SESSION FOUR

Brief overview/ Summary

Tuesday marked the end of the 4^th session which means we are already 1 month into TWC! :) Time really flies and lessons have been really enjoyable and informative :) Also, I had my 1^st presentation in SMU during TWC on Tuesday and I really learnt a lot from the presentations given. The seniors were so confident and charismatic when they presented and now I know what it really is to give a presentation. Anyway, we discussed the topic of Drivers of World change for the first half and went on to Change management and Leadership during the second half.

Interesting Observations and Ideas

Prof showed us a video of a random man who was dancing crazily on his own in the public. It was such a crazy and simple video, but it really taught us a great lesson on Leadership. It is never easy to be the first follower, but once you be it, you may be the catalyst for an eventual change.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi. In order to cope with change, we have to first be the initiators of change and make things happen. If we start with ourselves, we would be able to anticipate and work towards the change we want. However, if we just sit and respond to change when it happens, it will probably be too late by then. Worst of them all to cope with change, is to be surprised by the change. This is being ignorant and oblivious to surroundings in everyday life, and it will probably be impossible to cope with it as there is just too much to catch up with. Therefore, start being the change you want to see in the world.

In addition to this, I also want to quote the lyrics of one of the hit songs of Michael Jackson's, Man in the Mirror - “I’m starting with the man in the mirror…if you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change.”

During the lecture on Change management and leadership, Prof showed us a model Proactively Managing Change – Understanding the Pessimism Time Curve. We often have a great idea and aspiration from the start, perhaps in the example of businesses. Most businesses start off with a wonderful business idea, full of optimism and drive. However, more often than not, life is not a bed of roses. As time passes, and the businesses gradually proceed on, problems will start piling as they are more thoroughly informed and aware of the industry. However, once they bypass the obstacles that came their way, success is in their hands.

Key Takeaway point

Change is a constant and it is an integral part of our lives. There have been many factors that have contributed to this change. Environment, Globalization, Social media, Technology are some examples of the key drivers to Global Change. The quote “It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory” by W. Edwards Deming clearly emphasizes that change is indeed necessary for survival. Therefore, change is inevitable.

Personal ratings

9/10. The presentations were really entertaining and I enjoyed the lesson :)