Home

March 17, 2021
in podcast
3 min read

On Having Too Little to Say

Welcome back to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore ways to enhance our personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to delve into the topic of impromptu speaking. This episode is inspired by a personal experience, and I hope it resonates with all of you who are looking to become better communicators and leaders. So, let's dive right in!

It was a typical day at the Sheraton Tower, where I had volunteered to speak at a Toastmasters meeting. Little did I know that the challenge presented to me that day would test my ability to think on my feet. The Table Topics Master randomly selected a topic for me, leaving me with only two minutes to address it. The pressure was on as approximately 50 pairs of eyes were fixed on me.

To start off, I engaged the audience by asking a simple question: "Who among you considers yourselves to be leaders?" It was fascinating to witness nearly half the room raise their hands. This laid the foundation for my impromptu speech, where I shared my experience of leading by example during an MBA project.

However, as I delved into the topic of leadership through demonstration rather than micromanagement, I hit an unexpected roadblock. My mind went blank, and I realized that I had run out of things to say. Panic set in as the timer in front of me barely registered thirty seconds. The audience's gaze was upon me, expecting me to fill the remaining time.

With one minute passing by, I decided to wrap up my speech with a concluding statement, urging everyone in the room to strive for excellence in leadership and public speaking. Disappointed, I realized that my impromptu speech fell short, ending at a mere one minute and thirty seconds, far from the intended two minutes.

Reflecting on that experience, I recognized the importance of preparation, even in unpredictable situations. If I had cultivated the habit of reflective thinking and seeking knowledge, I could have been better equipped to handle unexpected topics. Building a database of quick-reference information, embracing diverse life experiences, and daily writing would have enhanced my skills and helped me share compelling stories when opportunity knocked.

It's crucial to continuously seek new ideas and enrich our lives so that we can express ourselves more effectively and inspire others to become great leaders. Although it might initially be challenging to incorporate these principles into our speeches, persistence is the key to success. Articulate and fluent speakers are often perceived as stronger leaders, and by expanding our knowledge and practicing more, we can avoid running out of things to say when it counts the most.

In an age filled with fear, uncertainty, and doubt, our commitment to personal growth and leadership development remains unwavering. Let's aim to become the leaders who positively impact society and future generations.

That wraps up today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope my personal experience with impromptu speaking has provided you with insights and inspiration to hone your own communication skills. Remember, practice and preparation are key to overcoming any challenge. Join me next time as we explore more ways to improve ourselves and make a difference. Until then, keep striving for excellence! This is Victor, signing off.

March 17, 2021
in zh
1 min read

關於話說得太少

我主動義務在喜來登大廈的一次Toastmasters會議中上台發言，以挑戰我自己在即興演講中的表現。台上主題的主持人隨機為我選擇了一個主題，給我兩分鐘的時間來討論。這種形式的溝通需要在沒有事先準備的情況下即興演講。大約50人正在盯著我看。我的面前有一個記時器在記錄我的講話時間。我開始問道："讓我們看看有多少人認為自己是一位領導者。如果你是一位領導者，請舉手。"差不多有一半的觀眾舉手了。

我通過描述我在MBA課程中的一個項目來設置語氣，我在該項目中通過示範如何完成任務來領導，而不是責怪別人並指示他們該做什麼。當我開始討論如何通過示例來領導而不是微觀管理時，我發現自己已經無話可說了。我心裡充滿了焦慮，我的腦袋一片空白。看著舞台前的計時器，我注意到只過去了三十秒。觀眾的眼睛都盯著我，在一分鐘過去了以後，我決定該構想一個令人滿意的結束語了。我結束時鼓勵所有人都努力成為優秀的領導者，並練習公開演講。我的演講時間不夠，結束在一分鐘三十秒，甚至都沒有達到兩分鐘。

如果我能回到過去，我會提前準備。議題無法預測，沒有辦法知道會提取何种議題。但如果我有搭建反思思維的習慣，我就能更好的準備了。我會閱讀更多的書籍和報紙，並保持一個快速參考資訊的數據庫。我將聚集各種多樣的生活經驗，以在機會出現時分享引人入勝的故事。每日寫作會提高我的技巧，既是我保持的一種形式，也是我找到靈感的來源。如果生活中沒有任何新鮮有趣的事，那麽也就沒有新的東西可以學習了。儘管我已經內化了一些演講指導方針和結構，包括開場白、支援論點和說明性例子，但更多的練習會讓我能更自由地表達自己。

一般來說，我需要更努力且多練習，這樣我就不會說得太少。花時間收集想法，豐富自己的生活，學習新的詞彙可以幫助我更有效地表達自己並激勵他人採取行動，成為偉大的領導者。一開始可能很難將這些原則融入到我的演講中，但堅持就是關鍵。成功只是時間的問題。有更多的話要說總比沒有話說好，口齒伶俐和流暢的演說者往往被認為是更強的領導者。在一個充滿恐懼、不確定性和懷疑（FUD）的時代，我對於自我提升為一名領導者的承諾始終如一。我欣賞那些能有效領導並為現在和未來的世代創造更好社會的人們。

March 16, 2021
2 min read

On Feeling Uncomfortable Around Others

Have you ever felt uneasy speaking in front of a group of people? I certainly have. This fear is common; nearly everyone experiences stage fright to some extent. My own apprehension became clear to me when I had to give a speech at a conference.

At the event, I was scheduled to speak and realized that I knew only three people in the audience. The thought of speaking to a room full of strangers made my heart race. Although I had read extensively about public speaking techniques, the reality was a different matter. Initially, I felt obligated to engage in conversations, which added to my discomfort. When it was my turn to speak, my mind went blank and my fight-or-flight response kicked in, elevating my blood pressure. As I concluded my speech, I pondered how best to leave a lasting impression, whether through humor or a poignant story.

I realized that instead of being self-centered, I should have engaged the audience by making eye contact and asking questions. Adding value to their lives, rather than merely speaking about myself, would have been a better way to garner attention and appreciation. Observing the audience’s reactions helped me relax and focus more on their needs than on my own insecurities. This shift in focus alleviated my initial tension and allowed me to appreciate the social interaction.

It's essential to spend time cultivating relationships to prevent discomfort in social settings. Numerous studies indicate that positive relationships significantly impact our happiness and help manage stress. This social engagement acts as an antidote to depression and is crucial for long-term well-being.

As I transitioned from a software engineer to a manager, my role evolved from solving technical problems to helping others solve a broader range of issues. I've learned that focusing solely on my own abilities is not sustainable. Instead, I need to trust others and feel comfortable around them. This shift from a technical focus to a people-oriented approach is not just about leveraging others' technical skills, but also about drawing on their interpersonal abilities. Learning to trust and feel at ease around others is a journey motivated by love and respect, and it is one that I am committed to continuing.

March 16, 2021
in podcast
2 min read

On Feeling Uncomfortable Around Others

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore personal growth and professional development strategies to help us become the best versions of ourselves. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to dive into a topic that many of us can relate to: overcoming stage fright and improving our public speaking skills.

Have you ever found yourself trembling at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd? I know I have. In fact, I remember a time when I had to give a speech at a conference and my fear of speaking to a room full of strangers was almost overwhelming.

As I took the stage, my heart raced and my mind went blank. It was as if my fight-or-flight response had kicked in, and I was desperately searching for the right words to say. In that moment, I realized that I had been too focused on myself, rather than on engaging with the audience.

In hindsight, I realized that I could have alleviated my initial tension by engaging the audience, making eye contact, and asking questions. By shifting my focus from my own insecurities to adding value to their lives, I could have fostered a better connection and made a lasting impression.

It's important to recognize that building relationships and social engagement play a significant role in our overall well-being. Numerous studies have shown that positive relationships not only impact our happiness but also help us manage stress. Cultivating these relationships can act as an antidote to feelings of depression and enhance our long-term sense of well-being.

As I transitioned from being a software engineer to a manager, I realized the importance of trusting and feeling at ease around others. I had to shift from a solely technical focus to a people-oriented approach. It's not just about leveraging others' skills, but also about recognizing and valuing their interpersonal abilities.

Learning to trust and feel comfortable around others is a journey driven by love and respect. It's a continuous process of personal growth that I am committed to continuing.

And that wraps up today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." Remember, overcoming stage fright and improving our public speaking skills is a journey that requires self-awareness, practice, and a shift in focus towards the audience's needs.

Thank you for joining me, and I hope you found our discussion insightful. If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out.

Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement in all areas of your life. Take care, and see you soon!

March 16, 2021
in zh
1 min read

關於在他人面前感到不自在

你有沒有在公眾面前講話時感到不自在？我確實有過。這種恐懼是很常見的；幾乎每個人都有一定程度的舞臺恐懼。我對這種恐懼有明確的認識，當我在會議上發表演講的時候。

在活動中，我被安排發表演講，並意識到我只認識觀眾中的三個人。對滿房子的陌生人講話的想法讓我的心脈繁快。雖然我已經詳細研讀了公開演講的技巧，但實際情況卻完全不同。起初，我覺得自己必須參與對話，這增加了我的不安。輪到我講話時，我的腦袋一片空白，我的戰鬥或逃跑反應開始了，使我的血壓升高。當我結束我的演講時，我在思考如何留下深刻的印象，無論是通過幽默還是動人的故事。

我意識到，我應該專注於與觀眾互動，而非自我中心，這包括了與他們保持眼神接觸並提問。為他們的生活增加價值，而不僅僅是講述我自己，這樣會是一種更好的吸引注意力並獲得尊重的方式。觀察觀眾的反應幫助我放鬆下來，並更多地關注他們的需求，而不是自己的不安全感。轉讓注意力緩解了我的最初的緊張，並讓我對社交互動有了更多的欣賞。

在社交場合避免感到不安，培養人際關係的時間非常重要。大量研究表明，積極的人際關係對我們的快樂有顯著影響，並有助於壓力管理。這種社交互動作為抗壓劑，對長期福祉至關重要。

隨著我由軟件工程師轉為經理，我的角色由解決技術問題轉變為幫助他人解決更廣泛的問題。我逐漸明白，僅依靠自己的能力是無法持續的。相反，我需要信任他人，並對他們感到自在。從技術導向轉變為以人為本的方法，不僅是利用他們的技術技能，還包括挖掘他們的人際關係能力。學習信任並對他人感到自在，是由愛和尊重所驅使的旅程，我承諾要持續做下去。

March 14, 2021
2 min read

Leading the Way

I remember the first day of my MBA program's orientation as chaotic and uncertain. The course coordinator had organized a charity project for us: constructing a wooden playground for a primary school. Given that many of us had backgrounds in finance and office work, and none in architecture or construction, we were lost. We had just two days to complete this challenging project.

In the initial phase, I had the opportunity to take charge. Instead, I held back, waiting for someone else to lead. I was concerned about embarrassing myself in front of my peers, with whom I'd be spending the next two years. My classmates were proactive and outgoing, while I chose the role of a follower, in part due to my demanding day job. I focused on completing tasks quickly and efficiently, thinking that was merit enough.

Reflecting on that experience three years later, I recognize the mistake I made. Introversion shouldn't prevent me from sharing my ideas or leading a team, irrespective of age, culture, or job title. In that chaotic situation, many were looking for someone to lead, to provide direction and delegate tasks. While I was effective as an individual contributor, completing small tasks like building a slide, the broader project required teamwork and leadership to construct the entire playground.

Leadership is crucial for success, not just in business but also in social and personal spheres. Now more than ever, amidst global tensions and uncertainties, I must exercise self-confidence and step into leadership roles. Effective leadership isn't for personal gain; it's about genuinely helping others and taking responsibility for the group's success and well-being.

I am committed to turning this weakness into a strength. There are myriad opportunities to lead—whether by joining organizations, volunteering, or speaking up in public settings. The path to success through leadership isn't about my achievements, but rather about facilitating the success of a larger group. I must lead, and keep leading, for the betterment of all involved.

March 14, 2021
in podcast
2 min read

Leading the Way

Welcome, everyone, to another episode of Continuous Improvement! I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we're going to discuss a personal journey of growth and development. We'll dive into the importance of leadership and overcoming self-doubt when faced with challenging situations.

So, let's start from the beginning. It was the first day of my MBA program's orientation, and chaos and uncertainty filled the air. Our course coordinator had thrown us a curveball—a charity project to construct a wooden playground for a primary school. None of us had any experience in architecture or construction, but we had just two days to complete the project.

Now, here's where I made a crucial mistake. In the face of such a challenging task, I held back and waited for someone else to take charge. I was concerned about embarrassment in front of my peers, so I chose the role of a follower. I focused on completing individual tasks quickly and efficiently, without realizing the greater need for leadership and teamwork.

Reflecting on that experience three years later, I realized my mistake. Introversion shouldn't prevent us from sharing our ideas or stepping up as leaders. In that chaotic situation, many were looking for someone to provide direction and delegate tasks. Though I was effective as an individual contributor, I failed to recognize the importance of taking on a leadership role to ensure the success of the entire project.

Leadership is a crucial element in achieving success, not just in business but also in our personal and social spheres. This rings especially true in today's world, amidst global tensions and uncertainties. It's essential to exercise self-confidence and embrace leadership roles to make a positive impact.

Now, how do we turn our weaknesses into strengths? The key lies in recognizing the opportunities to lead—whether it be by joining organizations, volunteering, or even speaking up in public settings. Leadership isn't about personal gain; it's about genuinely helping others and taking responsibility for the group's success and well-being.

I am committed to transforming my weakness into a strength. I will strive to lead, and to keep leading, for the betterment of all involved. It's time to step outside of our comfort zones, exercise self-confidence, and share our ideas for the benefit of those around us.

And that brings us to the end of this episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you've found inspiration and guidance in my personal journey of growth and development. Remember, leadership is a vital force that can drive not only our own success but also the success of the groups we are part of.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more strategies for continuous improvement. Thank you for listening, and until next time, strive for your personal and professional growth.

March 14, 2021
in zh
1 min read

引領道路

我記得在我的MBA課程的迎新日，情況混亂且不確定。課程協調員為我們組織了一個慈善項目：為一所小學建一個木製遊樂場。鑑於我們中有許多人的背景是金融和辦公室工作，沒有人是建築或建築工作，我們感到迷失。我們只有二天時間來完成這個具挑戰性的項目。

在初期階段，我有機會掌握主導權。相反，我卻退縮，等待其他人來領導。我擔心在我的同儕面前尷尬，我將度過接下來的兩年。我的同學都是主動和外向的，而我選擇了跟隨者的角色，一部分是因為我的日間工作要求很高。我專注於快速有效地完成任務，認為這就足夠有價值。

三年後反思那次經驗，我認識到我犯了一個錯誤。內向不應該阻止我分享我的想法或領導一個團隊，無論年齡，文化或職稱。在那種混亂的情況下，許多人都在尋找領導者來提供方向並分派任務。雖然我作為一個個體貢獻者能夠有效地完成小任務，如建築滑梯，但整個項目需要團隊合作和領導力來建築整個遊樂場。

領導力對成功至關重要，不僅在商業上，也在社會和個人範疇中。現在，更是如此，在全球緊張和不確定的狀態下，我必須展現自信並擔任領導職務。有效的領導不是為了個人利益；它是真正幫助他人並為團體的成功和福祉負責。

我決定將這種弱點轉化為優勢。有很多機會領導 - 通過加入組織，做志願者，或者在公共場合發言。通過領導力取得成功的道路不在於我的成就，而是在於推動一個更大的團體的成功。我必須領導，並持續領導，為了所有參與者的福祉。

March 14, 2021
2 min read

As an expatriate working and living in a foreign country, I've found that my social circle is quite small. While most of my friends reside in my home country and I communicate with them through my work, this limited network puts me at a disadvantage. For instance, I recently had to vacate my apartment due to an unexpected lease termination and found myself scrambling to find a new place. Without a broad social network to guide me, I ended up in a less-than-ideal living situation. It was then that I realized the importance of having a more extensive social network for practical advice, such as finding affordable housing.

If I had a larger social circle, I could have approached this situation differently. Beyond my colleagues, I need to expand my connections by actively participating in various social activities. As an introvert, my default weekend activity is reading books at home, but I need to venture out and engage in public speaking clubs, sports, or cultural groups. The internet also offers an opportunity to connect with people I wouldn't ordinarily meet. Writing blog posts or hosting podcasts can help me understand perspectives different from my own and enable collaborative truth-seeking.

There are three main reasons why I plan to post regularly to address this issue. First, blogging allows me to connect with people outside of my immediate social circle, while also helping me articulate my thoughts better. Having already explored these thoughts in my blog posts, I can more effectively communicate with strangers. Second, I have valuable insights to share. The Feynman Technique, named after my favorite physicist Richard Feynman, posits that explaining something in simple terms helps to identify gaps in one's understanding. Blogging serves as a platform to apply this technique, enabling me to both solidify my own understanding and share knowledge with others. Finally, regular writing encourages self-reflection. Inspired by Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life," participating in exercises like the ones on his self-authoring website can have a profound impact on my personal development and that of others who are outside my current social circle.

In conclusion, the limitations of a small social circle have become increasingly apparent to me. Actively working to expand this circle, whether through in-person interactions or online engagement, will not only improve my life practically but will also enrich it by opening up avenues for learning and personal growth.

March 14, 2021
in podcast
3 min read

Welcome back to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore ways to enhance our lives personally and professionally. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to delve into the importance of building a strong social network, especially for expatriates living in a foreign country.

As an expatriate myself, I've experienced firsthand the challenges that come with having a limited social circle. It's not just about having people to hang out with, but it's also about the practical benefits of having a broader network of connections. Let me share a personal story that highlights this point.

Recently, I had to unexpectedly vacate my apartment due to a lease termination. Without a large social network to rely on for advice or assistance, I found myself in a difficult situation. I ended up settling for a less-than-ideal living situation simply because I didn't have enough connections to guide me towards better options.

This experience made me realize the importance of actively expanding my social network. It's not enough to rely solely on my work colleagues; I need a diverse group of people to share knowledge, insights, and practical advice. So, how can we go about achieving this?

First and foremost, getting out of our comfort zones is crucial. As an introvert, my default weekend activity is staying at home and reading books. However, I've come to realize that this limits my exposure to new people and experiences. Being willing to venture out and engage in activities such as public speaking clubs, sports, or cultural organizations can greatly expand our social circles and create opportunities to connect with individuals who can provide valuable insights.

In addition to in-person interactions, the internet offers a plethora of opportunities to connect with people we wouldn't ordinarily meet. For instance, writing blog posts or hosting podcasts, like this one, allows us to share our thoughts and perspectives with a wider audience. This not only helps us articulately communicate with strangers but also enables collaborative truth-seeking. Through these platforms, we can gain fresh perspectives and learn from diverse individuals who can offer different insights into the topics we discuss.

Regularly writing blog posts, for example, offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows us to connect with people beyond our immediate social circle. By exploring our thoughts and ideas in writing, we can better articulate ourselves and effectively communicate with strangers. Secondly, writing and sharing knowledge with others helps us solidify our own understanding. The Feynman Technique, named after the brilliant physicist Richard Feynman, suggests that explaining something in simple terms can help identify gaps in our understanding. Through blogging, we can apply this technique, so not only do we improve our own knowledge, but we also share valuable insights with others. Finally, regular writing encourages self-reflection. Participating in exercises that promote self-reflection, such as those found on websites like Jordan Peterson's self-authoring, can have a profound impact on personal development for ourselves and those outside our current social circle.

In conclusion, the limitations of a small social circle have become increasingly apparent to me. Actively working to expand this circle, whether through in-person interactions or online engagement, can greatly improve our practical lives and also enrich our personal growth.

That's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for joining me as we explored the importance of building a strong social network, particularly for expatriates. Remember, expanding our social circles not only helps us navigate practical challenges but also opens up avenues for learning, collaboration, and personal growth.

If you have any thoughts or experiences about this topic that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you. You can connect with me on our website, continuousimprovementpodcast.com, or on our social media platforms. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement in every aspect of your life.