Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2009

Chinese finger paintings of Pulau Ubin Jetty by NPCC Alumni Life Member, Dr Tan Ching Yam

NPCC Alumni Inter-School Bowling Challenge Shield

This Tournament is open to all NPCC cadets, ex-NPCC members and Alumni members.

Date: 22 November 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm
Venue: Superbowl - Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard, #03-200 Marina Square,
Singapore 039594



Each team shall consist of 3 bowlers and 1 reserve. Each bowler is required to bowl a series of 3 games.

Prizes :
1st prize: cash s$150 and trophies
2nd prize: cash s$120 and trophies
3rd prize: cash s$100 and trophies
Individual high score trophy

Registration fee : S$60.00 per team

Closing date for submission of Application form: 14 November 2008

Application Form:
www.npccalumni.org.sg/bowling.html

Light refreshment will be provided

Singapore Commissioner of Police elected INTERPOL President

Mr Khoo Boon Hui, Commissioner of Police, Singapore, has been elected as the President of the INTERPOL Executive Committee on 10 October 2008 at the 77th INTERPOL General Assembly at Saint Petersburg, Russia.

On his appointment to the top post of the world’s largest international police organisation, Mr Khoo said: “As the new President, I will build on the progress we have made thus far, and introduce changes that will allow INTERPOL to better meet the demands of international policing in the 21st Century.”

Read more

9th NPCC Alumni Annual Dinner

Dear members and friends of NPCC Alumni

As many of us would really like to attend the Annual Dinner but can't make it on 18 Oct 2008, the organising committee has agreed to reschedule the event!

The new DATE is 23 Nov 2008, Same time, same place.

Join in the fun....!!!

$50 per NPCC Alumni member
$60 per NPCC Alumni non-member
$150 for group of 3 Alumni non-members
$30 per student

Please RSVP and specify if you require Halal food or Vegetarian food (5-course meal) for Muslim or vegetarian guests.

Date: 23 November 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Roland Restaurant, 89 Marine Parade Central #06-750

Location Map for Roland Restaurant

Good Luck : Creating the Conditions for Success in Life and Business

Good Luck : Creating the Conditions for Success in Life and Business
Alex Rovira, Fernando Trias de Bes

Good Luck is a whimsical fable that teaches a valuable lesson: good luck doesn’t just come your way - it’s up to you to create the conditions to bring yourself good luck. Written by Alex Rovira and Fernando Trias de Bes—two leading marketing consultants—this simple tale is universally applicable and uniquely inspirational. Good Luck tells the touching story of two old men, Max and Jim, who meet by chance in Central Park fifty years after they last saw each other as children. Max achieved great success in life; Jim sadly did not. The secret to Max’s success lies in a story his grandfather told him long ago. This story within a story has a tone reminiscent of the classic The Alchemist and shows how to seize opportunity and achieve success in life. In a surprise ending, Good Luck comes full circle, offering the reader inspiration, instruction, and an engaging tale.


Winners Make Their Own Good Luck
By Alex Rovira and Fernandos Trias de Bes

To get the results you want, you need to write your own rules of good luck

We once heard a mathematics professor state, "The parameters of luck are unknown to us." In other words, luck can't be explained by any specific factor, it's a matter of chance. We thought the statement made a lot of sense, but we were intrigued by the notion that what we call "luck" could be explained by a set of variables or elements that had not yet been studied. So we decided to carry out our own research.

What we did was relatively easy: We spoke at length with people who thought their lives had been blessed by good fortune, our goal being to try and figure out what factors they had in common. After four years of interviews and research, we could clearly identify a list of shared traits, ones we will shortly examine in greater depth.

When undertaking our project, we decided to study of biographies of "prosperous" personalities ("prosperous" understood in its broadest sense). We studied not only individuals enjoying good marriages or financial wealth, but also those who have made valuable contributions to society and who see their own lives as being filled with creativity, self-fulfillment, and meaning. By taking this tack, we were able to include artists, scientists, and athletes in our sample.

What our research revealed can be summarized in a single simple sentence: We make our own good luck.

What these creators of good luck have in common can be summarized in the following five main principles:

Responsibility
If there is a common factor that is evident among all the creators of good luck, it is that they know themselves to be responsible for their own actions. In other words, when things go wrong or the outcome of any given situation is other than intended, they never point the finger of blame at external factors or other individuals. Instead, they look to themselves and ask, "What have I done for this to occur?"

Free of any kind of "victimism," when they run into personal or professional difficulties, they ask themselves how and to what extent they are responsible for the situation in which they find themselves? Then they act accordingly to solve whatever adverse circumstance they have encountered. This is where the second principle comes in.

Learning from Mistakes
Creators of good luck don't see a mistake as a failure. Instead, a mistake is an opportunity for learning. Thomas Edison is the classic example. History tells us that the inventor made more than 1,000 attempts before inventing the first long-lasting electric light bulb. Until then, all his trials and experiments led to durations of no more than a few minutes before air would filter into the glass bulb, supplying the oxygen that led to the combustion of the various filaments he tried.

The story goes that one of Edison's colleagues asked him, "Mr. Edison, don't you feel you are a failure?" Lacking any sense of vanity, the great man answered, "Not at all. Now, I definitely know more than a thousand ways how NOT to make a light bulb."

Sure enough, just a few days later, the man whose brainstorms would remake the world finally turned his inspiration into a practical concept. By the way, the very first light bulb was invented by Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, who demonstrated the theoretical concept but gave up trying to develop a practical application after only three attempts. By contrast, Edison made his own good luck and designed a working light bulb. This takes us to our third principle.

Perseverance
Creators of good luck don't give up. They don't postpone. They don't "leave it for another day." The formula is quite simple: When a problem or situation arises that requires attention, they act immediately. And what they do is one of the following three things: they either solve it without delay, delegate, or forget about it.

In other words, they don't carry a list of "things to do" in their brain. Instead, they resolve problems and situations as quickly as possible. This enables their energy to be fully focused on their work and avoid conscious or unconscious distractions, which only generate inefficiency.

Confidence
This is one of the most overlooked principles, yet one of the most powerful. Confidence is divided into two parts: confidence in yourself and confidence in the others.

Confidence in yourself is essential, and those who create their own good luck are remarkable for their high degrees of assertiveness and self-esteem. These qualities allow them to keep to their purpose, to persevere, and to work to create the conditions that ultimately do so much to achieve objectives. Also, they are great visualizers. They use their imaginations -- specifically, their visualizing techniques -- to form mental images of their goals. Without the confidence to pursue this vision, visualizing would make no sense.

Furthermore, and closely linked to assertiveness and self-esteem, the people we studied exhibit both trust in others and respect for them, seeing people they know, people they work with, those who surround them as major sources of opportunity. This doesn't mean that one must be naive and trust anybody and everybody who makes a proposal. Instead, it speaks to the trait of seeing others as sources of opportunity for achievement.

Without confidence there is no way to "give yourself" to the situation. If there is no intimacy -- if it is ruled out by paranoia or rampant suspicion, for example -- there can be no opening up to others. Hence, there can be no room for dialogue or for the genuine and sincere exchange of opinions. Without this, any initiative proceeds more slowly until, eventually, it simply withers and dies. Confidence is a fundamental variable, and this takes us to the last principle.

Cooperation
The term "synergy" is one we heard often when interviewing those who create their own good luck. Trust in others leads to solid a network of work colleagues and friends, which, in turn, brings into play substantially more resources to carry out projects than if they were managed alone. The logic is based on cooperation rather than competitiveness. Such people are aware of the fact that, at the most basic level, any project or undertaking takes place in the context of the broader group, and that all parties must have a realistic prospect of emerging as winners if all concerned are to produce their best efforts.

As we have seen, whether or not one can create good luck basically depends on an attitude towards oneself, towards others, and towards life. It is also tied to the perception that the individual is much more of a cause than an effect. And above all, to the realization that one must make oneself the creator of the conditions that foster success and the achievement of specific, visualized goals.

We think of luck -- the sort that wins lotteries -- as the end result of a random game of chance: It can be favorable or not, but whatever shape it takes, its presence will always be occasional, brief, and impermanent. We have found that of the people who have won big sweepstakes prizes, many lose everything they gained, typically within four years to seven years of hitting the jackpot. Furthermore, their personal relationships with family, friends, and colleagues often have been seriously affected because of problems stemming from avarice, jealousy, and greed.

On the other hand, since those who create their own good luck owe success only to themselves and their own initiatives, not just to a random roll of the dice, they are acutely aware of the origins of their good fortune. Moreover, having seen it work before, they know and understand the process that produces it, and know the same principles can be put to work again and again.

The problem is that we often seem to forget old principles based on common sense, which basically say that we must work, be aware of our actions, and take responsibility for correcting them when the need arises. The person who grasps that wisdom is lucky indeed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alex Rovira and Fernando Trias de Bes are professors at Spanish B-school ESADE and authors of the book, Good Luck: Create the Conditions for Success in Life & Business, which has sold nearly 1 million copies worldwide since it was introduced in February, 2004. Both are partners at market research firm Salvetti & Llombart in Barcelona, Spain. Fernando Trias de Bes also co-authored Lateral Marketing with Philip Kotler (Wiley: 2003).

Congratulations Team Singapore!

We are proud of Singapore Team's stunning performance whose magnificent achievements at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games on 6-17 September 2008, have shown that determination and fighting spirit can achieve anything! Thanks Laurentia TAN and YIP Pin Xiu for bringing home the medals!On 9 Sept 2008 Laurentia Tan won the bronze medal for the Equestrian Individual Championship Test Grade 1A, the first medal in history that Singapore has won at the Paralympics. She subsequently won another bronze medal for the Individual Freestyle Test Grade 1A on 11 Sept 2008 with a score of 70.167%. She did this event to music although Laurentia suffers from profound deafness.

In the women’s 50-metre backstroke (S3) event, swimmer Yip Pin Xiu has eventually won the first ever paralympic gold medal for Singapore. Earlier in the competition, she clinched the silver medal in the 50m women's freestyle. Clocking 57.43 seconds, she was edged out by Mexico's Patricia Valle who won the gold in a time of 57.05 seconds. But in the heats, the Singaporean, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, had set a new world and paralympic record with a time of 57.04 seconds.

paralympic.beijing2008.cn

NPCC Alumni 1st Tennis Social Game

Calling all tennis players, enthusiasts or just wanting to play ball...!!!
Join us for a free game with fellow NPCC alumni on:

Date: 19 Sep 2008 Friday
Time: 1900hrs to 2200hrs
Venue: SPOM Tennis Court 1
Address: 153 Mount Pleasant Road Singapore 298341

Please be attired for the game and should you want to bring family members along for this healthy fun please contact Andrew Tan

All former NPCC members are welcomed to join in and encouraged to
sign up as NPCC Alumni members. See You!!

Map of SPOM (Senior Police Officers' Mess):

(near to old Police Academy)

[click here for street directory]

NPCC Alumni retained Challenge Trophy again at NPCC Inter-Area .38 Revolver Shooting Competition 2008

At the recent NPCC Inter-Area .38 Revolver Shooting Competition 2008 held at the Home Team Academy Compeition Range on 30th August 2008, our alumni representatives did very well and retained the Mr Tan Puay Kern Challenge Trophy with impressive shooting. The participating teams in the 'Inter-Organsiation Team Shoot' were:

National Police Cadet Corps (704)
National Cadet Corps (613)
National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (470)
NPCC Alumni (717)
Red Cross Youth (444)

Three CHEERS to our sharp shooters: Ong Siong Seng, Tan Sim Kiat, Benjamin Yong, Patrick Chew and Winnie Woon.

We call upon all good shooters to participate in next year shoot (particularly those with perfect hit - 'a little off also can lah') to register with Ong Siong Seng. We are aiming to be third time champion in a row. This is not impossible, since the inception the following are the repective year winner for the Trophy event:

Year 2000 - NPCC Alumni
Year 2001 - Singapore Scout Association
Year 2002 - NPCC Alumni
Year 2003 - NPCC Alumni
Year 2004 - Singapore Scout Association
Year 2005 - NPCC HQ
Year 2006 - NPCC HQ
Year 2007 - NPCC Alumni
Year 2008 - NPCC Alumni

We will also be organising a shoot for all NPCC ALUMNI members next year, do look out for it.
Congratulations Alumni!!

Well Done Singapore Olympic Teams!

Thanks all Singapore Olympians! You have done us proud at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on 8-24 August 2008.
Table Tennis Women's Team (WANG Yue Gu, FENG Tianwei, LI Jia Wei), won a silver at the Beijing Olympics on 17 August 2008, Singapore's first medal since the silver by weightlifter Tan Howe Liang at the 1960 Rome Olympics

en.beijing2008.cn

Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home Visit to Police K9 Unit

We will meet at the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home on Friday 05 Sept 2008 at 9 am.
Address: 202 Serangoon Garden Way Singapore 556057.
Park your cars there - please.
Let us have your car numbers and participants' names in advance.
We will bring all the children from the Home to take the bus transport to visit Police K9 Unit and return after.

The following is the program from K9 Unit for this visit.
They came up with this special programme just for the children from Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home.

The proposed program as follows:

1. 1030hrs, arrival of children.
2. 1035hrs, witness dog obedience training and bite work on the field
3. 1045hrs, witness conveyor belt and human search room training
4. 1100hrs, children will be divided into groups for the following activities experience:
- Grooming and bathing of dogs
- Cleaning of kennels
- Walking of dogs
- Retrieving and obstacle exercise demonstration at volleyball field.
- Photography with dogs

Lunch and bus transport will be arranged by Winnie.

Please do not hesitate to contact Winnie should you need any further information or clarification.

Develop a winning attitude

Your qualifications may get you a job, but good performance is what makes a successful career

THE job market has traditionally rewarded those who have made the extra effort in school with higher compensation and better opportunities for advancement.

But, there are signs that this attitude may be changing. As the expression goes, "one's qualifications (ability) get one hired, yet one's performance (attitude) results in one being fired".

It is crucial to understand that possessing good qualifications is a prerequisite for any career to soar.

But it is your attitude towards your job, colleagues, clients and superiors that is a far more important and accurate determinant of performance and advancement.

The lack of professionalism at work is not easily raised and discussed as it involves the emotional intelligence of the person.

Superiors generally gloss over these issues and simply do not promote the individual.

Reality check
To take your career sky-high, your first challenge is to do a reality check. Ask yourself:
- How much am I doing to keep abreast of developments in my field?
- How much am I investing in my own development?
- How competent am I when engaging with others?
- What is my overall attitude to those whom I serve, work with and report to?

Benefits of work
The workplace offers intrinsic benefits like career development, in terms of skills learned, social interactions, financial discipline plus other core skills such as computer literacy.

It also offers opportunities for personal development. Ask potential employers about their attitudes and practices toward training, promotions, exposure to travel and new situations, job rotation and performance appraisals.

These aspects of employment will develop your skills and nurture your character. Together, these will ultimately help you carve a career that "knows no limits".

Seek out companies with a great working environment as it cultivates in you a sense of respect and dignity, irrespective of your rank.

Career or job?
What differentiates a career from a job? A career is viewed from a long-term perspective. It involves making an investment that over time is expected to yield rewards.

On the other hand, a job is more transient and refers to the role you currently occupy. It is driven by the attitude of "what's in it for me?"

Great careers create a sense of passion and pride in people. When you make the size of the wage packet a priority, you usually sacrifice other important and beneficial aspects of the job that are crucial for your development and progress.

Taking risks
If you are looking for a career that has no limits, you must be willing to take some risks.

Careers that are fulfilling and exciting involve challenges, taking responsibility, being empowered, being accountable and, where necessary, taking appropriate risks.

Many people look for positions that are secure and pay a reasonable wage, and are then content to go with the flow. The trouble with most streams is that they flow downwards.

Instead, look for employment that forces you to swim against the tide, make you think, and allows you the opportunity to engage with others who are different and even difficult.

What's your vision?
Write down a three-year plan of how you want to develop.

- Your career - what are your personal aspirations and hopes regarding promotions and increased authority?
- Academic skills - what courses and types of training will further enhance your hard skills?
- Social skills and network - how will you expand your circle of friends and contacts as well as enhance your relationship-building skills?
- Your finances - what are your objectives and how will you achieve them?

Look into the future
Finally, to turn your hopes and dreams into reality, you need to reflect on where you want to see yourself in the next three years. Your plan provides a road map of the way forward - you have to do the driving.

Not everything will work according to plan, but at least you have a blueprint that tells you when you are going off course. This gives you a head start over others who do not have a clue where they are going.

Source: www.trainingedgeasia.com
Article by Steve Murphy

Visit to Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home

For the first time, NPCC Alumni and the Police K-9 Unit are co-organising a community service visit to the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home on 27 May 2008 Tue @ 10am-2pm. Please join us in this meaningful event with your family & friends!

Kindly register with us by 24 May 2008 (also include your car plate no if you are driving).

Address: 202 Serangoon Garden Way Singapore 556057

You're the boss, you decide

Keep pace with today's employment pattern and remain employable

THE battle to remain employed has been lost - the new battle is to remain employable.

Welcome to the brave new world of the 21st century. All around us, the old certainties are fast disappearing to be replaced by the new, the unknown and the uncertain.

Consider some of the paradoxes. The economy is changing. The iron rice bowl is no more. Jobs for life have gone.

Unskilled, low value-added jobs are fast-disappearing. Full-time jobs are being replaced by contract or part-time work.

We are rapidly transforming into a knowledge-based economy driven by information technology, research and development and the provision of advanced services.

Organisations are changing. They are flatter, leaner and more flexible, having to respond to the changing environment, customers and clients faster.

Fewer people are being employed; and they have to work harder, faster, smarter and be multi-skilled and creative with a new, more open mindset.

The market is changing. Consumers are older and wiser, demanding sophisticated value-added products and services.

If you cannot deliver a better product or service at a cheaper price in a fast-changing market place, your competitor will!

Aim to be employable
There is no such thing as a career path any more. It is crazy paving, and you lay it yourself.

The old employment paradigm has shifted forever.

In the past, organisations were paternalistic, offered job security, had defined career paths, practised succession planning and had focused job descriptions and titles with narrow and specific responsibilities and clear reporting lines.

The new organisational reality is very different.

The company is no longer responsible for your job security. No employer anywhere, in any organisation, can guarantee you a job.

The old psychological employment contract has been replaced by a looser, less structured working relationship. The emphasis is on employability, not employment.

Careers must be self-directed and highly flexible.

You have to take more responsibility for your own development by building a portfolio of skills and talents, being capable of switching roles rapidly and multitasking with ease.

Career resilience is the new mantra of our times. Be responsible for yourself, adopting a "self-employed" mentality even if you are working for a large organisation.

Knowledge is the new currency of business, and lifelong learning is no longer an option, it has become mandatory for survival.

Invest in yourself
As an employee, you must know the skills you have and how these skills can be marketed to other employers.

Continually update and upgrade your skills and be aware of new roles you may be required to fill.

Develop skills aligned to business needs, an attitude that is focused yet flexible and a dedication to continuous learning and personal excellence.

Deliver a solid performance in support of your organisation's goals.

It is vital that you discover, or rediscover, yourself through self-awareness. Understand your personality and work style, what drives you and what your preferences are in a work situation.

Invest in yourself through developing an understanding of your work behaviour.

Complete a proven personality-profiling tool such as Disc or Myers-Briggs and reflect on the feedback.

Be aware of the key characteristics of employability and what employers value in the people they hire and promote.

There is a new emphasis on effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a growing awareness of the need for EQ (emotional quotient) as well as IQ.

Good teamwork is required from people with positive and flexible attitudes.

There is a growing demand for problem-solving, creative and innovative thinking skills, with an increased willingness to take risks.

Continuous learning is a necessity together with a commitment to personal excellence.

And if you are developing a managerial career, do be aware of the new managerial realities. You need to become a coach - to nurture and develop the skills and abilities of your staff.

Learn to delegate and empower, manage transition and change, and develop managerial leadership based on influence, not power.


Article by Chris Fenney, director of Training Edge International, who has more than 30 years' experience in training and management development across a range of sectors including manufacturing, service, retail and leisure.
Website: www.trainingedgeasia.com

NPCC Alumni Management Committee 2008/2010

President : Tan Chee Seng, Andrew
Vice President : Ong Siong Seng
Hon Sec : Winnie Woon Kim Wah
Hon Asst Sec : Gn Chiang Huat
Hon Treasurer : Kester Tan Gengqi
Hon Asst Treasurer : Simon Low Yeow Wee
Chairman Activities : Wendy Ong Hui Ling
Dy Chairman Activities : Ngiam Siew Jit
Chairman Membership : John Yong Thiam Joo
Dy Chairman Membership : See Leng Kiat
Chairman Pubilicity : Chua Siew Lea
Dy Chairman Publicity : J. P. David

Reunion of Dunman High ex-CIs

During the 29 Feb 2008 NPCC Alumni dinner gathering held at the Senior Police Officers' Mess (SPOM), we have these ex-cadet inspectors of Dunman High School NPCC Unit (formerly known as Dunman Government Chinese Middle School before 1979) met up and got this group picture captured:

From left to right: Ngiam Siew Jit/严朝日 (CI 1977), Wong Zer Ho/黄忆河 (CI 1973), LTC (Ret) Goh Teck Wah/吴德华 (CI 1974), Lim Peng Yam/林炳炎 (CI 1978), and Kek Joon Kee/郭润基 (CI 1982).

29 Feb Dinner Gathering photos

Here are some pictures taken during the 29 Feb dinner gathering at the Senior Police Officers' Mess (SPOM).

We are very honoured to have one of our ex-NPCC member, Dr Teo Ho Pin (Mayor of North-West District and Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang Constituency), joined us in this dinner and also signed up as one of our life alumni member.

Dr Teo and other ex-NPCC members signing up as life NPCC alumni members

catching up with old NPCC friends

Makan Makan...

AGM 2008 on 29 March

who will be in the next Management Committee?

Come on, let's volunteer yourself or nominate someone whom you think could do the job. Or simply cast your vote for the shortlisted candidates.

WE NEED YOU!

This year, we are going to hold our AGM in a slightly different way. There will be a potluck cum BBQ session during the AGM! Wow, it's gonna be fun...

Cost:	FREE (for member only)
Food:	Halal (Potluck cum BBQ)
Attire:	Casual
Venue:	SPOM (Senior Police Officers' Mess) 153 Mount Pleasant Road, Singapore 298341
Date:	29 March 2008, Saturday
Time:	5.00pm
Contact:	Siong Seng at his mobile no.
RSVP by:	16 March 2008

Map of SPOM (Senior Police Officers' Mess):
(near to old Police Academy)

[click here for street directory]

Dinner Gathering on 29 Feb

The NPCC Alumni Management Committee cordially invites all members for a gathering at the Senior Police Officers' Mess (SPOM). Guest who signs up to be a member on the day will also DINE FREE!

Cost:	FREE for member only $28.00 for member's guest
Food:	9-course dinner (no pork, no lard)
Attire:	Casual
Venue:	SPOM (Senior Police Officers' Mess) 153 Mount Pleasant Road, Singapore 298341
Date:	29 Feb 2008, Friday
Time:	7.30pm
Contact:	Siong Seng Siew Lea
RSVP by:	17 Feb 2008

Map of SPOM (Senior Police Officers' Mess):
(near to old Police Academy)

[click here for street directory]

Yeo Jin Fei

Associate Professor Yeo Jinn Fei (a.k.a. Yeo Jin Fei) was an police cadet of Bartley Secondary School in 1969. He was represented Bartley in the Commissioner of Police Farewell Parade on 30th July 1971 held at the Police Academy Parade Ground. As a cadet, he proved himself to be a responsible and outstanding person. He subsequently became a cadet inspector in 1972. In 1978, he graduated from the then University of Singapore in Dentistry and became a Dental Officer in the Singapore Armed Forces in 1978-1981 for his national service, before switching to his academic career in the National University of Singapore.

photo of "CI Yeo" in 1972/73

Associate Professor Yeo Jinn Fei was the Chairman of NPCC Council from 1993 to 2001, a total of 9 years, is a significant leader in the endorsement and the adoption of many NPCC's currently and successfully implemented systems and strategies, including seeing through the massive 25 hectare NPCC Pulau Ubin Campsite completed in 2002.

Assoc. Prof. Yeo is the Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dept in the National University of Singapore. He is also the Senior Consultant and Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dept of National University Hospital.

He was awarded the “Best Unit Cadet” in 1970, Ang Keong Lan Book Price in both 1975 and 1976, NUS Overseas Graduates Scholarship Award for 1982-83, Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal (1988) and Long Service Medal (1997), Premier Award for Free Paper presentation in "Nitric Oxide Symposium 1999" Singapore, and Pingkat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) - Public Service Medal, Republic of Singapore, 2002.

In appreciation of Assoc. Prof. Yeo's strong support to the formation of NPCC Alumni Association during the years of 1999-2000, he was nominated to be the Honorary Member of NPCC Alumni Association.

Goodbye manager, hello leader

Career Building Tips - When you help your team members to grow by developing their strengths, you earn their respect

I mentioned that communicating with each member's weaknesses to improve performance is destined to fail.

What works extremely well, instead, is to say to the person, "With your strengths, I feel the best way to handle the situation you're involved in would be to?"

Then describe how it can be used in this circumstance.

You will have a very attentive audience. This approach says to the person that you have studied his strengths, listened to the situation in which he is involved and presented him with ideas on how to use his personal strengths successfully.

It is great coaching at its very best.

Using this system with all your team members consistently brings strong synergy.

Each person sees not only personal growth but also the same in others. Production and morale will increase along with energy and enthusiasm.

When you have helped your team members grow and develop, your pay-off is their respect.

At that moment, you are no longer the manager but the leader.

Remarkable improvement
This system brings results very quickly. In my own case, with my boss out looking for my replacement and my office ranking No. 36 out of 36, I applied it.

Within 120 days, my team was back at No. 1.

We did not stop there. As I continued to coach my team members' strengths, the team broke records at office, company and industry levels.

Later, I was promoted to district manager with 10 office managers and assistant managers. After teaching the system to them, we experienced dramatic results.

In the next five and a half years, which included two recession years, the production went through the roof with an 800 per cent increase.

Morale soared and turnover dropped to near zero. That was the "proof of the pudding".

Keep in mind that this same concept can be used to manage change.

You may have built a strong high-performance team but now it has to adapt to a new product or a new way of doing business.

As far as the change is concerned, picture all of your team members on "the other side of the fence".

Then go to the most respected person of the group and help him become comfortable with the change.

Then move on to the second most respected and so on.

You will find that when you have the third most respected person on your side, the rest will follow.

The secret list
1. Begin your own system by writing at the top of a blank piece of paper the name of the most respected team member.

2. Divide the sheet into three columns marked Weaknesses, Strengths and Strategy.

3. As you fill in the Weaknesses column, expect severe writer's cramp. This is normal.

4. The strengths in the next column come slowly at first but by concentrating on the person, you will pick up speed and enthusiasm for the person's potential.

5. The Strategy column becomes your personal coaching plan for this person. The plan is based on being aware of the person's weaknesses but communicating with his strengths.

Do this same thing with each of the team members.

Here is a word of caution. This list of weaknesses and strengths is not to be shown to your team or left on your desk where it might be seen.

Remember that good leadership builds a team that outperforms market conditions no matter what they are, high or low.

Article by Danny Cox © 2007, excerpted from his book, Leadership When The Heat's On. He is a speaker, former air force pilot and the author of several books, including Seize The Day: 7 Steps To Achieving The Extraordinary In An Ordinary World. For details, visit www.dannycox.com