20080216 Trip To KL

四組密碼，成就百萬年薪經理人

每位經理人一定有特殊的工作方法與習慣，協助他們攀上成功的天梯，這是他們累積經驗與知識的成果展現，如果能夠提前學會這些智慧，在職場上，就能少走冤枉路，即使面對不景氣，也能逆境勝出。

《30 雜誌》這一期特別針對五十六位，來自各行各業的青壯年經理人，針對他們的獨特工作方法與日常作息進行「30世代成功經理人」調查，試圖為讀者解碼他們的成 功基因。這些經理人年齡介於25歲到40歲之間，從事行業以科技業與金融業比例最高，各為37％與23％，這些受訪者，來自世界頂尖的金融集團、全球第一 流的製造業、世界知名的管理顧問業，以及台灣最優秀的餐飲服務業等。

透過深度訪查，我們發現經理人的四組成功密碼：

成功密碼1. 勤閱讀 知識使你更有力量
95％的受訪者有固定閱讀的習慣，同時，在極度繁忙的工作之中，仍有超過八成受訪者每個月至少讀兩本書，每天讀書超過一小時的人，高達六成。
資深出版人，同時也被譽為台灣本土趨勢大師的詹宏志，每日晚上12點入睡，清晨4點起床看書，這個習慣維持二十年，對他來說，晚上閱讀是「漸入困境」，早上閱讀卻有「漸入佳境」的感受。
詹宏志喜歡晨讀，華人首富李嘉誠六十年來不斷的習慣，卻是睡前閱讀。李嘉誠相信，知識能改變命運，因為他自己就是靠著從早年就培養的閱讀習慣，從閱讀中獲得知識的力量，進而超越競爭對手。
在美商賀寶芙從事直銷十年，共同收入逾千萬的夫妻檔曾竹君與徐顗竣，也都異口同聲說，閱讀是最好的工作導師。「你不一定能學到成功人士的能力，但你會學到他們工作與處世的態度。」徐顗竣說。
雖然詹宏志認為晨讀可以「漸入佳境」，但調查發現，這些30世代經理人主要閱讀時間，仍是下班後與例假日。而且其中逾60％的人，對於閱讀具有明確而具體的目的，以「領導管理」、「行銷趨勢」與「經濟理財」為他們最常閱讀的三大類別。
值得注意的是，文學類與史哲類書籍也得到25％以上經理人青睞。向古人學習，在21世紀逐漸成為新顯學。除了近年在中國掀起的古書熱，《于丹〈論語〉心得》、易中天的《品三國》等，日本首富──軟體銀行總裁孫正義，也是中國史哲書籍的愛好者，他建議經商者必讀的《論語》、《孫子兵法》，甚至《菜根譚》、《韓非子》等書籍，也在日本商界走紅。
此外，根據日本《President》去年8月針對年薪450萬元新台幣以上的經理人閱讀調查發現，經理人認為可以提升自我價值的前三類書籍（複選三類，共十六類），排名依序是「溝通」、「思想哲學」、「歷史」等，均獲得三成以上的票選，行銷、金融、領導等專業技能書籍，反而排名在後。
成功經理人對於閱讀重要性的壓倒性支持，與本次調查的另一項結果恰可呼應，調查發現，高達55％的受訪者認為，對學習最有幫助的是「自修」，這項比率，幾乎是「短期海外進修」、「再讀一個學位」這兩個選項的兩倍半。
反觀在收看電視的調查上，成功經理人平均每日花在看電視的時間較少，並且有七成的受訪者，看電視的主要目的是「放鬆」。

成功密碼2.深思考 思辨幫助你精準判斷
30 世代經理人，大多以中階主管為主，每天必須面對的例行事務相當多，但是根據調查發現，他們認為「動腦想」跟「動手做」一樣重要，動腦想才能「做對的事」， 而不只是「把事情做對」。近七成的經理人，每日會特別安排時間思考，而且思考所花費的時間至少在十五分鐘以上。為什麼他們要特別安排時間思考？深度思考為 什麼很重要？
政治大學科技管理研究所副教授蕭瑞麟認為，深度思考有助於企業人士培養敏銳的判斷力，對於任何問題或現象，如果都視之為理所當然、照單全收，結果就只能得到常識，而無法萃取與形成有價值的知識。
蕭 瑞麟建議，釐清思維可以透過正反合的辯證方式，例如「蘇格拉底」式的辨證法，透過辯證，思路會愈辯愈明愈深入。他指導碩士班學生，正反合至少要做三到四 次，但博士班學生至少要十次，才能做到真正的深思考。蕭瑞麟更進一步強調，深思考要與閱讀相結合，才能發揮更大的效用，才不會淪入空想、亂想，「如果你沒 有理論，你的思考只是漫無目的，沒有一個著力點。」

成功密碼3　 秀活力 積極態度是突圍關鍵
升官、加薪靠什麼？優秀的專業技能、良好的人際關係，這兩項都重要，但在成功經理人心中，卻不是最重要。根據這次調查，高達91％受訪者勾選「積極的工作態度」這個選項，認為對升遷、加薪最有幫助，這不僅用在他們自己的經驗，也是他們判斷下屬發展潛力的重要依據。
程 淑芬從小研究員做到今天全球知名券商的台灣區高級主管，她沒有含著金湯匙出生，沒有豐沛的人脈，從擔任最基層的研究員開始，一天工作至少十五個小時。努力 call公司、讀資料，她謙虛說，今天的成就沒有特別祕訣，就是永遠做得比別人要求的更多，「努力，努力，再努力，我要求自己比別人再多點努力，這就是我 的態度。」程淑芬說。
想要激發積極的工作態度，必須先找到對工作的熱情，國內著名影音後製公司視元素副總經理萬曉娟形容，她看待工作，就像談戀 愛，因此不會喊苦。這次調查也發現，成功經理人每天工作超過九小時以上的比例，高達96％，長時間埋首在成堆的工作之中，如果沒有足夠的熱情與積極的態 度，必定無法持久。
萬曉娟說，當她在考慮拔擢人才時，最重視的就是員工對自己的工作是不是抱持積極主動的態度、對工作內容有沒有興趣，如果只是抱持交差了事，對所謂有興趣的工作只有三分鐘熱度，她也不會考慮拔擢。

成功密碼4.練外語 學生時期的優先要務
調 查顯示，大多數成功經理人，剛進職場與擔任主管後，最認真進修，這段期間的進修，以工作相關的專業技能最為重要，但在全球化的遊牧工作時代，第一外國語， 甚至第二外國語，極其重要，等進入職場才加強，可能為時已晚，因此有62％的經理人建議，學生時代，最應該補強的就是語言能力。
開平餐飲學校的傑出校友劉一帆，今天之所以能夠站上國際舞台，成為國際知名飯店連鎖集團爭相邀請的西式料理大廚，憑藉的不僅是料理功夫，更重要的是，他在學生時代就靠自修的方式培養英文能力。當他在西華飯店工作時，正因為他能用熟練的英文與來自英國著名飯店的工作人員攀談，進而獲得對方賞識，進入百年飯店服務。
在調查中也可以發現，30世代經理人與過去認知的經理人有部分不同之處，其中最大的差異有兩項，第一項為大量使用科技工具，第二項是以「友情激勵」取代「嚴格管教」。
在科技工具的運用上，網路已是普遍化的工作與管理工具，調查發現，沒有經理人不使用網路，使用網路除了處理工作外，「使用電子郵件」、「看新聞」與「增加專業知識」是最重要的三種用途。
在管理風格上，過去師徒制講究的「嚴格管教」已改以「友情激勵」與「殷切指導」的風格居多。
時代在變，但成功者的特質，有所「變」卻也有所「不變」。工具、溝通方法或許變了，但閱讀、思考、積極態度，在這個變動的時代，卻依然歷久彌新。

Ask About English Archives by Speak Good English Movement 1

Is there any difference between these words - "learnt" and "learned"? When do we use each of them?

"Learnt" is the past tense of "learn" and is used as a verb.
For example, "She only learnt about the news yesterday."

As for "learned", it is used as an adjective to refer to someone who has much knowledge.
For example, "We consulted the learned professors."

I have seen people writing "Specially for you" but lately I have also read "Especially for you". Is the latter grammatically correct?

If something is bought only for someone for a specific purpose – you can label it “specially for you”.

“Especially” means “much more than usually or normally”.
For example, “He tried to appear especially cheerful for her sake.” The smiles were especially for her.

"You are to bring along your student pass to the camp."
"You are to take your student pass to the camp."

Do these two sentences have the same meaning? Can the words "bring" and "take" be used interchangeably?

The words "bring" and "take" do not have the same meaning.

"To bring" refers to a two-way process where the subject would be back at the original position/location.

"To take" refers to a one-way process where the subject would be left at the destination.

For example: If we were to "bring along the student pass", it means that we would have the pass back with us when we return to our original location.

However, if we were to "take our pass to the camp", the pass would actually be left at the camp (destination).

Considering words starting with the vowels (a, e, i, o, u) have “an” as a prefix, is it “a eunuch” or “an eunuch”? Any other exceptions?

It’s “a eunuch” because the word “eunuch” sounds like it begins with “y”.
Other examples: a eulogy, a unicorn.

We say “an honest man” because the “h” in “honest” is silent and the word sounds like it begins with an “o”.
Other examples: an honourable person, an honorarium

“Alternative route to Marina Square” or “alternate route to Marina Square”?

An “alternative” is something you can choose or have instead of something else. Therefore, “alternative route” is correct.

"Alternate" in American English is used to denote something that is different from the usual. So you may find "alternate" route being used in some writing.

I stay in a/an HDB apartment?

Generally, when we say it, it would be "an" because of the silent H.

However, when it is written, the abbreviation actually stands for Housing and Development Board apartment, hence, we can use "a" as well.

I would not want to be prescriptive for the written form and say it must only be "an" and not "a" because of the silent "H".

Also, note that it should be "I live in an HDB apartment." ‘Stay’ is temporary as in “I’m staying at the hotel at Changi Village”.

Should I say “If I were a billionaire” or “If I was a billionaire” in instances like these when talking about unreal/hypothetical situations?

There are also instances when we say "If I am a billionaire..."

Which is preferred: was, were or am?

All are possible. But note how they are used as follows:

“If I were” is more formal than “If I was”. However, you can use them interchangeably.

We would use "was/were" with "if" when we are talking about unreal situations – to distance our language from reality.

The use of the “am/is/are" with "if" is possible only with reference to circumstances which are probable and likely to happen.

"Everyone wants to change the world but no one wants to change themselves."

Should it be "themselves" or "himself"?

It should be “himself” because “no one” is singular.

Should I say “in” a meeting or “at” a meeting? Should it be “report to” or “report at”?

I am in/at a meeting. Both are possible.

Please report to Mr Ang (person) at ten tonight (time).
Please report to Mr Ang at the club (place).

Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it early or earlier. Which is right – early or earlier?

When you use “earlier” you are referring to two periods of time:

I came early but John came earlier.
He graduated from university earlier than expected.

In the above example, it should be:
Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it early.

However, “earlier” is possible in this context:
Dad and Mum went to pay for the bed so that we can get it earlier than we had planned / than we expected.

Why do people say “I fell for you”? Isn’t it better to say, “I fell in love with you”?

To “fall for something or somebody” can give the idea of being deceived or tricked.

For example, I fell for her tricks.

Certainly, the good old traditional line “I fell in love with you” says it beautifully, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Is it right to say, “I feel so pressurized?” Should it be pressured or pressurized?

“I feel so pressured” is correct. “Pressurized” refers to certain atmospheric pressure as in “The cabin must be pressurized to enable passengers and crew to breathe normally.”

But note how “pressurized” can also be used according to Times Common Errors in English:

American English: I have never pressured my children to study.

British English: I have never pressurised my children to study.

The use of “pressure” as a verb occurs mainly in American English. British English uses “ pressurize” as in to “exert pressure on”.

It is true that when you pressurize or pressurise someone to do something, you persuade or force them to do it, even though they do not want to.

I saw an advertisement which read: "A child’s growth is boundless. At XYZ Learning Centre, we are only too happy to help it expand forever." Is this right?

It is better to say, "At XYZ Learning Centre, we are only too happy to help your child grow."

Or we are very happy to help your child grow.

Expand is not a word I will use on a child.

Nor will I call my child "it".

Be careful with the words you use. Referring to a child as an "it" may be an oversight but it can also sound offensive to others.

Is it "Enquiry" or "Inquiry"? Are both words interchangeable?

In British English, used here in Singapore, if you make an enquiry, you are asking for information.

An inquiry is an investigation conducted by an organisation, the police for example.

However, in American English, it is common that the word 'inquiry' is used for both instances.

I was travelling by bus one day when someone called me on the phone and asked where I was. Should I say, "I’m in a bus" or "I’m on a bus"?

I was travelling by bus one day when someone called me on the phone and asked where I was. Should I say, "I’m in a bus" or "I’m on a bus"?

You should say, "I’m on a bus."

Use the preposition "On" for transport that you have to step up to in order to board. This applies to trains, planes, bicycles and the MRT.

Use "In" for transport like cars and taxis. This is because you need to step down to get inside the vehicle.

I’ve received many emails from Singaporeans at work that say, "Please revert soonest possible." Is this right?

"Please revert soonest possible" is not Standard English. Try to avoid using it.

You can try a simple and effective statement like "I look forward to hearing from you soon" to end your emails.

The tone sounds friendly while clearly stating the need for the other party to reply to you.

Can the words "although" and "but" be used interchangeably?

"Although" and "but" can be used interchangeably as they both aim to connect two ideas inside the same sentence.

“But” can only be used in the middle of a sentence whereas "although" can be used either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.

Here are some examples:

"She likes him but doesn't want to get married."
"Although they were hungry, they did not eat."
"They did not eat although they were hungry."

Is there any difference between "dateline" and "deadline"? Are these words interchangeable?

"Dateline" refers to a line in a newspaper article that gives the date and the place of origin.

"Deadline", however, refers to the date or time a task needs to be completed.

Given the different meanings, we should not use these words interchangeably.

Is there a difference between "further" and "farther"? How is each of these words used?

"Farther" is an adjective used to refer to a greater distance or a more distant place.

It is only used when we are speaking of real places and distances.
For example, "What is the farthest place that you have been to?

The adjective "further" is used to mean 'more', 'extra' or 'additional'.
For example, "Please write in to us for further information."

People use the alternative word "incentivise" when they mean "motivate". However, the word "incentivise" cannot be found in the dictionary. Is it correct to use this word?

There is no such word as "incentivise". It can only be used in its noun form "incentive".

For example, instead of "This will incentivise him to do better", we should rephrase it to "This will be an incentive for him to do better."

Is there any difference between these words - "learnt" and "learned"? When do we use each of them?

"Learnt" is the past tense of "learn" and is used as a verb.
For example, "She only learnt about the news yesterday."

As for "learned", it is used as an adjective to refer to someone who has much knowledge.
For example, "We consulted the learned professors."

Phrases for Work by Speak Good English Movement 2

Avoid: Everything outside already. Don’t have, means don’t have.
Say: Sorry Sir, all our items are already on display. I’m afraid we do not have the item available if you can’t find it on the racks.

“Everything outside already. Don’t have, means don’t have”. These non-standard English phrases will make no sense to shoppers unfamiliar with the way some Singaporeans tend to speak.

For many sales staff, saying, “Everything outside already” essentially means that all the items that are available for sale are already on display. And, “Don’t have, means don’t have” means there is no other stock available.

But both these phrases sound very rude and may offend the customer.

Focus On Customer Service

Try this friendlier response the next time a customer asks you for something you don’t have: “Sorry Sir, all our items are already on display. I’m afraid we do not have the item available if you can’t find it on the racks.”

Start off by apologizing to the customer as he/she is probably disappointed that the item is not available. After all, your job as a sales or customer service assistant is to please the customer and fulfil his/her wants, is it not?

Avoid: What size you want? See here. Please don’t take out.
Say: We have all the sizes displayed on this rack. Feel free to browse around and let me know if you need any help.

“What size you want? See here. Please don’t take out.” Essentially, this series of non-standard English phrases is targeted at customers rummaging through the neatly packed shelves to look for clothes that fit them.

It is understandable that the sales assistant is exasperated. After all, it is the sales assistant that will later need to fold up the clothes and stack them neatly on the shelves again.

However, the string of non-standard English phrases is vague. Not every customer will understand what he/she is expected to do.

Watch Out For Common Mistakes

What does “see here” mean? Why should the customer look only at the place you’re asking him/her to look?

“Please don’t take out?” is also grammatically incorrect and it sounds very rude. “Please do not take them out from the shelves. There are samples on display on the rack” is a better option.

To help the customer along, try saying, “We have all the sizes displayed on this rack. Feel free to browse around and let me know if you need any help.”

Avoid: Very cheap already. Don’t believe, you go and see other shops.
Say: I’m afraid we cannot reduce the price any further. I do believe our prices are competitive and you can count on our reliable sales support.

“Very cheap already. Don’t believe, you go and see other shops” is a commonly used response by shopkeepers or sales assistants exasperated by bargain hunters trying to negotiate for a cheaper buy.

But the phrases are grammatically incorrect and may appear rude to some customers. Challenging a customer to go to another shop to check the price out may seem logical but it isn’t a friendly customer-oriented response.

Be Tactful

Instead it is better to just tell your customer tactfully that your prices are low and you cannot reduce them further. Then give them another reason to buy from you – perhaps you give good after sales service.

Try saying: “I’m afraid we cannot reduce the price any further. I do believe our prices are competitive and you can count on our reliable after sales support."

Phrases for Work by Speak Good English Movement

Avoid: No more blue colour.

Say: I'm sorry, we have run out of blue.

Avoid: Dirty is it? I ask my supervisor can give cheaper or not.
Say: Is it dirty? Let me ask my supervisor if we can sell it to you at a discount.



Avoid: If after you buy home, you cannot wear, you can return back to us.
Say: If you find the size of the dress/shirt unsuitable, you can bring it back for an exchange.



Avoid: Pay money first. I wrap for you.
Say: I will wrap it for you after you have paid for it.



Avoid: I on for you, then you can hear the sound.
Say: Let me turn it on for you so that you can hear what it sounds like.



Avoid: Miss, you wear that skirt very nice. Come let me introduce a blouse for you.
Say: Miss, you look nice in the skirt. May I recommend a blouse to go with it?

Avoid: Pay cash or credit card?
Say: Would you be paying by cash, NETS or credit card?

Avoid: Just see what you want.
Say: Please feel free to look around.

Avoid: Yes, what you want?
Say: Are you being served? OR How can I help you?

Avoid: How, Miss? Can wear or not?
Say: Do you like the dress, Miss? Does it fit you?

Avoid: This shoe very comfortable. I also got wear.
Say: These shoes are very comfortable. I have a similar pair.

Avoid: Today got discount. You come tomorrow, no more discount.
Say: The discount is valid for today only.

Avoid: What model you want?
Say: Which model do you prefer?

Avoid: You want to try?
Say: Would you like to try that?

Avoid: Wait, I help you find.
Say: Please wait for a while. I’ll find it for you.

Avoid: Anything more? / Any more?
Say: Would you like to get anything else?

Avoid: Very cheap already. Don’t believe, you go and see other shops.
Say: I’m afraid we cannot reduce the price any further. I do believe our prices are competitive and you can count on our reliable sales support.

Avoid: Cannot try. Dirty how?
Say: I’m sorry but we do not allow customers to try these on for hygiene reasons.

Avoid: It is like this one. Other customers also use.
Say: I’m afraid that’s how it works / that’s how it’s made. If you don’t think it’s suitable, perhaps you would like to try something else.