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“How Can I Make a Difference?”
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by Peter K.H. Law
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edited by Ida Fazila
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I recently joined a group of working professionals from different fields to gain fresh insights on Harvard’s case method and leadership frameworks through the ‘Acumen Case Center: Case Method Teaching’ and ‘Asia Leadership Executive: Ethics, Power & Decision Making’ programs, respectively at Sunway University from August 8-12, 2016.
The two simultaneous five-day programs offered us an opportunity of a lifetime to acquire valuable skills and knowledge from visiting Harvard Professors, namely Professor Kenneth Winston and Professor Mathias Risse, as well as Harvard Teaching Fellows to develop core competencies in addressing today’s challenges and making ethical decisions in a complex world.
Delegates had to go through a wide range of case studies and assignments daily. It was tough at first but the knowledge sharing between delegates and the Professors and Teaching Fellows made it all worthwhile as it gave delegates fresh perspectives and a thorough analysis of the topics of discussion. It was refreshing to see how the Professors and Teaching Fellows were interested to gather the delegates’ views and opinions which showed their openness to learn and passion to impart knowledge to the delegates. The level of engagement pushed delegates to their limits and encouraged them to think outside the box. This ignited our passion to learn more not only from the teaching professionals but from our fellow delegates as well.
The hectic schedule did not deter me from achieving my objective of participating in the programs. Both programs explored ethical dilemmas and decision-making problems facing everyday people. It taught me how to manage ethical challenges personally and professionally, and how to be true to myself and choosing to do the right thing. It is not easy to make ethical decisions. The programs made me question whether I have demonstrated professional ethics at the workplace and moral values in my personal life, and if I have lived up to my parents’ expectations and my Catholic upbringing.
It was an enriching and eye-opening experience, hearing stories by my fellow delegates about making the right decision without compromising their ethics and moral values. Honestly, I was happy and relieved that I was not the only one facing difficult issues in life. The experience has truly humbled me and I am grateful for the exchange of experiences and networking opportunities with the teaching professionals and delegates.
The week-long program taught me to be stronger and more brave. It also challenged me to go the extra mile and be an agent of change. The more I think about the cases and experiences shared, the more I reflect on my personal life. There were times that I was put in a tight spot to ‘do the right things’ or to ‘do things right’.
Usually, ‘doing the right things’ will work to my disadvantage while ‘doing things right’ will reap the benefits but it clashes with my personal values and upbringing. When Professor Kenneth Winston and Mr Samuel Kim, Founder and President of the Center for Asia Leadership made reference to Ronald Heifetz’s metaphor of “the dance floor and the balcony”, I could recall what was suggested in his book – “leadership arouses passion” as it engages with our values. However, it brought me back to the million-dollar question, “Am I living up to my values?”. It is a challenge confronting this question but the knowledge and insights that I have gained at the programs have helped me to address the issue.
Additionally, I was fascinated with a talk by Mr Kim and the sharing of experience by one of the delegates. Both touched on their personal journey and how being an active protagonist and a change agent is crucial in becoming a 21st century leader. Their stories have moved me and made me wonder about what great leadership is all about. They sparked questions such as “What do I do best?”, “How can I make a difference?”, “How can I make a positive impact in other people’s lives?” and “What makes me happy?” which I hope to answer in my journey toward leadership development.
The best part of the program was when delegates were invited to make a compelling “Call to Action” by contributing their reflections to be compiled as chapters in a book that will be published next year. I have always wanted to document my life journey but never had the opportunity to do so. Both programs gave me the courage to do the right things and I felt that this was the first step in putting the protagonist in the driver’s seat. In the words of George Lois, “You are the master of your fate, you are the captain of your soul”. I realised that good leaders take action into the realm of the unknown, not knowing the outcome of their decisions. I will take action by putting down my ideas down on paper and will address any issues that may arise later, just like the adage, “I will cross the bridge when I get there”.
I am deeply grateful to Mr Kim, Gin Chee and Yasmin for their encouragement in making my dream a reality. I hope that my chapter will inspire others to make social change and contribute to the community at large.
Lastly, I would like to share my personal quote with all the readers out there:
“The choice you make today, dictates the life you live tomorrow”
Make your choice now!
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