The meaning you give work determines its difficulty. A coder working on a passion project works 12 hours straight and calls it energizing. That same programmer, doing maintenance on legacy code they consider meaningless, feels exhausted after 2 hours. Your relationship with the work shapes its weight more than the work itself.
Blogpost Review: The Nine Box Matrix
So often, we treat everyone the same. You must know how your team members are performing, what future potential they have, what motivates them, how they desire recognition, and the way to treat them based on their personal desires. While we all want a team of stars, everyone is at a different place in life, and that’s okay. Many people are content being solid professionals; thank them for that. Inconsistent players can be a great asset to your organization. Rough diamonds are learners. Each category is unique. Know your people, treat them accordingly, and lead well!
Isabel Mind Mine Newsletter – slow down; to be, without being in a rush
I am quite good at rushing—at doing things in a high-intensity, high-pressure way. But, I’m better off when I remember to take my time, to realize that the journey is long and it should be treated with patience. This is the muscle I have spent the last two years or so cultivating: the ability to be, without being in a rush. Because I want to be ready for the sprints to come, but I don’t want to be someone who goes out of my way to find them, who seeks out the rush just to feel normal. I want to remember that going slower isn’t worse; and sometimes it’s the only way to build the strength we need to go fast.
Book Review: Crying in H Mart (a memoir of food and grief)
I ended up reading and listening to 3 versions of this book on Libby because it took me over 3 weeks to finish it, balancing between work deadlines and expiring library loans! 😂 This memoir is so good and relatable for me, and I believe for many others as well. It tells a universal story about being a daughter, finding yourself, and the complex relationship we have with our parents. The author, Michelle Zauner, shares her memories with her mother, which are mostly tied to the flavors and traditions of Korean dishes. Her mom, just like my dad, truly savored every bite of her meals. My most cherished moments with my dad revolve around discovering and enjoying food together.
Kantar Newsletter – Unlocking Brand Growth
Understanding potential buyers' perspectives is key to finding the right brand strategy. Growth comes from getting a wider pool of people to be open to your brand. Companies should always try to find out the reasons why customers are buying, not buying, or stopping buying their products.
Don’t Let This Be My Last Ramadan
Tonight, I realized that asking Allah for help before any act of ibadah (not only before a test or presentation)– prayers, studying Qur'an, or anything else – is really powerful. During my prayers, particularly in those teary sujoods, I asked Allah to grant me the ability to pray with true focus (khusyuk) and calmness (tuma'ninah).... Continue Reading →
[Book Review] A Journey of Grief: Finding Hope and Healing
"Seorang Pria yang Melalui Duka dengan Mencuci Piring" offers a compassionate guide through grief, urging acceptance and mindfulness. It reminds us of impermanence, the value of companionship in grief, and the absence of "right" choices. The book encourages gratitude and reflection on life's meaning, making it a profound read for anyone touched by loss or seeking a mindful approach to life.
The Qur’an Learning Series: Navigating Life with the Qur’an (Episode 1: Introduction)
Est. reading time: 5 - 7 mins | Tone: Thoughtful, Warm, Reflective | Ideal reading moment: Best suited for moments seeking spiritual insight or personal reflection, whether you're well-acquainted with the Qur'an or newly curious about its teachings and its integration into daily life. The "Qur'an Learning Series: Navigating Life with the Qur'an" is a personal exploration of Qur'anic teachings, embracing an analytical approach with open dialogue. My encounter with verse 282 of Al-Baqarah sparked a deep curiosity about the Qur'an's comprehensive guidance on life's essential aspects, leading to a rich journey of discovery and reflection.
Curated Content: How to Prevent Anger from Killing You?
In my 13 years career journey, I've faced moments of intense anger at work, which not only led to emotional strain but also took a toll on me physically. I found Anthony's blog post about coping with anger through forgiveness, which is relatable and insightful. It sheds light on how intense anger affects our mental and physical health and offers practical advice on embracing forgiveness. I believe his perspectives could be beneficial to many of us. Let’s explore his approach to handling anger.
How Empathy Shapes Effective Leadership and Work Culture
In the past four years, my leadership journey has led to a transformative realization. Evolving from a task-focused leader to a nurturing and empathetic one, I've seen remarkable improvements in my team's performance and morale. Embracing empathy has fostered greater engagement, trust, collaboration, and personal growth. It's a reminder that leadership is about more than just results - it's about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Let's lead with empathy and humanity, shaping workplaces into spaces for personal bonding and mutual support.
The Hayyan Chronicle 