Leader's Digest #83 (January 2024)

ISSUE 83

JANUARY

HUMAN-CENTERED LEADERSHIP

To read, click here leadinstitute.com.my/leaders-digest Scan the QR code for quicker access

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Publication Team Editor-in-Chief Fang Tze Chiang Editor Diana Marie Capel Graphic Designers Awang Ismail bin Awang Hambali Abdul Rani Haji Adenan

* Read our online version to access the hyperlinks to other reference articles made by the author.

Contents

ISSUE 83 I JANUARY 2024 TO MAKE 2024 THE YEAR YOU FOLLOW 04 HOW THROUGH

ROLES OF BOOKKEEPERS IN MODERN 14 ESSENTIAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

INTELLIGENCE – LEADERSHIP FOR THE 06 COURAGE FUTURE

LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO BUILD IN 2024 FOR 16 11 EXECUTIVES AND EMERGING LEADERS

12 MAKING THE MOST OF A BRAND-NEW YEAR

REVIEW: THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF 18 BOOK TIDYING UP

LET US KNOW If you are encouraged or provoked by any item in the LEADERS DIGEST, we would appreciate if you share your thoughts with us.

Here’s how to reach us: Email: corporate@leadinstitute.com.my Leader’s Digest is a monthly publication by the Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service, dedicated to advancing civil service leadership and to inspire our Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) leaders with contemporary leadership principles. It features a range of content contributed by our strategic partners and panel of advisors from renowned global institutions as well as established corporations that we are affiliated with. Occasionally, we have guest contributions from our pool of subject matter experts as well as from our own employees.

The views expressed in the articles published are not necessarily those of Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service Sdn. Bhd. (292980-T). No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s permission in writing.

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From the

Editorial Desk Human-Centredness In 2020, Forbes wrote about the need for organisations to find the right business strategies, both long-term and shortterm, to keep up with the fast-moving economy.

To enable this, Forbes highlights the exploration of more effective ways to retain employees by embracing humancenteredness. The word "human-centeredness" refers to prioritising people and inculcating a growth mindset. A growth mindset creates a culture of continuous learning and evolution, where it is safe to work outside our comfort zone and learn new skills. It is important to focus on aspects such as motivation, state of mind, fears, social relationships, environment, and other things.

These days, we witness how technology continues to change at an accelerated pace. What used to take decades now takes years; what took years takes months, months, weeks, weeks, days, days, hours. Current trends necessitate that an employee executing specific tasks be continually upskilled to handle a different job tomorrow. To survive, grow, and continuously innovate, leaders should commit to creating a culture where every person can bring their initiative, imagination, and passion to work.

Forbes also said, “Half of the giants we now know may no longer exist by the next decade.” In the fast-moving economy, organisations have to strive harder to build an inclusive culture and promote innovation to continue thriving. It is a matter of survival. Employees are the greatest human assets, and organisations must strive to protect the lifeline of organisations for a long time to come.

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Overestimation of Self-Change » New Year, New Me Fallacy: The “new year, new me” mindset can create an illusion that the turn of the calendar will magically bestow new habits, discipline, or skills. This can lead to a disconnect between one’s aspirations and their current habits or capabilities. » Immediate Transformation Expectation: Many people expect to radically change their behaviour overnight, which is rarely feasible.

Real change is typically gradual and requires sustained effort over time.

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freepik.com by @sta

How to Make 2024 the Year You Follow Through

BY LEE NALLALINGHAM

Unveil the Secrets to Transforming Resolutions into Achievements in 2024!

As the fireworks light up the sky, marking the beginning of 2024, millions around the world are fuelled with fresh enthusiasm and hope, setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions. However, despite these good intentions, a stark reality shadows these resolutions: a remarkably high failure rate. Studies have consistently shown that a significant majority of these resolutions unravel before the year even warms up. In fact, it’s estimated that only about 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions. This statistic isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of lost potential and unfulfilled aspirations.

Why does this happen year after year? Why do so many of us find ourselves in a loop of making and breaking these promises? More importantly, how can we break this cycle to make 2024 not just another year of forgotten resolutions but a year of real, tangible achievements?

Why Resolutions Fail: Setting Unrealistic Goals The dawn of a new year often brings with it a wave of optimism and ambition. This can be a double-edged sword when it comes to setting resolutions. The desire to make significant changes in a short period can lead to setting goals that are more aspirational than attainable.

The Trap of Lofty Aspirations » Example Scenarios: Consider someone resolving to run a marathon by spring without any prior experience in long-distance running or someone aiming to achieve advanced fluency in a new language within a few months. While these goals are admirable, they may not be realistic given the individual’s current abilities, time constraints, and resources. » Disregarding Current Lifestyle: These goals often overlook the realities of one’s daily life. For example, a person with a demanding job and family commitments might struggle to find sufficient time for the intense training required to run a marathon.

Reality Check: Underestimating the Required Commitment » Time and Effort: Achieving significant goals requires a substantial investment of time and effort. People often underestimate the daily or weekly commitment needed to progress towards such ambitious goals. » Resources and Support: Achieving big goals often requires more than just time and effort; it may also need financial resources, equipment, or a support system, which might not be readily available.

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Balancing Ambition with Realism While setting high goals is not inherently bad, it’s crucial to balance ambition with realism. Here are a few tips to consider: » Set Intermediate Goals: Instead of a single, monumental goal, set smaller, intermediate goals. For instance, if running a marathon is the ultimate goal, start with running a 5K, then a 10K, and so on. » Self-Assessment: Before setting a goal, assess your current lifestyle, responsibilities, and resources. This assessment can help in setting more realistic and achievable goals. » Embrace Incremental Change: Understand and accept that significant changes often occur through small, consistent steps over time, not instant transformations.

It’s essential to recognise that the mere act of goal-setting is just the beginning. The next critical phase, where many falter, is in the planning.

Detailed and strategic planning is the bridge between setting a goal and achieving it. Let’s delve deeper into why the lack of planning leads to the downfall of many New Year’s resolutions: Lack of Planning: The Missing Link The Problem with Vague Aspirations » Broad Statements, No Direction: When goals are stated in broad terms like “get fit” or “save more money,” they lack specificity.

These are aspirations, not goals. They don’t provide a clear path to follow and are devoid of tangible benchmarks to measure progress. » Need for Specificity: A goal to “get fit” can be more effectively planned as “exercise for 30 minutes at least four times a week” or “run a total of 10 miles per week.” Similarly, “save more money” could be reframed as “save $200 per month.”

Underestimating Challenges » Unforeseen Obstacles: Life is unpredictable. When setting goals, many people fail to consider potential obstacles like health issues, financial emergencies, or changing personal circumstances. » Plan for Contingencies: Effective planning involves anticipating challenges and having contingency plans. For instance, if your goal is to jog every morning, what’s your plan for inclement weather or busy days? If you aim to save a certain amount each month, how will you adjust for unexpected expenses?

The Necessity of a Step-by-Step Plan Creating a detailed plan is vital for transforming lofty goals into achievable targets. Here’s why: Breaks Down the Goal into Manageable Steps » Incremental Progress: A step-by-step plan allows you to break down your overall goal into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the goal less daunting and provides a clear roadmap for daily or weekly actions. » Measurable Milestones: Having smaller, incremental goals allows for regular tracking and adjustments, keeping motivation high.

Facilitates Regular Review and Adjustment » Flexibility in Approach: A detailed plan isn’t set in stone. It should be reviewed and adjusted regularly to accommodate changes in circumstances or learning from what’s working and what’s not. » Feedback Loop: Regular review of the plan based on progress or setbacks allows for a more adaptive and responsive approach to achieving the goal.

Planning as a Dynamic Process » Living Document: Consider your plan as a living document. It should evolve as you progress towards your goal, incorporating new insights, learning from setbacks, and adapting to changes. » Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to review your progress, address challenges, and adjust your plan as needed.

Waning Motivation: The Fading Force The initial burst of enthusiasm at the start of a new year is a powerful motivator. However, this initial drive can diminish over time, especially when faced with challenges or slow progress.

The Instant Gratification Trap » Expectation of Quick Results: We are increasingly accustomed to immediate outcomes in many aspects of our lives, thanks to technological advancements and the fast pace of modern life. This expectation often carries over into our goals, where we anticipate quick, visible results. » Disappointment in Slow Progress: When the desired changes or results take longer than expected, it can lead to frustration and disappointment. This is particularly true for goals that inherently require time, such as weight loss, learning new skills, or financial savings. » Impact on Motivation: This disappointment can significantly dampen motivation, leading to a gradual or even abrupt abandonment of the goal.

Lack of Intrinsic Motivation » External vs. Internal Motivation: Many resolutions are influenced by external factors – societal expectations, peer pressure, or trends.

While these can initiate motivation, they often lack the staying power of intrinsic motivation, which comes from within and aligns with personal values and interests. » Fleeting Inspirations: Goals based on a momentary inspiration or a fleeting desire often lack deep-rooted motivation. Once the initial excitement wears off, sustaining the effort becomes challenging. » Sustained Effort Requires Personal Connection: For motivation to endure, it’s crucial that the goal resonates with your personal values, interests, or long-term objectives. When a goal is deeply connected to what you truly want or care about, it’s easier to maintain the motivation to pursue it, even when faced with obstacles.

Strategies to Maintain Motivation Given these challenges, here are some strategies to keep motivation high: Set Meaningful Goals » Align Goals with Personal Values: Choose goals that are meaningful to you personally, not just because they are popular or expected. When your goal aligns with your personal values or long-term aspirations, it fuels persistent motivation.

Celebrate Small Wins » Acknowledge Progress: Recognising and celebrating small achievements along the way can boost morale and motivation. It provides a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the belief in your ability to reach your goals. » Create a Reward System: Establish a system where you reward yourself for meeting smaller milestones. This can be an effective way to maintain enthusiasm and commitment.

Stay Flexible and Adapt » Be Open to Adjustments: If you find your motivation waning, be open to reassessing and adjusting your goals or methods.

Sometimes, a small change in approach can reignite motivation. » Learn from Setbacks: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as learning opportunities. Understanding what didn’t work and why can provide valuable insights and renewed motivation to move forward.

The key takeaway is that success in fulfilling our resolutions lies not just in the excitement of setting them but in the perseverance, planning, and adaptability we exhibit along the way. It’s about setting goals that are not only ambitious but also achievable, creating a roadmap that guides us through the daily actions required, and maintaining the motivation needed to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Remember, every step taken towards a goal, no matter how small, is a victory in itself. Celebrate these moments, learn from the setbacks, and keep pushing forward. The journey towards achieving your resolutions is a personal one, filled with unique challenges and triumphs. Embrace it with a mindset geared towards growth, resilience, and continuous improvement.

As you step into 2024, armed with these insights and strategies, approach your resolutions with a renewed sense of purpose and practicality. Let this be the year where your resolutions transform from wishful thinking into tangible achievements. Make 2024 a year of action, progress, and fulfillment. Here’s to a year of turning resolutions into reality, of making every day count, and of creating a year that truly reflects your aspirations and efforts.

Lee Nallalingham

Lee is an International Best Selling Author, Speaker & Leader and has been leading teams for nearly 20 years. He has a proven track record across HR, Technology and Business Transformation. He has led teams in excess of 60 people, delivered over $250m in annual cost savings, efficiencies, and revenue generation, successfully delivered 5 integrations following mergers / acquisitions and worked across 6 continents, 70 countries and with over 100 MNC clients. For more information on Lee, please click here.

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Courage Intelligence – Leadership for the Future

BY SONIA MCDONALD

As a leader for future generations, it’s important to consider where a difference can be made and how leaders can go about that. Knowing where to start a leadership journey is about being very clear on previous outcomes covering performance, successes and then, what can be done differently. Research indicates that there are significant gaps in Australian and Global Leadership (identified by the SAL report on Leadership in Australia) and this is a great start to establishing a new leadership approach.

Businesses also are the beating heart of the economy and strong courageous leadership is needed to survive turbulent times, whether it’s current or future events.

Because strong leadership is needed to steer us out of this storm.

With the world changing and evolving, more and more people are looking for courageous leaders who are empathetic to their plight, understand the social and economic crisis facing us, and can rise up to the challenge and take us forward globally. Courageous leadership is needed as a matter of urgency, to move us all forward in empowering ways for the future.

Many thought leaders in the leadership space are also re-enforcing this need and it is backed up by research.

Accenture’s 2020 COVID-19 research, which was aimed at improving societal and environmental outcomes, has shown the need for greater leadership responsibility.

Rebecca Schambaugh, CEO and thought leader, refers to the need for courage, curiosity and resilience as a leadership ritual.

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"

Vincent Van Gough

With the pandemic, there has also been a large focus on the need to improve workplace conditions. People have been working remotely and are moving back into offices: the expectation is very high from staff and in many cases rightly so!

In addition, around the globe there are new developments brewing based on the war for talent and great leadership.

It is pivotal for leaders and companies to look at their leadership and culture now more than ever before with a revitalised and courageous approach.

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As a leader, have you ever had a great business idea and you either didn’t start it or went ahead and it failed? You are not alone! However, there have been many businesses who have struggled, failed, reset themselves and then achieved total success. Because they kept trying and had mountains of courage!

In response to the pandemic, The World Economic Forum has launched its Great Reset initiative – a commitment to build, jointly and urgently, the foundations of our economic and social system for a fairer, more sustainable and more resilient future.

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."

John F. Kennedy

This is an opportunity to learn from some of the best business innovators and accelerate businesses to success!

Every day in some small way within a leader’s sphere of influence, you can go beyond your comfort zone, connect with an empowering team and lead to success. Today, consider what else you need to do to step up, lead with courage and become a future leader who will change the course of history!

Rebecca Shambaugh, CEO and thought leader indicates that having courage is about taking calculated and intelligent risks to pursue the greater good. Developing skills as a courageous leader starts with acknowledging small things each and every day which will culminate in an unstoppable high-performance team that can make a huge impact.

In a volatile business world, how did you respond to the situations that occur? Some of us may have either experienced not having work, receiving a surprise redundancy package or, worse still, being fired!

If you were completely honest about how you felt, I am sure it would highlight some interesting emotions and responses! To develop more insight on how we can address these situations, Sanyin Siang suggests using leadership lessons from the military as they are effective leaders with leadership lessons we can apply into our own lives.

In her book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin studied the lives of several U.S. presidents who led the nation through tremendous national crises. Reflecting on this book provides excellent lessons for your future leadership!

The Need For Courage Intelligence Small acts of courage and kindness is where the journey to true Leadership begins! Have you thought about how you can make a difference at work, in your community or globally? What do you feel is the defining point that will make this happen? The World Economic Forum highlights that “Young leaders are showing us the way.” The challenges of 2022/23 are opening our eyes to the need for values-based leadership and when we lead with courage we gather followers for a common cause and things will happen. Your leadership journey can be the change you want to see!

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."

Albert Einstein

In establishing courageous leadership, lessons from the past assist us. Sabina Nawaz a Forbes contributor, mentions that Martin Luther Kings’ leadership was represented through the culmination of a thousand smaller acts of bravery that came before it. And Albert Einstein had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe and his work is being used to move us into new frontiers today through his leadership.

Innovation is leading us in new directions, many of them being driven by technology and A1. When we look at some of the incredible inventions that have occurred in history, the human element to change and innovation cannot be overlooked or disregarded. Each and every one of us has the capability to re-invent and innovate and create a new world that will serve future generations to

come. As a leader, you have the opportunity to make a difference with inspiring innovation. And Leaders in the 21st century need intelligence. Leadership intelligence relies on your ability to grow, learn and master new ways to lead people through focussed attention. Give yourself this opportunity now to reflect, redesign and lead the way through intelligent leadership skills!

The Way Forward For Organisations As we move forward towards a post- pandemic future a revitalised and courageous leadership approach will need to continue and expand considering the ongoing volatility globally and to create sustainability for the future.

Even during hard times, we have seen excellent examples of business leaders adapting, changing direction and reinventing their businesses to meet the challenges that have arisen. However, we need to continue these practices and make them the norm in all places of business.

In response to the pandemic, The World Economic Forum has launched its Great Reset initiative – a commitment to build, jointly and urgently, the foundations of our economic and social system for a fairer, more sustainable and more resilient future.

"A Gartner Inc., 2021 research survey shows that the Number One Leadership Priority in 2022 will be Building Critical Skills and Competencies."

A great leader is someone who has the courage to easily adapt to changing environments, rises to the challenge, leads by example, who motivates and empowers their team to achieve their best, be a greater communicator, welcomes innovation and strategic thinking and encourages kindness and empathy. This pandemic will pave the way to encouraging more leaders to be positive and forward thinkers. Now is the time to be an extraordinary leader.

So how can you take back control of your leadership?

Courage will be our edge in 2023 and beyond. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the mastery of it. Building your CQ requires you to act with courage even when you are scared. To embrace the fear to move into courage knowing with all your heart and soul that it is worth it.

Courageous leadership is about influencing others to do more, learn more and be more. Leadership is influence. In turn, leadership and courage is about making an impact and difference no matter how small.

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It doesn’t matter how much money, success or power you have. What truly matters is the impact we can all make and having the courage to leave that impact; make that difference.

The CQ Model will provide future focussed leaders with an opportunity to build their courage as a skill based on 5 key elements.

Don’t let another year go past without investing in your leadership and your team – it will give you the edge for 2023 Leadership and beyond!

The LeadershipHQ Solution – The Courage Intelligence Model The Courage Intelligence Program to provide future focussed leaders with an opportunity to build their courage as a skill.

PURPOSE "Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."

John F Kennedy

The importance of having a purpose lies in the fact that it will allow you to organise yourselves better to know how to work or act and your intent, the reasons behind your courage or the why/emotion behind it. When you know where you are going courageously, you can set goals that fit and align with your long-term goals. Hence, this assures that you are on the right path. Your purpose inspires your actions. They stimulate you, and they encourage you, they move you to do. They push you to climb steps and the bar of your effort. Having a clear purpose allows you to reorient yourself if you get lost or don’t know what to do.

It makes all your effort be directed towards a particular goal. In short, they give meaning to your effort and bring results.

"To build, transform and inspire great leadership, teams and companies across the globe."

Successful people know what their goals are and perform the daily actions and acts of courage that are necessary to achieve those purposes. Time is limited and is the same for everyone. And since time is limited, perhaps you should ask yourself what you can do to make the most of it. It is also essential to note that people have a purpose

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in their lives, which is the engine that leads them to face challenges and difficulties to achieve that purpose. Every day, you have opportunities to make the necessary changes that allow you to improve your quality of life. So what are you waiting for to take control of your life? Why don’t you spend a few minutes now deciding what you want to do with your life and leadership? Purpose is fundamental in Courage Intelligence IMPACT Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the mastery of it.

Building your Courage IntelligenceTM requires you to act with courage even when you are scared. To embrace the fear to move into courage knowing with all your heart and soul that it is worth it. Courageous leadership is about influencing others to do more, learn more and be more.

Leadership is influence. In turn, leadership and courage is about making an impact and difference no matter how small. It doesn’t matter how much money, success or power you have. What truly matters is the impact we can all make and having the courage to leave that impact; make that difference.

GRIT You don’t need to be the smartest in the class to be successful. I definitely wasn’t – however I had GRIT and tenacity. In our research we believe GRIT is important in our Courage Intelligence and love the work of Angela Duckworth.

Courage….it takes courage to be a leader.

While courage is hard to measure, it is directly proportional to your level of grit. More specifically, your ability to manage fear of failure is imperative and a predicator of success. The supremely gritty are not afraid to tank, but rather embrace it as part of a process. They understand that there are valuable lessons in defeat and that the vulnerability of perseverance is requisite for high achievement.

Teddy Roosevelt, a Grand Sire of Grit, spoke about the importance of overcoming fear and managing vulnerability in an address he made at the Sorbonne in 1907. He stated: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strived valiantly; who

errs, who comes again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

EMPATHY Our Courage Intelligence Model and Research is taking the world by storm because we need Courage and Empathy more than ever before. Why? Research shows Empathy Contributes to Positive Outcomes.

But as we go through tough times, struggle with burnout or find it challenging to find happiness at work, empathy can be a powerful antidote and contribute to positive experiences for individuals and teams. A new study of 889 employees by Catalyst found empathy has some significant constructive effects: Innovation. When people reported their leaders were empathetic, they were more likely to report they were able to be innovative—61% of employees compared to only 13% of employees with less empathetic leaders.

Engagement. 76% of people who experienced empathy from their leaders reported they were engaged compared with only 32% who experienced less empathy.

Retention. 57% of white women and 62% of women of colour said they were unlikely to think of leaving their companies when they felt their life circumstances were respected and valued by their companies. However, when they didn’t feel that level of value or respect for their life circumstances, only 14% and 30% of white women and women of colour respectively said they were unlikely to consider leaving.

AUTHENTICITY Authenticity is proposed as one of the core aspects of courage intelligence which is needed to build trust and courage because of its clear focus on the positive role modelling of honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards in the development of leader-follower relationships. In turn, do you make others feel psychologically safe to be authentic, courageous, and honest at work? This starts with you.

Living in line with your values and principles are key to being authentic. Values and principles should guide your choices and decisions, so knowing what they are is critical.

Make a list of all the values and principles you care about and rank them in order of importance to you. Think about these in the context of leadership. For example, if you rated family as a core value, how does that show up for you in the workplace? As a leader, are you aware of and understanding of the family responsibilities of the people you manage? As a CEO, are the company policies familyfriendly? Do you know the names of your employees’ spouses and children? Do you ask about them? If you realise that your behaviour as a leader is not aligned with your core values, re-evaluate how to incorporate them.

Misalignment is a key indicator that you are not being authentic.

It takes authenticity to develop and grow Courage Intelligence.

Courage Intelligence (CQ) Model & Program Like any leadership skill, courage is something that is learned and refined over time and it should form part of a leader’s inventory. Many Leaders are wanting to know how to build courage and take themselves forward to new directions of success that will have lasting impact.

The Courage Intelligence framework forms part of our Coaching, Executive, Emerging, and Women in Leadership programs to provide future focused leaders with an opportunity to build their courage as a skill.

It transforms the way you think about courage within leadership and builds your skills as a courageous leader.

Sonia McDonald

Sonia is CEO of LeadershipHQ and has vast experience in organisational development, learning and development, facilitating, and leadership development. She is passionate about building long term partnerships with her clients and making sure she achieves the best results for their business and people.

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Photo Source: SEDC Sarawak Facebook

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"If we have an efficient and sustainable integrity system, investors will have our trust and place their substantial investment with us."

The Right Honorable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Integrity Day 24 November 2023

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MAKING THE MOST OF A BRAND-NEW YEAR

BY JULIET FUNT

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Source: Designed by freepik.com by @jcomp

Embracing Mindset Shifts for Growth and Gratitude.

As December comes to a close, we are finally arriving at that moment of welcoming in the New Year. If you’re like me, you may be thinking backward, not forward, to the chaos, challenges, and gifts you experienced over the past 365 days. To make the most of a brand-new year, we need to make the most of this transition from past to future.

Yet, I find it’s an odd transition because there’s no hard line we get to step over. There’s no tangible difference between the end of December and the beginning of January. The same sun rises, and the same moon sets. Our circumstances continue.

But this period does offer a perfect opportunity for reflection and intention. The changing of the calendar creates a worldwide moment of pause when we can look back on who we were and imagine who we’ll become. As 2023 comes to a close, I want to encourage you to look inward. I want you to mark this transition for yourself by pausing to consider your approach—your mindset—to making the most of the coming year.

Mindset 1: Be Kind to Yourself A promising future begins with acknowledging where you are right now. It’s only with acceptance of the present that you can find your bearings and move forward with realism and optimism.

Show yourself grace for the moment you’re in. Accept all that you are and have been. Show yourself forgiveness for your mistakes, knowing they are part of your history. Feel the grief and joy that come along with a life fully lived.

You’re a human being who, like all human beings, deserves love and acceptance. Give yourself that kindness and carry it with you into the new year.

Mindset 2: Be Intentional About Pausing and Releasing Beyond kindness toward yourself, be intentional about all the ways you can maintain a healthy mindset throughout the coming year.

For example, take a conscious, intentional breather from seeking self-improvement and allow for self-grounding. Imagine listening to music rather than streaming yet another educational podcast or TED Talk. Making space in your day for simply existing is actually a strategic move! It relaxes and opens your mind for an even better tomorrow.

book When Things Fall Apart. Rather than inhaling the good and exhaling the bad, Tonglen is about breathing in the hard, the unwanted, and the difficult.

You imagine drawing those feelings into yourself and accepting them so deeply that you begin to embrace them. Then you breathe out goodness and light and optimism, imagining that you’re sharing those good vibes and relief with a person who is in pain or a similar situation.

It’s an act of compassion that takes the difficult circumstances of life and, through the power of your intention, creates a sanctuary of warmth and understanding. If that’s not a mindset superpower, then I don’t know what is.

Mindset 3: Be Thankful As we grapple with how the real-world challenges of our times and our own day-to-day struggles will continue into 2024, we can take time to remind ourselves that gratitude is often our greatest weapon in the face of adversity.

We’re not talking about world-shattering gratitude here. The key is to focus on the little things so you are filled with gratefulness.

Maybe you’re thankful for the warmth of an afternoon mug of tea, the hand squeeze of a loved one, or the flock of birds that flies past you on a walk.

Then, when that cup of gratitude starts to overflow, why not share the wealth? Maybe this year, you volunteer at your local food bank or reach out to a neighbor who could use a visit.

Or you might finally hit Donate Now to that organization that means so much to you.

Service opportunities are a guaranteed way to fill your year with positive experiences. Think of it as actionable goodwill, resulting in pride, connection, and a full heart.

Welcoming the New Year takes more than “holiday spirit” and end-of-year festivities. The celebrations and gatherings themselves will not set your year up for joy and growth. Real change and real happiness come from within. It’s a mindset switch. But with these three approaches at your disposal anytime and anywhere, and with a little bit of goodwill, you’re going to be just fine.

What mindset shift is at the top of your list for 2024?

In the same way, be intentional about taking time to release what’s hard and actively support others who are facing hard things. There’s an ancient practice that combines the taking in and sending out of good and bad vibes.

Hugs to all!

The practice is called Tonglen, which I’ve practiced on and off for 30 years and first learned about in Pema Chodron’s classic

Juliet Funt is the founder and CEO at JFG (Juliet Funt Group), which is a consulting and training firm built upon the popular teaching of CEO Juliet Funt, author of A Minute to Think.

Juliet Funt

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ESSENTIAL ROLES OF BOOKKEEPERS IN MODERN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

BY THOMAS LORE

Source: Photo by Megan Rexazin Conde @ Pixabay

The role of bookkeepers in modern business management is both diverse and indispensable.

In modern business management, bookkeepers are far more than mere data entry and transaction recording roles. As businesses evolve in a rapidly changing digital economy, bookkeepers play an increasingly vital role in ensuring financial accuracy, aiding strategic decision-making, and contributing to the overall efficiency of business operations. This article explores the multifaceted and essential roles of bookkeepers in the context of contemporary business management to answer the perennial question – what does a bookkeeper do?

Bookkeeping: Beyond Basic Financial Record-Keeping' Traditionally, bookkeeping involved the systematic recording of financial transactions. However, in today’s complex business environment, the role of bookkeepers has expanded. Modern bookkeepers are not just record-keepers; they are integral players in the financial management team, providing crucial data that informs business strategy and operational decisions.

Ensuring Accuracy and Compliance One of the primary roles of bookkeepers is to ensure the accuracy of financial records. Accurate bookkeeping is critical for compliance with tax laws and financial regulations. Bookkeepers meticulously record financial transactions, maintain organised records, and ensure that all financial documentation is precise and up-to-date. This rigorous attention to detail safeguards businesses against legal and financial discrepancies.

Facilitating Informed Decision Making Bookkeepers contribute significantly to informed decision-making within a business. By maintaining accurate financial records, they provide a clear snapshot of the business's financial health. This information is vital for business owners and managers to make informed decisions regarding investments, budget allocations, and strategic planning. The insights derived from well-maintained books can guide businesses toward more profitable and sustainable operations

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invoices, and provide valuable insights into cash flow patterns and potential liquidity challenges.

Consider the Impact of Bookkeepers Consider a small retail business struggling with inventory management and cash flow issues. The bookkeeper could implement an efficient system for tracking inventory and sales, providing the business owner with real-time insights into stock levels and financial health. This would lead to better inventory management, improved cash flow, and increased profitability.

In another hypothetical, a service-based company could use its bookkeeper’s expertise to analyse expenditure and identify areas where costs could be reduced. The bookkeeper’s insights would enable the company to implement cost-saving measures, which would improve the bottom line without compromising service quality.

Budgeting and Financial Planning Effective budgeting and financial planning are key to successful business management. Bookkeepers play an important role in these processes by providing detailed financial data that forms the basis for budget creation and financial forecasting. They help businesses track spending, monitor budget adherence, and identify financial trends that impact future financial planning.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency Bookkeepers also contribute to the operational efficiency of a business. With the integration of modern accounting software and technologies, bookkeepers streamline financial processes, automate routine tasks, and improve the overall efficiency of financial operations. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors, allowing businesses to focus more on core activities and growth initiatives.

Cash Flow Management Effective cash flow management is crucial for the sustainability of any business. Bookkeepers play a critical role in monitoring and managing cash flow, ensuring that the business has sufficient funds to meet its obligations and invest in growth opportunities. They track receivables and payables, manage

An Essential Piece of the Puzzle The role of bookkeepers in modern business management is both diverse and indispensable. Bookkeepers’ contributions extend beyond traditional bookkeeping to encompass areas such as compliance, strategic decision-making, budgeting, operational efficiency, and cash flow management. As businesses navigate the complexities of the modern economy, the skills and expertise of bookkeepers remain an essential component in driving business success and sustainability.

THOMAS LORE

Thomas Lore is a 27-year old writer. As a creative and diligent freelance blogger, he is always seeking new ways to improve himself.

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11 LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO BUILD IN 2024 FOR EXECUTIVES AND EMERGING LEADERS

BY WILLIAM ARRUDA

Source: Designed by freepik.com by @freepik

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Crafting a Roadmap for Modern Leadership In 2024, leaders face a work landscape that has been transformed by generational diversity, complex hybrid work structures, and a rapid infusion of technology. To be a successful leader today – a modern, authentic, human leader – you must amplify a unique set of skills to meet this vastly changed environment. This is a combination of traditional leadership skills with an emphasis on soft skills (also called social skills). Here are 11 critical competencies you need to demonstrate so you can build your personal brand as a relevant and accomplished leader: 1. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) The ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognise and influence the emotions of others, is vital for leading effectively and empathetically. At the core of this skill is self-awareness. Being self-aware is the first step in Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence model, and it’s the foundation for being able to build meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

2. Adaptability The modern lexicon of the workplace includes words like 'change,' 'pivot,' and 'evolve.' Leaders must demonstrate flexibility, being able to swiftly adjust strategies and actions in response to technological shifts, worker preferences and market demands.

3. Inclusivity Embracing and leveraging diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive, is a nonnegotiable leadership skill. Belonging is the key element here.

When you cultivate a culture of belonging, your people do their best work in support of your mission.

4. Communication Leaders must be storytellers, articulating visions and strategies with clarity and authenticity. Specialising in video communication for both synchronous and asynchronous interactions is vital in a hybrid work era, where in-person exchanges are less frequent. That means delivering compelling communications, while leveraging tech–messaging software and virtual meeting platforms.

7. Resilience We all learned from our experience with Covid that unexpected challenges can hijack well thought out plans. The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, adapt to adversity, and continue to move forward is key to leadership longevity and success.

8. Strategic Thinking Leaders have always been creators and stewards of strategy. They must be able to see the big picture, anticipate future trends and challenges, and plan accordingly. That requires an interest in what’s happening and a desire to learn and grow.

9. Learning The only way to remain relevant in an ever-evolving environment is by being a lifelong learner. Leaders need to engage regularly in learning and become the model for team members, encouraging them to grow knowledge and skills.

10. Sustainability and Social Responsibility Leaders must grasp the broader impact of their decisions and advocate for practices that ensure environmental care and social good. This helps them build organisations that are principled and appreciated by today’s workforce. It also helps them deliver greater profits. “72% of executives surveyed see ESG as an enabler rather than cost center,” according to a study from IBM. 11. Digital Literacy Technology is accelerating into the workplace with the speed and precision of a NASCAR vehicle making a pit stop. Leaders need not be tech experts but must be tech-literate. They must adopt a digital mindset. “The digital mindset is a set of attitudes and behaviours that enable people and organisations to see new possibilities and chart a path for the future,” according to Paul Leonardi and Tsedal Neeley, authors of The Digital Mindset.

These skills form the mosaic of modern leadership. Mastering them does not merely equip leaders to survive in today's work environment but to thrive, driving their organisations towards success and innovation in 2024 and beyond.

This article was originally published in Forbes.

5. Creative Problem-Solving The ability to approach challenges from fresh angles and spark innovation is invaluable. Creativity is the foundation of innovation, offering potential solutions to vexing challenges.

6. Collaboration Building and sustaining a collaborative team in a remote or hybrid setting demands skills beyond the traditional. Leaders must inspire, engage, and leverage technology to integrate collaboration into how the team works. Building team cohesion and connection is the key to engaging today’s workforce.

William Arruda

William Arruda is the bestselling author of the definitive books on personal branding: Digital YOU, Career Distinction and Ditch. Dare.

Do! And he’s the creative energy behind Reach Personal Branding and CareerBlast.TV – two groundbreaking organizations committed to expanding the visibility, availability, and value of personal branding across the globe. For more information on Personal Branding , please visit williamarruda.com.

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The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo is a guide to decluttering and organizing your home, using her KonMari method. She describes this process as discarding items that do not bring you joy and finding a proper place for everything you keep, resulting in a happier and more peaceful living space. A tidy environment is one where you can efficiently access the things you need and like, which is why it’s so important first to understand what it is that you want.

Your space should be filled with things that you truly love.

In this book, Kondo provides her signature three-step method for the physical act of tidying, which is known as the “Konmari Method:” 1. Discard: Remove anything that you do not need.

2. Store: Organize the remaining items by category.

3. Maintain: Put your stuff back in its designated place after using it.

The book is written in 5 main parts that discuss her unique method and the key ideas of tidying to help you organise and start tidying your home today. In the process, you will change your perspective on your lifestyle and work. ӹ Part 1: Why can't I keep my house in order? ӹ Part 2: Finish discarding first ӹ Part 3: Tidying by category works like magic ӹ Part 4: Storing your things to make your life shine ӹ Part 5: The magic of tidying dramatically transforms your life Marie Kondo emphasizes that it takes dedication and practice, but the rewards are immense; you will find yourself living in a space full of joy, energy, and serenity that expresses who you truly are.

DIANA MARIE

Diana Marie is a team member at the Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service attached with Corporate Affairs who found love in reading and writing whilst discovering inspiration in Leadership that Makes a Difference.

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Happy Chinese New Year

2024

Year of The Dragon

Leadership Institute of Sarawak Civil Service KM20, Jalan Kuching Serian, Semenggok, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak.

Telephone : +6082-625166 Fax : +6082-625966 E-mail : corporate@leadinstitute.com.my