Discussion Forum (DF) B: Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Scale - Philippines

Australia vs Philippines

Introduction

Globalisation has given us access to other countries resources simpler. (Explainitychannel, 2013) There are still differences that needs to be evaluated, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions (Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation, indulgence) explains why different societies differs. (Griffin et al., 2021, pp. 53-54) The following excerpts will discuss the differences between the Philippines and Australia. 

1.)   Power Distance

Philippines – high / Australia – Low 

Power distance is a cultural dimension referring to acceptance of situation where power is distributed unequally. (Matta, S., Rogova, N., & Luna-Cortes, G., 2022) 

The Philippines have had been colonised by numerous invaders, Spaniards, Americans, Japanese. (Sevillano, L., Paez, J.M., & Covington, E., 2023) With this, a colonialism mindset has been developed through the years in every Filipino mentality thus introducing an inherent inequality to the nation and building up to a hierarchal society. (Hofstede insight, 2023) Hence a high score in power distance.

2.)   Individualism vs Collectivism

Philippines – low / Australia – High 

This describes relationship between the individual and the group. Individualist put their interest first and considers everyone to look after themselves and their immediate family whilst Collectivists put the group’s interests first based on loyalty. (Taras, V., Steel, P., & Stackhouse, M., 2023, p. 2) 

Philippines is low on this dimension suggests that it is considered a collectivistic society, manifested in a close commitment to member group or family, extended family. (Hofstede, 2023) This can be further explained through what Filipino’s practice especially during calamities, Bayanihan. It is analogous to bonding social capital and common amongst poor communities to help one another in times of need and/or calamities. (Eadie, P., & Su, Y., 2018) 

3.)   Masculinity and Femininity

Philippines – high / Australia – high 

Masculinity (High score) indicate measures to which individuals are assertive, performance driven, and ambitious. (Gupta, M., Esmaeilzadeh, P., Uz, I., & Tennant, V. M., 2019). While Femininity (Low score) means are more caring to quality of life. 

The Philippines scores 64 on this thus making it a Masculine society. (Hofstede insight, 2023) I am a bit surprised to see Philippines as a Masculine state as a Filipino, I know for certain that we are timid and shy and more caring and inclined to base our decision with morale compasses; but I guess we inherited being a Masculine society from our former colonist, the Americans. As Miller K.R. (2019) has stated, colonial masculinity draws from American leaders’ promotion of assimilation, the objective that US control of the Philippines was designed to civilized, modernize, and teach Filipinos to manage their own affairs. 

4.)   Uncertainty Avoidance

Philippines – low / Australia – high 

This refers to the way a society deals with the future. Moreover, it is the extent to which a society are made anxious and try to avoid it by establishing certain codes of conduct (Taras, V., Steel, P., & Stackhouse, M., 2023, p. 3)

 Philippines scored 44 in this dimension indicating a low preference for avoiding uncertainty. I can concur that as a former Filipino, we are truly a risk-taker. I can attest that most Filipinos have a Hero mentality as Heroes are known for dedication of upright conduct even under situation which puts their own welfare in jeopardy. (Allison, S. T., Beggan, J. K., & Efthimiou, O., 2022, p. 924)

 5.)   Long Term Orientation

Philippines – Low / Australia – Low 

Long-term orientation refers to the values of persistence and thrift, personal stability, and respect for tradition, whilst short-term orientation refers to the tendency to line in the moment and consider the future. (Taras, V., Steel, P., & Stackhouse, M., 2023, p. 3)

The Philippine’s democracy normative order is most voiced, as told, from the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. A mass uprising that ousted President Ferdinand Marcos from 20 years of power and paved the way for the restoration of Liberal Democracy. 

The Philippine's democracy-centric normative order is most pronounced in stories we were told about the EDSA People Power Revolution.  In 1986, a mass uprising ousted President Ferdinand Marcos from power after more than 20 years in power. The protest along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue--known colloquially as EDSA--paved the way for the restoration of liberal democracy. (Curato, N., 2022, p. 375). 

6.)   Indulgence

Philippines – low / Australia – high 

This dimension is described as the degree to which people try to manipulate their aspirations and desires, based on the way we were raised. Relatively weak is called indulgence and relatively strong is called restraint. (Hofstede insight, 2023) 

With a score of 42, Philippines is one of the restraint societies and have a tendency of cynicism and pessimism. This may be true in the provinces in the Philippines, but I believe, greater Manila residents are no longer cynical and pessimist at this day of age. Manila residence are already westernized society and have adapt to a more optimist culture. Furthermore, a lot of Generation Z or millennials Filipinos are already aware of spending much more on their leisure time, act as they please and spend their money as they wish. As we are on the post pandemic phase, many have realised the importance of life and how to enjoy it. 

Conclusion 

Hofstede cultural dimension have been accepted since 1980.

As my own conclusion to this discussion forum, I find it interesting to note that although the similarities are almost accurate, I must say that in hindsight, it is no longer acceptable. With globalisation hitting hard in all facets in the world, the traits, and values of everyone are fast changing and adapting. Some sectors of a certain society are different from other sectors of the same demography thus its contradicting to generalise it. In particular, the upbringing of the people in manila is different from the provinces; the influence of Manila is far reaching to far flung provinces in the Philippines. People from the provinces have their own identity very different from Manila residents, and I am speaking through my personal experience as I just went on almost two months holiday in the province of my father and I was blown away with how their customs remained intact, far different from Manila. 

Reference 

Explainitychannel, 2013, July 11, Globalisation explained, Explainity explainer video, Video, Globalization explained (explainity® explainer video) - YouTube 

Griffin, R.W., Phillips, J.M., Gully, S.M., Creed, A., Gribble, L. &Watson, M., 2021, Organisational behaviour: Engaging people and organisations, First edition, Cengage Learning Australia Pty. Limited 

Matta, S., Rogova, N., & Luna-Cortés, G. (2022). Investigating tolerance of uncertainty, COVID-19 concern, and compliance with recommended behaviour in four countries: The moderating role of mindfulness, trust in scientists, and power distance. Personality and Individual Differences, 186, 111352–111352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111352 

Sevillano, L., Paez, J. M., & Covington, E. (2023). Restoring kapwa: A systematic review of colonial mentality among pilipinx americans. Asian American Journal of Psychology, p. 2, https://doi.org/10.1037/aap0000314 

Hofstede Insights, 2023, Compare countries, Country comparison tool (hofstede-insights.com) 

Hofstede Insights, 2023, Compare countries, Country comparison tool (hofstede-insights.com)

 Taras, V., Steel, P., & Stackhouse, M. (2023). A comparative evaluation of seven instruments for measuring values comprising Hofstede’s model of culture. Journal of World Business : JWB, 58(1), 101386–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2022.101386 

Hofstede Insights, 2023, Compare countries, Country comparison tool (hofstede-insights.com) 

Eadie, P., & Su, Y. (2018). Post-disaster social capital: trust, equity, bayanihan and Typhoon Yolanda. Disaster Prevention and Management, 27(3), 334-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-02-2018-0060 

Gupta, M., Esmaeilzadeh, P., Uz, I., & Tennant, V. M. (2019). The effects of national cultural values on individuals’ intention to participate in peer-to-peer sharing economy. Journal of Business Research, 97, 20–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.018

Hofstede Insights, 2023, Compare countries, Country comparison tool (hofstede-insights.com) 

Miller, K. R. (2019). "Thin, Wistful, and White": James Fugate and Colonial Bureaucratic Masculinity in the Philippines, 1900–1938. American Quarterly, 71(4), 921-944. http://libproxy.murdoch.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/thin-wistful-white-james-fugate-colonial/docview/2330799572/se-2 

Allison, S. T., Beggan, J. K., & Efthimiou, O. (2022). Curb Your Heroism: How Larry David, an Old, Bald Misanthrope, Won the Hearts of Millions. Heroism Science - An Interdisciplinary Journal, 7(2). 

Curato, N. (2022). Philippine Elections 2022: The New Normative Order. Contemporary Southeast Asia, 44(3), 375+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A734610717/AONE?u=murdoch&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=717c9966

Hofstede Insights, 2023, Compare countries, Country comparison tool (hofstede-insights.com)

 

Reflective Journal A: Discussion Forum (DF) A – Introduction

 

Introduction

As I was conceptualising in studying and completing my MBA, I have already set my mind in learning but not like when I was completing my bachelor’s degree. Completing my bachelor’s degree was more of an obligation to my parents and common norms in the Philippines; finish schooling as it is your future. This time around, I am more inclined to grow more as an individual in pursuing my MBA and a promise I made to my father. He just wants me to succeed here in Australia and as a barometer of success as for my father’s standard, education is the key. As education is key for social mobility, skills development, attitudes, and attributes for active and productive individuals. (Perry, L.B., 2018, p. 57)

The first topic in Organisational Behaviour and Management have given me insights on how to be an effective manager. Communication is the key to manage efficiently and to achieve company goals. (Abrashi, G., 2018) Interactions within your peers is an important facet as an emerging manager, as such is a high level of management strategy, interdependent to other company structures, that would make any organisation better. (Abrashi, G., 2018)  

Part of my job currently is to communicate to various level of stakeholders in the operation of the Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS). We need to coordinate to Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to the power requirement of the SWIS for a specific time and inform them of Synergy’s assets availability. Also, our job entails communication with our maintenance department, energy traders and other Synergy power generator assets.

I have recently realised with this unit that I need to exert more effort in coordinating with several stakeholders, particularly the energy traders and maintenance personnel to effectively convey issues regarding operations of our power plant. Previously, all I care is to run efficiently our gas turbines as per power demand. I need this kind of insights to elevate my game in the field of power generation as high-level managers need extensive information for problem-solving and decision-making. (Abrashi, G., 2018) The accuracy and reliability of information are advantageous to arrive to an accurate decision. As when managers based their decision on incorrect information, it may damage the integrity of the organisation. (Abrashi, G., 2018)

I think this new knowledge I have acquired studying this unit will be beneficial and will hone me as a significant asset to the company. My goal of personal growth and enrichment have doubled with these new skills I am learning and developing. This has opened a new progressive component in my pursuit in personality improvement. This may be an advantage against my peers if ever there is an opportunity for a managerial or supervisory position.

Although I am not in a managerial capacity, I can utilise this skill set in my field by being an inspiration to my team in disseminating the importance of effective communications, verbally or electronically. In a way I have utilised this before by developing a shift hand-over report every end of swing to inform the incoming shift about situations and events from our shift.

Taking a short course in leadership and/or project management can further develop these skills and contribute more on my organisation. Vis-a-vis, I can align my learnings with my team member on how we can be more effective as a team and as a valuable employee. Employers provides growth opportunity to their employees, but employers expect their employees to have the initiative for their personal development. (Huang, X., Lam, S.M., Wang, C. & Xu, P., 2023)

 

Reference

Perry, L. B. (2018). Educational inequality in Australia. In How unequal? Insights on inequality (pp. 56–67). Committee for economic development of Australia. https://researchportal.murdoch.edu.au/esploro/outputs/bookChapter/Educational-inequality-in-Austral ia/991005542416707891

Abrashi, G. (2018). Communication experiences in business organizations (Business Organizations in Kosovo), p. 35, Acta Universitatis Danubius.Communicatio, 12(2) http://libproxy.murdoch.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/communication-experiences-business-organizations/docview/2161545628/se-2

Abrashi, G. (2018). Communication experiences in business organizations (Business Organizations in Kosovo), p. 36, Acta Universitatis Danubius.Communicatio, 12(2) http://libproxy.murdoch.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/communication-experiences-business-organizations/docview/2161545628/se-2

Abrashi, G. (2018). Communication experiences in business organizations (Business Organizations in Kosovo), p. 36, Acta Universitatis Danubius.Communicatio, 12(2) http://libproxy.murdoch.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/communication-experiences-business-organizations/docview/2161545628/se-2

Abrashi, G. (2018). Communication experiences in business organizations (Business Organizations in Kosovo), p. 37, Acta Universitatis Danubius.Communicatio, 12(2) http://libproxy.murdoch.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/communication-experiences-business-organizations/docview/2161545628/se-2

Huang, X., Lam, S.M., Wang, C. & Xu, P., (2023), Striving for personal growth matters: The relationship between personal growth initiative, teacher engagement and instructional quality, p. 19, British Journal of Educational Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12583

How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) affect the future of work?

Scary. If you are watching too much Science Fiction movies. Artificial intelligence portrayal in the media has created fear and warning for the workforce. (Stahl, 2021)  

I am more optimistic with the development of Artificial intelligence in the field of power generation.

A conventional power plant controls the electricity grid that supplies household and industrial plant by simply adjusting the power supply as per consumers’ demand. The Grid frequency is easily controlled by this adjustment. But with the growth of renewable energy like solar panels, wind turbine and energy storage system, the frequency control has become more complex and dynamic. For example, a sunny and windy day can generate power to supply the electricity grid, but a cloudy and gloomy day can very much affect power generation to the grid which in turn can put a dangerous situation to the grid as a sudden loss of power to the grid will bring imbalance to the grid frequency and can contribute to total power loss.

A power plant controller can only do so much efficiently as per the control logic of a certain conventional power generator; the conventional power plant can only respond to power demand imbalance as per its design criteria.

With renewable energy availability, particularly energy storage system (ESS), the imbalance in power demand can be controlled by the ESS by simply supplying or removing power to the grid and controlling stability of the grid frequency as the ESS is connected to the grid through a bidirectional Transformers (charging and supplying). (Sarita, K., Kumar, S, Vardhan, A.S.S, et al, 2020)

Artificial Intelligence comes in handy in terms of controlling the grid frequency in this situation as certain algorithms will be put in place to predict and adjust and control the power demand of the grid automatically thus providing a steady supply of electricity to the consumers, improved quality of power, voltage, and frequency. (Sarita, K., Kumar, S, Vardhan, A.S.S, et al, 2020)

The Artificial intelligence design and logic will automatically adjust the power demand and control the grid frequency through the Energy storage system, giving the power plant controller a much-needed sigh of relief in the control of the electricity grid. The design of the artificial intelligence algorithm will still be controlled by us, humans. In summary, AI will help power plant professionals in the control combination of a conventional power plant and renewable energy.

Reference

Stahl, A. (2021, March 10). How AI Will Impact The Future Of Work And Life. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2021/03/10/how-ai-will-impact-the-future-of-work-and-life/?sh=5da8056179a3

Sarita, K., Kumar, S., Singh, A., Elavarasan, R., Saket, R., Shafiullah, G., Hossain, E., Power Enhancement with Grid Stabilization of Renewable Energy-Based Generation System Using UPQC-FLC-EVA Technique, 2020, p. 207445, Power enhancement with grid stabilization of renewable energy-based generation system using UPQC-FLC-EVA technique - Murdoch University

Sarita, K., Kumar, S., Singh, A., Elavarasan, R., Saket, R., Shafiullah, G., Hossain, E., Power Enhancement with Grid Stabilization of Renewable Energy-Based Generation System Using UPQC-FLC-EVA Technique, 2020, p. 207447, Power enhancement with grid stabilization of renewable energy-based generation system using UPQC-FLC-EVA technique - Murdoch University

 

Discussion Forum: Introduction

 My name is Deo Selosa, 45 years old this year, originally from the Philippines and have been enjoying my life here in Western Australia for about nine (9) years. I am divorced already with no kids.

I am a Mechanical Engineer but didn’t really exercise fully my profession. My working experience mainly involves in Power Plant operations and maintenance and have been working in the control room, basically running efficiently the power generation. Most of my exhilarating experience came from Saudi Arabia wherein I have had honed my skills in power generation. I have been involved in the National Grid of Western Region of Saudi Arabia, after which I joined Saudi Aramco in one of the Independent Power Plant in Saudi. Those were the days that I was involved in operational procedure development with safety in mind, trainings of newly inducted operators and technicians, and part of the emergency incident of the entire Petrochemical complex.

Currently, I am working with Synergy, WA’s largest energy retailer as a Gas Turbine Operator based @ Pinjar Power Plant, about 80 kilometres from Perth. I am currently involved in the transition of WA into renewables and sustainability market. Being a Power Plant professional, I am happy that I am back in the power plant industries. It took me awhile to land a job that best suited my experience here in Australia. It took me numerous trainings, tickets/certificates and local experience to get back to an industry I called my passion.

At my age, personally I still cannot recall my areas of strength. But what I can tell is that the level of my maturity has evolved through the years. I used to be hard-headed, immature, and a little bit quick fused. I guess with the level of experience I have been involved with have groom me to be a better person; both personal and professionally. I believe my strength nowadays are more of helping people achieve their passion and influence them as I was once influenced to be more in life.

When I was conceptualising to pursue my MBA, I have asked a friend of mine who just recently finished his MBA. According to my friend, Organisational Behaviour and Management was his favourite subject in MBA. The curiosity with OBM grew when I was taking one subject under Dr. Ian Boudville, he really recommends taking OBM the following semester.

My interest to OBM really is to explore more of my social interactions, communication skills and my critical and creative thinking. To further push myself.

I am not a manager of any organisation, and I am not really looking into becoming a manager yet. As I am more of a follower, I am taking my time to absorb all learnings I could get from my peers and leaders. As an individual who follows his leader most effectively, is usually develops into leadership promptly. A wise follower has many benefits, among them is to acquire knowledge from his leaders. (Napoleon Hill, 1937, p.161) Besides, any one of us can be a leader without the position.

Taking MBA is more of a personal choice, in the pursuit to personal enrichment. I love to meet a lot of people and to interact with them, I believe one of the aspects of this unit is to learn and adapt to people around you. With this unit, I intend to immerse myself and learn all facet this unit have to offer for personal growth.

Before coming to Australia, my father was undergoing dialysis. All the while I thought he was not in favour of us migrating to Australia as he was thinking that time that I am going to leave him behind. On his death bed, I told my father that I am withdrawing my migration plans to Australia and will stay with him but to my surprise, he told me to pursue my Australian dreams and just find him a relative that can act as his caregiver. During that time, he made me promise to fulfil my dreams and be successful in Australia. I have no idea on what his idea of success was, as we, as a family never really into competitions and accolades, but knowing my father, education is always a priority to him, hence I am pursuing my MBA in honour of him.

 

Reference:

Napoleon Hill, 1937, Think and Grow Rich, Capstone Publishing Ltd., p.161

Appreciation Post

 Thank you all who have come to celebrate with me on this moment in my life here in WA. I really appreciate you all for sharing your time with me.

About 12 years ago, I have had conceptualized in migrating, initially in the US as my sister is living there. She offered me a job there, but my ex-wife wanted to come to Australia as most of her relatives are already here but unfortunately, she couldn't come here on her own as a skilled migrant, err even as a tourist or on student visa.

As a product of a broken home, I have always dreamed of having my own family. Never have I imagine that she will just use me for "visa purposes". She treated me as a king when our visa was still in process but once our visa was approved, I am irrelevant already.

Contrary to her claim that we lost our baby because I was abusive and she's a battered wife; Never, as in never I have had lay a finger on her. She was advised by her OB to a total bed rest due to the condition of our baby and considering that our target initial entry to Australia was August 2014, she would have been 7 months pregnant then and most likely won't be allowed to fly hence I believe it was intentional on her part to ignore her OB.

After her miscarriage, I believed that all our finances were in order as I budgeted everything after my resignation from the middle east, wedding, visa, her annulment and his son’s tuition fee. She was asking 30k pesos from me to pay her son’s tuition fee which obviously surprised to learn of the delinquent payment. I told her to get the payment from our “savings” (actually my savings) going to Australia. To which she relayed were all gone. She threatened me that she would revert back to prostitution to get that money.

Eventually she got a fling from Guam which she got the payment for his son’s tuition.

What really infuriated me was the fact that I found out that they have a plan to ditch me once we settled in Australia. The two of them will meet here in Australia and she will file a divorce immediately. I confronted her of course and told me she was just telling it to the guy in order to collect payment for his son’s tuition fee.

When I am having a problem in looking for a relative or caregiver to take care of my sickly Father (dialysis), my ex-wife told me just to ditch my father and proceed to Australia right away. Never thought that I’d be sleeping with the devil. Once our visa were approved and my ex-wife were in quandary if we will still proceed with our migration to Australia, my ex-wife told me to “fix” my issue first with my Father before having a relationship with her. Please take note that when her father died, I am financially responsible for the burial; it was supposed to be paid back to me but that’s another fraudulent scheme by my lovely ex-wife.

Every migrants dream is having their own small piece of land they can call their own, that was my dream even before landing here in Oz. Managed to save some money from my stint from the middle east but portion of it was kept by my ex-wife, about 2M pesos and most of it, according to her was gone already as according to her, she have had a serious illness and was recuperating and didn't even bothered to inform me whilst I was in the middle east as this may cause anxiety on me.

It took 8 years and so to accomplish part of my dream of owning a home here in Australia, long 8 years to endure all the sufferings and bitterness brought about that gold digger. Bittersweet but loving it.

Again, thank you for sharing a moment with me. You have really been a part of my progress and success here in Australia.

 

The World is your Oyster

Congratulations Kane. Welcome to the real World. 

Congratulations to your parents as well for reaching a milestone every parent dreamt of. It’s a wonderful treat. 

As I remember when I graduated back in Uni, I have had no plans at all on what to do next. I wish that you have already planned out what you will be doing for the next chapter of your life. Just always remember that we are all in support for any endeavours you wish to pursue. The world is your oyster. Claim it. 

Whatever you learn from Uni is a plus but a forewarning, your journey has just begun. You will face a lot of challenges along the way for your own definition of success, criticism, heartbreak, failures, etc. I can assure you that it’s all part of your learnings, don’t fret on temporary setbacks and defeats, all are part of your mouldings to a better you. Your destiny awaits. 

You should absorb anything that life offers you in a positive manner. You are still young and bold; I firmly believe in your capacity to do more. Challenge yourself to supplement your passion to learn beyond your capabilities, your future starts now. 

Learn with compassion in every endeavour you undertake. What you have learned so far is just a small portion of things to come in your way. Embrace it. 

Learn to accept that not all you ever wanted will be given to you in a silver platter. You must work extra hard to achieve it. You have an amazing support team with you, it is alright to step back for a minute if you will feel burn out, life is not a race, your success is not a competition. Enjoy the journey and trust the process. Remember as well to be thankful to the one up there that you have been given an opportunity to progress. Pray and be always grateful of what you have right now. 

You will be earning heaps I reckon. And I believe you intend to work abroad and maximise your options. Go for it. It is there for your taking. But don’t let greed overcome you. As you are still young, at your gentle age, it is all about learnings, grab all the knowledge you can amass, and everything will fall into places as per your own liking. Discover and re-discover your passion repeatedly. Don’t stop and be contented, aim for more and you will be surprised of what you can achieve. 

But I wish that by now you have learned how to manage your earnings, that is one of the most common problems of OFW; how to manage your salary. Don’t get me wrong, please indulge yourself of things that make you happy, but make sure to save some for the rainy days. Know your priorities, focus on your goals. 

To close out, I would like to impart with you that don’t stop learning. And when I say learning, its not all about schooling and stuff, you have much more to accomplish, learn from other people and other intellects that will further advance your wisdom for future use. I would suggest reading more books for personal and professional growth. Volunteer, reach out to communities, join a civic organisation, and talk to the elderly, you will learn a lot from them that is not written or taught in school. Surround yourself with positive and like-minded people. Stand out. Be conspicuous, make yourself a magnet of attention. Use the wisdom, knowledge and legwork of other people to further your own cause. Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world. 

Lastly, relax and enjoy life. It is sometimes scary, but eventually you will discover much more in life has to offer. Work for your passion and enjoy the journey. 

Kudos Kane. Job well done. 

Cheers. 

Ninong Dhey 

Reflective Leadership Journal

Reflective Leadership Journal 

 

Report

 

I consider myself to have an extensive knowledge in the field of Power Plant operations and maintenance; having had been trained by Japanese engineers from construction, commissioning and operations and maintenance of a huge Power Plant back in the Middle east. The experience that I have had acquired through the years from my guides were both rewarding and enriching. 

 

Looking back at my Zero moment, I must say that I have come a long way. 

 

It was a traumatic incident that still haunts me, on a Power Plant operations point of view. I was young, with no firm grasp of the knowledge and experience compared to my colleagues. I was intimidated with their achievements and experience compared to my budding career as a power plant operator. Later, I realise that with much passion I have had invested in learning, reading, asking questions and my eagerness to be at par with them, did I realise that I am already at their level, I just didn’t realise that yet during those times. Any operator could easily walk out or flipped out or black out upon having one section of the Power Plant exploded; but I was there, I owned up and brought back the Power Plant in working order. 

 

It may have been one of my zero moments in my life but that instance, looking back, have had developed me so far in my career as a power plant professional. I feel sorry, probably feeling guilty, for not really standing up to my manager for what is right and what I was trained to do; I feel intimidated and tends to be silent when higher authority gives instructions. I have learned and flex my muscles now to stand firm on what my knowledge and experiences suggests. This is evident with my Hero Moments, wherein I am willing to walk-away from a job passion that has taken toll to my mental health. A decision that is both personal and professionally considered. 

 

Browsing back to my diary entries, I have observed that I am more engaged in helping others, to the best of my ability. I am more supportive to my colleagues first and share my insights and knowledge/experience for everyone’s benefit. Probably a trait that goes a long way from our family ancestry. I believe that I am more a supporter than a leader. I believe that the leadership in me always takes a backseat when I see and feel that some other guys are more competitive than me. I am more than happy to support people, teammates, colleague to achieve our common goals and more than happy to advocate for them. Nevertheless, I have noticed that, under pressure, and if the occasion calls for it, my leadership qualities are naturally coming through. From the learning curve I have experienced from my zero moment, and to my hero moment which I feel I have had handled just fine, not perfect but I can live with that. 

 

I never knew about me having a paradoxical mindset, but from the attached survey in Session 7: “Do you have a paradox mindset?” To my surprise, I got 18. When I was younger, I really don’t want conflicts and misunderstanding. But I like the idea of being the one to solve a problem. To be the centre of attention. People struggle under pressure, and I believe I am not one of those. With both personal and professional experiences, I can say that I am not easily broken.  

 

 

Reflect 

 

As an experienced Power Plant Control Room Operator, I am trained to investigate all facets of Power Plant Operations; including projections of Power Requirement and how to handle sudden abrupt power load requirement. With this trait, going to the course, I am confident that I can adapt well to said subject. I was mistaken. Evidently, I did not perform well as I thought I should have. 

 

As per the first exercise (farmer’s activity), it is really my nature to help and volunteer, especially if its in my capacity to help-out. My mindset was clear taking up the course, I should be openly friendly, adaptively active, and focused. The process requires active and effective leadership on the path to success. (Bason & Austin; 2019) As I volunteered, I was instructed to just relay two rules during the exercise and not to give more. To which I was so close to helping them to solve the riddle. I was thinking that if I am the one solving the problem, I have had already solved it easily. But then again given that I knew about the problem and the solution, I could be bias. 

 

During the Inventing workshop, about the inverted plastic cups and table knives, I was so frustrated with myself because I know the riddle, I believe I have watched it beforehand, but I gave way to my group mates who obviously was enjoying the exercise. I was thinking another way of solving the problem; putting a new point of view on how to solve it, sort of thinking outside the box. 

 

During the snake and ladders improvement exercise, my patience almost ran out because I felt my ideas were being ridicule and neglected; especially upon seeing the make-face of one of my groupmates. I was treating the snake and ladder improvement to be simple and direct, with no fancy items to be included. Afterall, it is not about the game itself but the bonding between a father and his daughter. But looking at the eyes of my groupmate, I can see that they want to prove a point and impress the instructor. So, I let them be and act as a coordinator on what they wanted to achieve. Conflict and Tension is necessary for innovation. (Nyberg & Moliterno; 2019) It turns out that they have a much better idea than I have in mind, nevertheless, it was supposed to be a group activity, every opinion should have mattered.

 

When given a task, I always start-of on top of my mind with the 5 W: Who, what, when, where, why (and how); as with these questions, it will bring clarity on how to go about with the task. During the “trap in the cavern” exercise, I was again trying to think outside the box scenario, suggesting to rather dig up to escape than to work our way out through unmarked North-South-East-West, where North and South have poisonous gas. That didn’t go well. The Juxtaposition: My vision and the current reality don’t really appeal to the professor. 

 

As the instructor was getting weary of our progress, I began thinking of the materials available and from my time in physics, a battery can be used as compass, but I forgot how to, that’s why I was hesitant to lead the group. In the end, we’re all dead in the exercise as no one have sold the riddle and the instructor got frustrated. The instructor was frustrated not because we did not solve the riddle but rather, he was frustrated because he hasn’t exercised what he is teaching us all along, engagement with your peers. We were all dumbfounded on our backs on what shall we do. I am equally frustrated as well since I have a background for this kind of stuff but obviously did not utilize it well. I any case, now I know how to use a battery for a compass. 

Reframe 

 

Sloan Distributed Leadership Model suggests four capabilities: sensemaking, relating, visioning, and inventing. I believe I am still on the process of finding where I am good at. I really don’t worry much about being consistent (W.K. Smith et al.; 2016) Though through this assignment, through self-reflecting, it gave me a better understanding on where I accomplish much, and what is needed for improvement. Being a power plant operator, I believe I am good in sensemaking. Having had the experience and exposure to clearly navigate through various components of the power plant for a smooth operation, part of my job is to sense and adjust certain power plant parameters for a more efficient and safe manner of power plant operations. As evident on my Zero moments, I have become an expert in power generation through experience in the field. I have learned to incorporate analytical situation that may involve catastrophic events and failures and prevent it from happening. 

 

I have a reason to believe that I need to improve on my relating. From the class exercises, I really need to improve my advocacy, advocating my opinions and ideas, I should really exert more effort into it. I should learn how to impose my disposition in getting across my views and ideas, not to just stay silent and wait for others to come up with their ways of solving problems. I may have the best solution, but it will be in vain if I will keep mum about it. 

 

From DE5, I can attest that I have a good sense of visioning. There is already a risk assessment @ Pinjar Power Plant Operators going on shifts, but it did not mention any night lights being turned-on during the night as the plant were previously unmanned hence night lights are not important. I have submitted a proposal that night lights should be automatically turned on during the night, but I have received no response. Then I have re-submitted the proposal but this time with safety implications and hazards involved without a night light. The response was accepted with high priority and urgent. And earned me a recognition for safety initiative. In Risk Assessment, we have been trained to potentially combined efforts in identifying and analysing potential events in our workplace thus a clear sense of visioning is involved. 

 

I find it interesting that sometimes my creative mind somehow impresses me. Though I really need to set my mind straight to achieve this feat. I always look for simple things to solve any problem, just like going back to basics in dealing with complicated dilemma. As Steve Jobs would put it: Simple is best. (S. Jobs; 2011) Back in the Snake and Ladder re-inventing exercise, my idea was to incorporate a truth or consequences concept, wherein a player who will roll a dice on a snake box will pick a consequences card and will do said consequence. Whilst a truth card will be pick if a player rolled into a ladder box. The truth or consequences card will be pre-determined by both players and shall comprise fun memories enjoyed by both father and Daughter. As the objective of the game really is to have a longer bonding between a father and his daughter. Eventually my idea was scrapped, and the group opted to a more complicated re-invention of the game. 

 

With a score of 18, I must have a paradox mindset. As a seasoned Power Plant Operator, I am trained to always study the cause and effect of the adjustments made in power plant parameters. Most of the time, an adjustment made from the Generator have an adverse effect on the Electrical Grid. Hence a balancing act between Generators and Electric Grid Frequency are required to have a smooth operation. This is my day-to-day responsibility, and I would like to believe that I am good at it. 

 

Redesign 

 

From my zero moments, clearly, I need to improve my advocacy skills. I need to understand my failure, and lack thereof, my advocacy skills. Enthusiasm to ensure the right lessons are learned and remedies are employed. (Edmonson; 2011) The conversation palette has given me the insight on where to start in developing my advocacy skills. (Senge; 1994)

 

From my zero moments, I should have been firm and exercise my advocacy to stop the maintenance procedure on the steam turbine and insist to my manager that the best way to proceed on the maintenance was to shutdown the Turbine to avoid unnecessary problem. I should have clearly had emphasis on the dangers involved in maintaining the turbine whilst in operation. In retrospect, my skills in identifying a problem, both risks and hazards, is a strength to cherish with. 

 

I should really stop making excuses and let other people lead while deep inside I know that I can do better. As they say, be the leader you are born to be. Regardless of failures and mistakes, the important thing is that you stand up and take the lead. You may fail or you may succeed, at least you tried and gained experience from it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCE

 

Christian Bason; Robert D. Austin; (2019); The right way to lead design thinking; p. 86; Harvard Business Review; Harvard Business School Publishing 

 

Anthony J. Nyberg; Thomas P. Moliterno; (2019); Handbook of Research on Strategic Human Capital Resources: Human resource management strategy and practice: from individual motivation to dynamic capabilities; p. 190 

 

Wendy K. Smith, Marianne W. Lewis; Michael L. Tushman; (2016); “Both/And” Leadership; p. 64; Harvard Business Review; Harvard Business School Publishing 

 

Steve Jobs; (1998); Interview in Business Week; Bloomberg; 25 May 1998 

 

Amy C. Edmondson; (2011); Strategies for leaning from failure; Harvard Business review: we are programmed at an early age to think that failure is bad. That belief prevents organisation from effectively learning from their missteps; p. 54

 

Peter Senge, et al.; (1994); The fifth discipline fieldbook: strategies and tools for building a leaning organisation