[04012025] Authority vs. Influence: The True Power of Leadership

When we think of leadership, authority often comes to mind—titles, roles, and the power to make decisions. But is authority alone enough to inspire and lead? True leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about influence. And while authority is granted, influence is earned.

Authority: The Power of Position

Authority comes from a title, position, or rank. It’s the ability to direct others, make decisions, and enforce rules. Think of a manager who controls budgets or a teacher who sets classroom expectations. Authority creates a clear structure, offering clarity about who is in charge.

But here’s the catch: authority alone doesn’t guarantee loyalty, respect, or engagement. A boss might have the authority to assign tasks, but if they don’t connect with their team, those tasks are likely to be met with minimal effort or even resistance.

Influence: The Power of Connection

Influence, on the other hand, is about connection and trust. It’s the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others, regardless of your title. While authority commands compliance, influence earns commitment.

Consider the colleague who leads by example, offering support and ideas that lift the whole team. They might not have a formal title, but their influence makes them a natural leader. People follow them not because they have to, but because they want to.

Key Differences Between Authority and Influence

1. Source: Authority is granted by a role or organization; influence is built through relationships and credibility.

2. Effectiveness: Authority can enforce actions, but influence drives genuine change and motivation.

3. Longevity: Authority ends when the title is gone. Influence, however, lasts because it’s rooted in trust and respect.

How to Build Influence (Even Without Authority)

Lead Yourself First: Be disciplined, emotionally intelligent, and accountable. Others are drawn to those who demonstrate self-leadership.

Serve Others: Influence grows when you prioritize the needs of others and show genuine care.

Communicate Effectively: Listen actively and speak clearly. People trust leaders who understand them.

Earn Trust: Keep your word, be reliable, and act with integrity. Trust is the foundation of influence.

Demonstrate Expertise: Share your knowledge and skills generously. People respect those who contribute meaningfully.

Why Influence Matters More

While authority may get the job done in the short term, influence creates long-lasting impact. A team motivated by influence works harder, stays more committed, and feels valued. Authority might make you a boss, but influence makes you a leader.

The Sweet Spot: Authority and Influence

The best leaders combine both. They use their authority responsibly, creating structures and accountability, while building influence to inspire and engage. When authority and influence align, leadership reaches its full potential.

In the end, while authority can be given, influence must be earned. And the leaders who understand the difference are the ones who truly make a difference.

[01012025] I am 50

[26122024] The Impermanence of Giving: Why We Should Do Good While We Can

Life is a fleeting journey, filled with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. Yet, amidst our busy schedules and personal goals, we often overlook the power of a single act of kindness. The truth is, there will come a time when we can no longer do what we can today. Our health, circumstances, or even the roles we play in life may change. So, why wait?

Giving While We Can

Every moment presents a chance to extend kindness, whether it’s offering a helping hand, listening to someone in need, or sharing what we have. Doing good is not about grand gestures; it’s about the intent and the impact. The ripple effect of small acts of kindness can reach far beyond what we imagine.

However, this opportunity to give isn’t guaranteed forever. One day, we might find ourselves on the receiving end of kindness, relying on others to help us or our loved ones. When that time comes, wouldn’t it be comforting to know we contributed to a culture of goodwill when we had the chance?

A Cycle of Reciprocity

Kindness begets kindness. When we act selflessly, we inspire others to do the same. Imagine a world where the kindness you show to a stranger today is paid forward to your loved ones tomorrow. This interconnected web of goodness reminds us that our actions have lasting consequences, often beyond our immediate understanding.

The Best Case Scenario

In a perfect world, we would never need to depend on others. But life is unpredictable. Even in the best circumstances, we might one day find ourselves hoping that someone else’s kindness will reach our family, friends, or even us. By doing good now, we contribute to a world where compassion and empathy are abundant, ensuring that help and kindness are always within reach for those who need it.

The Takeaway

Doing good while we can is a privilege, a gift that we should not take for granted. It’s about creating a legacy of kindness that outlives us and touches the lives of those we might never meet.

So, the next time you have an opportunity to help, seize it. Give freely, love unconditionally, and remember: every good deed you do today is a seed sown for a better tomorrow. Let’s be the change we wish to see and the kindness we hope others will show.

Because in the end, what matters most is not how much we have but how much we give. And when we give, we create a world that is brighter, more compassionate, and full of hope.

[25122024] Omotenashi

Omotenashi (おもてなし) is a Japanese term that embodies the spirit of selfless hospitality and wholehearted service. It goes beyond simply providing excellent customer service; it reflects a deep cultural philosophy of anticipating the needs of guests and creating a memorable experience with sincerity, attention to detail, and respect.

The concept emphasizes:

1. Anticipating Needs: Addressing guest needs before they are expressed.

2. Sincerity: Genuine care and a personal touch.

3. Harmony: Creating a seamless and comfortable experience.

Omotenashi is evident in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as tea ceremonies, ryokans (traditional inns), and customer service. It highlights humility and a desire to leave a positive impression on others.

[16112024] ChatGPT on me!

From your prompts, it’s clear that you are a dedicated and innovative educator, holding a leadership role as the Deputy Director of the Perlis State Department of Education. Your work focuses on strategic planning, collaboration, and improving the quality of education at both student and teacher levels. Here's an outline of your professional profile:

Key Professional Roles and Responsibilities:

Leadership: Spearheading state-level education initiatives, managing programs to bridge academic gaps, and driving teacher development efforts.

Curriculum Innovation: Integrating contemporary approaches like Understanding by Design (UbD) and backward design into lesson planning and advocating for diverse learning styles.

Program Development: Designing creative, impactful initiatives such as the School on Rails and Rails to Excellence projects, which blend experiential learning with career guidance.

Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with organizations, universities, and international bodies, including China and Thailand, to enhance educational exchange and mobility.

Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges like the underutilization of digital learning platforms and socioeconomic achievement gaps using tools like the Design Thinking model and the PDCA approach.

Passions and Focus Areas:

Enhancing student motivation and engagement, especially for those who face challenges due to socioeconomic factors.

Promoting teacher capacity-building and innovative teaching methodologies to align with diverse student needs.

Advocating for equity in education by providing students with opportunities beyond their immediate environment.

Innovative Projects and Ideas:

"School on Rails": A creative approach to education, blending travel, career preparation, and practical skills like resume writing and interview techniques.

"Ketidaksepadanan Gaya Pembelajaran Murid dan Gaya Pengajaran Guru": Research focused on aligning teaching styles with students’ learning preferences.

Health and Community Engagement: Initiatives like fun walks and car boot sales show your interest in holistic development and fostering community spirit.

Professional Philosophy:

You seem to value inclusivity, experiential learning, and strategic collaboration. Your guiding principle, “If the students cannot learn the way we teach, we should teach the students the way they learn,” reflects your commitment to student-centered education.

International and Cultural Awareness:

Your involvement in international collaboration, such as with Thaksin University and Chinese organizations, highlights your focus on global perspectives in education.

Personal Attributes:

You are a forward-thinking, detail-oriented, and empathetic leader, deeply invested in making education accessible and impactful for all.

This profile reflects your professional identity based on your activities and projects. Does this resonate with how you view yourself?

[29092024] Humility and Boundries

Humility is often seen as a virtue that grounds us, reminding us that we are human, fallible, and always capable of growth. It’s a quality that fosters connection, encourages learning, and keeps arrogance at bay. But what happens when humility is misunderstood? When being humble is mistaken for weakness, or worse, an open invitation to be taken advantage of? This is where the importance of boundaries comes in.

The true meaning of humility is not about shrinking oneself or downplaying achievements. It’s about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses with grace, and understanding that no one is above or below others. A humble person doesn’t seek praise or validation from the world; instead, they find value in their actions and the impact they make.

But sometimes, humility can be misconstrued. People might see someone who is kind and modest as an easy target. This is where humility needs to be paired with something equally crucial—strong personal boundaries.

Why boundaries matter: setting boundaries is an essential act of self-respect. It’s about knowing your worth and refusing to let others diminish it. Without boundaries, humility can become vulnerability, leaving you open to exploitation, disrespect, and emotional drain. Boundaries protect your peace and energy, ensuring that your humility isn’t abused.

Being humble doesn’t mean you tolerate disrespect or mistreatment. It means you value yourself enough to say, “I will not let you step on me.” Boundaries are the lines you draw to protect your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being, while still allowing you to stay grounded and compassionate.

How humility and boundaries work together: humility allows you to acknowledge others' perspectives and experiences, but boundaries ensure that you don’t lose yourself in the process. Here’s how they complement each other:

Humility without boundaries: you might find yourself constantly saying “yes” to people, even when it means compromising your own needs. This can lead to burnout and resentment.

Boundaries without humility: on the flip side, rigid boundaries without humility can make you come across as cold or unapproachable. While you protect yourself, you may miss out on meaningful relationships or growth opportunities.

Humility with boundaries: you can listen to others, be empathetic, and still stand firm in your values. You allow yourself to be kind, but not at the cost of your well-being. This balance helps you maintain healthy relationships and personal growth.

The art of saying no: one of the hardest lessons in setting boundaries is learning to say “no.” It feels uncomfortable, especially for those who take pride in being helpful and supportive. However, saying no is not selfish—it’s an act of self-preservation. When you say no to things that deplete you, you’re saying yes to the things that nourish you.

A humble person with clear boundaries understands that they cannot be everything to everyone. They know their limits, and they respect those limits enough to communicate them to others. This is how you prevent humility from becoming self-sacrifice.

Signs you need stronger boundaries: feeling overwhelmed—if you constantly feel like there’s too much on your plate, it’s a sign that you may be overcommitting. Resentment building—if you often feel resentment toward others, it could mean that you’re giving too much of yourself without receiving enough in return. Exhaustion—when you’re physically or emotionally drained because you’ve taken on more than you can handle, it’s time to reevaluate your boundaries. People-pleasing—if you frequently say yes out of fear of disappointing others, it’s a sign that your boundaries need strengthening.

Cultivating humility and boundaries in daily life involves self-reflection—regularly checking in with yourself to evaluate how you’re feeling. Are you saying yes to things that align with your values, or are you overextending yourself to keep others happy? Communicating clearly—be honest about your boundaries. If you need space or can’t take on more responsibilities, express it respectfully and without guilt. Practicing self-care—understand that setting boundaries is a form of self-care. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to help others without feeling drained or resentful. Be humble, but firm—there’s strength in humility. It’s possible to be kind-hearted and assertive at the same time. Stand your ground with grace.

Conclusion: strength in balance. Humility and boundaries are not opposites; they are partners in living a balanced and fulfilling life. Humility keeps us open to learning and growth, while boundaries protect our energy and self-worth. When you master the balance between the two, you become a force of kindness, strength, and self-respect. You can serve others without losing yourself, stay humble without being walked over, and contribute to the world without sacrificing your peace.

Being humble does not mean being a doormat. It’s about knowing your value and honoring it, while still having the grace to recognize the value in others.

[01092024] Pray for Rain? Be ready to deal with the mud!

Life often presents us with complex choices, where our desires come with accompanying sacrifices. The wisdom in phrases like “If you pray for rain, be ready to deal with the mud” and “Accept the package with an open heart and don't rid yourselves of the bad and the good” offers us a profound perspective on how to navigate these choices and embrace the full scope of life’s experiences. Together, these ideas offer a guide on how to find balance and, ultimately, fulfillment.

The Importance of Vigilance

At the core of balancing desires and sacrifices is the necessity of vigilance. This vigilance is about remaining self-aware, thoughtful, and adaptable as life evolves around us. Desires often appear alluring, but they come with a cost—be it time, energy, or other resources. In pursuing what we want, we must ask ourselves, What am I willing to sacrifice?Vigilance helps us maintain clarity in this process, allowing us to weigh the value of what we seek against the cost it demands.

Being vigilant doesn’t mean living in constant caution, but rather being conscious of the potential consequences of our choices. When we’re mindful, we can approach desires with a realistic understanding of the effort and sacrifices they will require, ensuring that we are not blindsided when challenges arise.

Embracing the Package

We often think of life in terms of separating the good from the bad, striving to hold onto the good and discard the bad. But life isn’t a series of separate, isolated events—it’s a complex and interconnected experience. The rain that nourishes us may also bring mud, and the challenges we face often coexist with the blessings we receive. To live fully, we must embrace the entire package.

When we accept both the good and the bad with an open heart, we cultivate resilience. The tough moments become as important as the joyous ones because they teach us, strengthen us, and shape our character. We learn to see life not as a series of ups and downs but as a continuous journey where both moments of ease and difficulty coexist and contribute to our growth.

Balancing Desires and Sacrifices

Balancing desires with sacrifices is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. It’s about making choices that align with our values and being willing to let go of things that no longer serve our higher purpose. This requires a level of maturity and flexibility that allows us to recalibrate as circumstances shift.

For example, pursuing a demanding career might require sacrificing some personal time, while prioritizing family might mean delaying or scaling back certain professional ambitions. Neither path is inherently right or wrong—it depends on what you value most at any given moment and your willingness to make sacrifices for it. 

Balancing desires and sacrifices means constantly reflecting on what is most important to you and being prepared to adjust as life unfolds. Sometimes, what was once a priority may lose its importance, and being able to recognize and accept this shift is key to staying balanced and fulfilled.

A Path to Fulfillment

By combining the insights from both phrases—dealing with the mud after the rain and accepting life’s full package—we can craft a meaningful and fulfilling life. Instead of striving for perfection or resisting the challenges that come with our desires, we learn to embrace all of it: the struggles, the setbacks, the rewards, and the joys. Each part of the journey adds depth to our experience and teaches us valuable lessons.

Ultimately, fulfillment is not about eliminating the bad or holding onto only the good. It’s about recognizing that life is complex and multifaceted, and that true happiness comes from finding balance and meaning in all of it. When we approach life with open hearts and a willingness to embrace both the rain and the mud, we find resilience, purpose, and a deeper sense of contentment.

By embracing the totality of life—desires, sacrifices, the good, and the bad—we walk a path that leads to lasting fulfillment, one that honors both our dreams and the lessons learned along the way.