Comprehension Booklet - Erican - YYC... · Datuk Eric Chong Comprehension Booklet Level 1 Work and Play. 1 ... “I want my parents, my wife, my children, my brothers and sisters

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Datuk Eric Chong

Comprehension BookletLevel 1

Work and Play

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Work and Play

There’s a saying that goes, “All work and no play, makes Joe a dull boy.”

When we talk about how we can achieve success, ‘play’ is likely the last thing on our minds. After all, we are talking about work! It’s working hard, not playing hard, that will take us to our ultimate destination of success.

However, if you always think like this, I feel very sorry for you. You’re going to be a very boring person to be around.

Come on! The modern success philosophy is not just about ‘work work work’, it’s about ‘work hard and then play hard’! ‘Work’ is definitely what we should spend the bulk of our time doing, but don’t ever ignore or underestimate the importance of ‘play’.

If we only work and never play then our productivity is likely to be low. When somebody is always struggling to produce results with no chance to rest and relax, he may soon find himself completely burnt out.

The best companies in the world, almost without fail, believe in creating a happy work environment for their work force because they understand that happiness brings productivity.

Therefore, in your quest for success, do not forget to keep some happiness in your life along the way. Life becomes a terrible journey when all you do is frown and work to your death to achieve your ‘success’.

Have fun and enjoy yourself with your loved ones and colleagues! Happiness is a powerful emotion, one that enhances loyalty, bonding and ultimately productivity and profitability.

If you are the leader of an organisation, make sure that the working environment you create for your staff allows for both serious work as well as the occasional moments of play. Organise regular outings, short trips and small parties in order to foster better relationships and understanding.

In fact, it can often be easier to communicate certain work-related issues when you’re in a more casual setting. The message that

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you are trying to address will sink in better when your subordinates are relaxed and receptive.

To achieve success, first make sure that the working environment is a happy one.

‘Happy employees’ means ‘happy customers’. If the employees are at a happy and satisfied state when they deliver a service to the customer, they will do everything just right. You don’t even need a company policy that tells them to smile warmly when they greet a customer. It will all happen naturally.

A happy person will be cheerful when they talk to anyone, especially customers. And if they are so cheerful in their dealings with the customers, the customers will experience happiness during the transactions. ‘Happy customers’ also mean ‘repeat customers’. A company will surely do better if the ambiance is good and positive.

On the other hand, if your employees are upset with you because their job is boring and miserable then be prepared for trouble. An upset employee is really a walking time bomb in an organisation; you never know when it’s going to explode.

Any customer who has to deal with an upset or unhappy employee will probably leave with a negative impression and will most likely walk off without buying. In some extreme situations, they might even champion a negative word of mouth campaign against your company because they were so angered by the treatment they received from your staff.

To make a long story short, make sure that you make your workplace a happy place, for you and for them.

And this doesn’t need to stop at the office. Why not bring some of this happiness with you when you go home to your family as well? Make this promise to yourself, “I want my parents, my wife, my children, my brothers and sisters to live happy lives.”

Become the ambassador of happiness. If you do that, you’ll become magnetic. Everybody will want to get close to you and be around you because a happy person is an attractive person.

So from today onwards, work hard, play hard, have fun, and laugh your way to success!

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Questions

1. “It’s working hard, not playing hard, that will take us to our ultimate destination of success.” What is your opinion on this?

2. Do you think productivity is likely to be low if one only works and never plays?

3. What role does “happiness” play in an organization?

4. A company ought to create a work environment that allows for both serious work as well as occasional moments of play. Do you agree?

5. “Happy employees means happy customers.” Discuss.

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NOTES

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NOTES