact.

Take for instance Robert Moses, an American urban planner renowned for his ability to get things done. Over the years, Moses built a reputation for his exemplary leadership principles and the trust he earned. This allowed him to deliver results and gain access to levers of power.

As I reflect on these aspects, it's clear that there's a delicate balance between investing in relationships and being result-oriented. Successful leaders need to be both relationship-oriented and focused on achieving outcomes. By dedicating time to building relationships while simultaneously delivering tangible value, one can acquire legitimate power and influence.

So, whether you're leading a team or striving for personal growth, remember to invest in relationships, foster collaboration, and build a reputation for performance. Balancing these elements will help you navigate the complex world of influence and power.

That's all for today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope you've gained valuable insights into the importance of relationships and results in acquiring influence and power. Join us next time as we explore new strategies for growth and development. Until then, remember to embrace continuous improvement in all aspects of your life.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

反思影響力與權力

我正在反思影響力和權力的兩個層面：關係導向（投資於關係）和結果導向（為表現建立聲譽）。

首先，投資於關係讓我重新思考我對權力的看法。有效的經理人將50到60％的時間投入於建立和維護網絡。我可以透過促進溝通並展示我對團隊合作的承諾來鼓勵合作行為。這並不是參與辦公室政治，而是利用影響力提高團隊效能。領導多元團隊需要有效地平衡不同的優先順序。建立支持網絡並激勵人們採取行動需要花時間建立融洽的關係。

例如，塞爾吉奧·德梅洛，一位在聯合國各種人道主義和政治項目中工作的巴西聯合國外交官，重視公民的尊嚴。當地的員工並不習慣接收外國人這樣的尊重。他在這方面的投資大大提高了他的效率。他甚至學習了當地的語言，認識到語言是理解一個民族文化的關鍵，而文化是打動人心的關鍵。這種方法使他得到了人民的同情並投資於關係。

其次，為表現建立聲譽讓我意識到獲得影響力和權力的重要性。團隊領導者應該既關注關係也注重結果，因為兩者對於成功領導一個團隊都至關重要。人們傾向於給予贊揚和追隨那些有著完成任務和取得正面結果堅強紀錄的領導者。這意味著我的名字需要與高質量的工作聯繫在一起。我必須不僅做我說我會做的事情，而且要做得好。這種關注應該集中在影響最大的任務上。當一位領導者提供實際價值時，權力就是合法賺來的。

舉例來說，羅伯特·摩西是一位在紐約大都會地區工作的美國城市規劃師和公職人員，他主要因為幾十年來建立的表現聲譽而獲得權力的開關。他被稱為“做事的人”。他展示了贏得信任並使他能夠取得成果的領導原則。

總的來說，經過自我反思，我發現在關注關係和結果之間有一個甜蜜點，這兩者都是影響力和權力的關鍵方面。

  • 3 min read

My Personal Theory of Success

In this essay, I am writing about my theory of success and how I plan to achieve it. My definition of success encompasses four areas: 1) Personal learning and development, 2) Financial freedom and autonomy, 3) Optimal utilization of my unique combination of skills and talents, and 4) Family fulfillment and community service. I believe these four areas can be achieved through a growth mindset, investment, increasing one's adversity quotient, and improving human relationships.

I won't discuss a secret formula for success because I believe there isn't one. Different people have their own definitions of success, and it's not something you can simply search for and find. There are no foolproof techniques for achieving success; instead, it requires self-reflection. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Firstly, success involves personal learning and development. I believe successful people are always learning. They stumble, pick themselves up, and try again. They fail quickly, adapt, and improve. This iterative process eventually leads to success. Even if I fail, I am still better off than those who take no action and remain stagnant within their comfort zones.

A growth mindset is essential for accepting failures, recognizing faults and weaknesses, and then taking action to improve. As I make internal improvements, the external environment also changes, aiding my personal growth and boosting my confidence. If someone never acknowledges their problems or mistakes, they will never improve and will continue to fail. Even if they achieve something by chance, the level of their success will be limited. Remember, life is a continuous journey of learning and improvement. Success can be limitless, and to this day, I continue to push myself to make progress.

Secondly, success means financial independence and autonomy. While money is not synonymous with happiness, a lack of money can certainly lead to unhappiness. Basing success solely on wealth and achievements is a trap because human nature prevents us from ever being completely satisfied. Instead, sustainable achievements like financial security and freedom should be the goal. This entails delaying instant gratification and investing in the future.

Furthermore, success shouldn't be defined as momentary happiness. Happiness fluctuates, and our genetics set a baseline level of contentment that doesn't define success. Instead, greater happiness comes from achieving goals that require sacrifice, risk, uncertainty, and effort.

Thirdly, success means fully utilizing my unique combination of skills and talents. Anything less feels like a waste of life and resources. The willingness to be dissatisfied can fuel motivation and inspire action. It takes effort and a high adversity quotient to overcome challenges and work toward professional goals. Ideally, I can find a sweet spot that aligns my work with emotional fulfillment and financial compensation, while also utilizing my unique talents.

Lastly, success means family fulfillment and community service. Defining success on my own terms helps me remember what's important. Success is not a ladder to climb or a race to win; it's a measure of the positive influence I can have on others. Achieving this requires honing my social skills to lead and influence people.

Bad interpersonal skills can result in isolation and hinder peak performance. Thus, I continually assess and improve my relationships with others. Social interaction carries risks, but with effort, everyone can find a role that allows them to contribute to the community.

Although I am introverted and shy, I push myself to interact with strangers. Despite any fears, I recognize the importance of practice in developing social skills. Happiness, I've found, is more about shared experiences with loved ones than material possessions.

In conclusion, my perspective on success evolves as I age. A fulfilling life comes from focusing on the learning process, investing in the future, developing my potential, caring for my family and community, and striving for success rather than fearing failure.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

My Personal Theory of Success

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore strategies and insights for personal growth, financial freedom, and making a positive impact on our communities. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the topic of success.

Success can mean different things to different people, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula. In fact, success is a personal journey that requires self-reflection and continuous improvement. As Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

Today, we'll be discussing four key areas that contribute to a well-rounded definition of success: personal learning and development, financial freedom and autonomy, optimal utilization of our skills and talents, and family fulfillment and community service.

Let's start with personal learning and development. Successful individuals are always learning, adapting, and improving. They embrace a growth mindset that allows them to accept failures, recognize weaknesses, and take action to improve. By constantly seeking self-improvement, we can create a cycle of growth that leads us closer to achieving our goals.

But success is not just about personal growth; it also involves financial independence and autonomy. While money may not be the ultimate source of happiness, it is undeniably a significant factor in our lives. By defining financial goals and practicing delayed gratification, we can ensure long-term security and freedom.

However, success does not solely revolve around personal achievements and wealth. It also requires utilizing our unique combination of skills and talents to their fullest potential. By finding alignment between our work, personal fulfillment, and financial compensation, we can experience a truly fulfilling career. This often means embracing challenges, taking risks, and continuously honing our skills to overcome obstacles along the way.

And finally, success should not be confined to our individual lives. It extends to our relationships with family, friends, and the wider community. By nurturing our interpersonal skills and investing in our relationships, we can create a positive impact on those around us. Making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to our community are essential aspects of a successful and meaningful life.

So, what is the key to achieving success in these four areas? It all boils down to continuous improvement. Success is not a destination; it's a journey. By embracing a growth mindset, investing in ourselves, increasing our adversity quotient, and strengthening our relationships, we can create a life that fulfills our definition of success.

Remember, success is not a race or a competition with others. It's about being true to ourselves, finding our purpose, and making a positive impact in our own unique way.

Well, that wraps up today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you've gained some valuable insights on how to define and achieve success in your life. Remember, it's a continuous journey of learning and improvement. I'm Victor, your host, signing off.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

我的個人成功理論

在這篇文章中，我寫關於我的成功理論，以及我如何計劃實現它。我的成功定義包含四個領域：1）個人學習和發展，2）財務自由和自主，3）我獨特技能和才能的最佳利用，以及4）家庭滿足感和社區服務。我相信透過成長心態、投資、增加抗逆商和改善人際關係，可以實現這四個領域。

我不會討論成功的祕訣，因為我認為並不存在這種東西。不同的人有自己的成功定義，這不是你可以簡單地去尋找和找到的東西。沒有萬無一失的技巧可以達到成功；相反，它需要自我反思。正如蘇格拉底所說，"未經省察的人生是不值得活的。"

首先，成功包涵個人的學習和發展。我相信成功的人總是在學習。他們會跌倒，重新站起來，然後再試一次。他們快速失敗，適應，進而改進。這個反覆的過程最終會導向成功。即使我失敗了，我仍然比那些完全不採取行動，並在自己的舒適圈內停滯不前的人過得更好。

對於接受失敗，認識自己的錯誤和弱點，然後採取行動改進，成長心態是至關重要的。當我做出內部改進時，外在環境也會隨之變化，助長我的個人成長，並提升我的信心。如果有人從不承認他們的問題或錯誤，他們將永遠不會改進，並將繼續失敗。即使他們偶然達到了一些目標，他們的成功層次也會受到限制。記得，生活是一個持續學習和改進的旅程。成功可以是無限的，我至今仍在努力進步。

其次，成功意味著財務獨立和自主。雖然金錢並不等同於幸福，但缺少金錢確實可能導至不快樂。僅僅依靠財富和成就來衡量成功是一個陷阱，因為人性使我們永遠無法完全滿足。相反，應該將財務安全和自由這類可持續的成就視為目標。這需要延遲即時的滿足感，投資未來。

此外，成功不應被定義為暫時的快樂。快樂是會波動的，我們的基因設置了一個並不定義成功的基本幸福水平。相反，更大的快樂來自於實現需要犧牲、風險、不確定性和努力的目標。

第三，成功意味著充分利用我獨特的技能和才能組合。任何少於這個水平的表現都感覺像是對生命和資源的浪費。不滿意的意願可以激發動機，並激發行動。需要努力和高抗逆商來克服挑戰，為專業目標而工作。理想情況下，我可以找到一個與工作、情緒滿足和財務報酬相符的平衡點，同時也能利用我的獨特才能。

最後，成功意味著家庭滿足和社區服務。以我自己的方式定義成功，幫助我記住重要的事。成功不是要攀登的梯子，也不是要贏得的比賽；它是我對他人可以產生的積極影響的衡量。為達到這種目標，我需要磨練我的社交技巧，以引導並影響人。

糟糕的人際交往技巧可能導致孤立，並阻礙峰值表現。因此，我持續評估和改進我與他人的關係。社交互動帶來風險，但通過努力，每個人都能找到一個讓自己能夠為社區作出貢獻的角色。

儘管我性格內向、腼腆，但我嘗試與陌生人進行互動。儘管有任何恐懼，我認識到練習對社會技巧的發展的重要性。我發現，幸福更多的是與親人共享經驗，而不是物質擁有。

總的來說，我對成功的看法隨著我年齡的增長而變化。充滿意義的生活來自於專注於學習過程，投資未來，開發我的潛能，關心我的家庭和社區，並且為成功而奮鬥，而不是害怕失敗。

  • 2 min read

Reflecting on My Family

In this post, I want to discuss the most important people in my life and explore how their legacies have impacted and influenced me.

From my mother, Tammy, I learned the importance of clear thinking and articulate expression. She was an accountant and taught me mathematics and the value of hard work during my childhood. She also showed me how to maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges. She instilled in me a love for reading and effective self-study habits. She would engage me in conversations about what I had learned in school or from books, challenging me to think critically. Her influence has shaped my views on life and morals. I've found that articulating my thoughts into words is the best way for me to think.

My father, Tony, imparted the value of family to me. Working as an engineer, he sparked my interest in computer software through the books he read. He also emphasized the need for physical health and discipline in lifestyle choices. However, he sometimes serves as a cautionary example. We have differing political views and aspects of his behavior with which I disagree. These differences remind me to maintain an open mind and accept the variance in how people think and act. Attempts to debate with him often prove futile, as he struggles to communicate his thoughts logically and is unlikely to change his mind simply through argument.

My ex-girlfriend, Jo, taught me valuable lessons about love and emotional responsibility. Though our relationship ended and led me to experience depression, I came to understand the consequences of my actions that hurt her. I was forced to become more aware of my own feelings, as well as those of others. The experience encouraged me to be a better person, honing qualities like patience, emotional communication, and the ability to correct my mistakes. Lessons learned from our relationship extended to cohabitating and facing life’s challenges. After our breakup, I went through a particularly dark period. However, Jordan Peterson’s book, "12 Rules for Life," helped me to overcome this phase of depression.

In conclusion, the legacies of my parents and ex-girlfriend have been invaluable in shaping who I am today. I am deeply appreciative of the influences they have had on my life.