Yea I know what you mean. In my previous companies, all encourage open discussion but when I tried it, they didn’t like it. So kept my mouth shut. then later the bosses question us why we didn’t voice out our concerns. Sometimes I felt like banging their heads on the wall. Next round, if I ever go back to these multi-national companies I’ll record whatever they say as proof.
Interesting topic. I just wrote a blog post “Is honesty the best policy?” which could shed some light into what managers are thinking. And by the way, what you’re describing is not an Asian problem. Its a worldwide problem.
@ seaqueen00
I think people should really change their mindset. Be more daring when speaking out…but of course, dont “taruh” the bosses like nobody’s business. Just be considerate a little….sound nice, but get your points across. I think this is still OK….acceptable.
But again, donno la, asians tend to be more ‘reserved’ when it comes to opinions.
@ Damien Tan
It IS a worldwide problem…..but in asia, it is worse. When i was in UK, people tend to speak out to the bosses more. If they want something, they will voice out. If they are not happy with something, they will voice out too. Maybe not as much as i would’ve hoped to see……..but still better than in Malaysia.
I think Asians are slowly beginning to accept the open discussion but I think once they all rise to higher levels, they think that they’re always much smarter and not willing to listen to their subordinates.
@ seaqueen00
ego is one of the things people need to let go off.. it’s hard…but i think it’s a must if one wants to be successful and also gain the respect of others.
When you’re running a successful business or the department of a large MNC, it’s hard not to feel a little egotistical. I mean, you’re there, at the top because you’re exceptional. Would you believe that an underling has thought of a better idea than yours?
Also, it’s always the CEO that asks his underlings to speak out, but gets his egotistical managers to listen instead while he’s out for golf. (Result: no comments) He only listens to consultants, who do nothing except repeat exactly what his underlings said to them. Easy money.
@ The Big Movie Freak
Yeap, it’s not easy to reach the top and when you do…of course you’ll feel kinda proud…..and that’s when your ego comes in. However, many leaders have fallen due to their ego…..due to their unwillingness to change.
In this new world, new era…….changes are pretty common and one must be fast to react to change…….or even better, act before the changes take place. If you’re too ego to even listen to people, then that’s going to be your downfall.
(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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Yep. Definitely dead. Boss will pin-point him for all d bad things.
seaqueen00
30 Jun 08 at 10:57 pm
@ seaqueen00
how can we promote open-discussion if the bosses think this way? *sighs*
sadly…this kind of thing does happen in a lot of companies
Alvin Lim
30 Jun 08 at 11:02 pm
Yea I know what you mean. In my previous companies, all encourage open discussion but when I tried it, they didn’t like it. So kept my mouth shut. then later the bosses question us why we didn’t voice out our concerns. Sometimes I felt like banging their heads on the wall. Next round, if I ever go back to these multi-national companies I’ll record whatever they say as proof.
seaqueen00
1 Jul 08 at 9:15 am
Interesting topic. I just wrote a blog post “Is honesty the best policy?” which could shed some light into what managers are thinking. And by the way, what you’re describing is not an Asian problem. Its a worldwide problem.
Damien Tan
1 Jul 08 at 9:28 am
@ seaqueen00
I think people should really change their mindset. Be more daring when speaking out…but of course, dont “taruh” the bosses like nobody’s business. Just be considerate a little….sound nice, but get your points across. I think this is still OK….acceptable.
But again, donno la, asians tend to be more ‘reserved’ when it comes to opinions.
@ Damien Tan
It IS a worldwide problem…..but in asia, it is worse. When i was in UK, people tend to speak out to the bosses more. If they want something, they will voice out. If they are not happy with something, they will voice out too. Maybe not as much as i would’ve hoped to see……..but still better than in Malaysia.
Alvin Lim
1 Jul 08 at 10:32 am
I think Asians are slowly beginning to accept the open discussion but I think once they all rise to higher levels, they think that they’re always much smarter and not willing to listen to their subordinates.
seaqueen00
1 Jul 08 at 1:22 pm
@ seaqueen00
ego is one of the things people need to let go off.. it’s hard…but i think it’s a must if one wants to be successful and also gain the respect of others.
Alvin Lim
1 Jul 08 at 5:16 pm
When you’re running a successful business or the department of a large MNC, it’s hard not to feel a little egotistical. I mean, you’re there, at the top because you’re exceptional. Would you believe that an underling has thought of a better idea than yours?
Also, it’s always the CEO that asks his underlings to speak out, but gets his egotistical managers to listen instead while he’s out for golf. (Result: no comments) He only listens to consultants, who do nothing except repeat exactly what his underlings said to them. Easy money.
The Big Movie Freak
4 Jul 08 at 1:46 am
@ The Big Movie Freak
Yeap, it’s not easy to reach the top and when you do…of course you’ll feel kinda proud…..and that’s when your ego comes in. However, many leaders have fallen due to their ego…..due to their unwillingness to change.
In this new world, new era…….changes are pretty common and one must be fast to react to change…….or even better, act before the changes take place. If you’re too ego to even listen to people, then that’s going to be your downfall.
Alvin Lim
4 Jul 08 at 9:57 am
He sure die if work in local company.
Jayce
4 Jul 08 at 9:59 pm
@ jayce
or a multinational company under a chinaman boss
Alvin Lim
6 Jul 08 at 12:21 am