Management vs passion for directive

Sometimes, one really wonders if the management, bosses & supervisors really agree with the mission & what top level management sets as the direction to go, or are they just doing it just for the sake of doing it because top management says so.

Working in my organisation, I cannot see my boss & division head being really passionate about the mission/cause for what we are working for, which has been a focus for many years, though in different words from time to time. They are doing it because they "don't have a choice" and you don't see them understanding what it means to be a librarian (mind you, our division head does not come from a library background). They do not fight for us nor give us the vibes that "hey, let's work together in carrying out the mission/goal". If they themselves don't agree or have the drive from within (the heart) to fulfill the purpose, how would staff be motivated to carry it out? I'm passionate & see the good of the cause we're moving into but am demoralised by management coz they seem to be doing things just for the sake of doing it.
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Not too long ago, another unit from our division had submitted a request to go for an overseas trip to further knowledge. My boss asked the general manager if I could be included too. That manager just said that it is too late now to include my name as the CEO had already approved that unit's request (what kind of reply is this anyway?). Then, recently we found out that someone from another unit of another division managed to be squeezed in because her boss pushed for it. What a difference it makes when management supports staff and at least try to fight for you! My side, they just turn your request flat down without even wanting to try. And they are very inflexible.

God is faithful (II)

Can you believe it?! This whole week seems like it is a message of GOD's faithfulness and promises!

Had network meeting tonight and guess what was the Word shared? It's about GOD's faithfulness and that He will not forget the promises He gave; He will fulfill His promises and answer your prayers (of course those that are in line with His will...His answer can be yes & no and at His own time)!

I'm so amazed at the message given to me since the beginning of the week where He keeps affirming me that He is indeed always there. Our GOD is a faithful GOD and there is certainty in His promises.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

I am really grateful as He has granted me much favour so far. He gives me clear answers when there is a need, whether it's my studies, job and relationships, allowing me to experience Him first hand. I can't help "wow"ing.

Can't help singing "Our GOD is an awesome GOD, He reigns on heaven & earth"...

GOD is faithful

I was so struck by GOD's faithfulness that I must post this (though with not all the details).

You see, I had prayed on Sunday for GOD to answer some questions on the same day. And as I went about doing my stuff, and chatting with someone, GOD gave me the answer! I didn't expect the answer to come by in that way & at that point I was just struck by amazement that wow, GOD answered my prayer! And within the time frame that I asked for! And I was still thinking of how would I get the answer...I was more like thinking that GOD would just open the door direct to the answer or I would be "thrown in the fire" to get the answer, and not when I wasn't really paying attention where there was a "hidden" door.

Well, I am really thankful that GOD has been faithful all this while and He always affirms it. Though I can't say I've been so, coz I have neglected Him from time to time (and a bit ashamed too coz most of the time, I have something to ask for). Reflecting over the years, GOD has brought me through ups & downs and given many answers to my prayers. My words are not enough to express His awesomeness. Even today, as I did my Daily Bread, the Word mentioned talked about GOD's faithfulness to His children.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

~ Hebrews 10:23

Career disappointment & restlessness

This is long overdue...have been wanting to post this for a long time.

Recently, I feel more & more strongly about my job scope being so not librarian.

For the past 2 years, what I've been doing is more liaison & PR and I'm not doing that much of professional librarianship. I feel really unhappy coz I have not been able to develop a librarian's professional skills. I can't proudly say I am a selector (i.e. collection development) coz I am not doing "real" selection of materials or specialising in any subject area or genre...I'm not developing any specific collection; just receiving & allocating don't really hone any specialised skills coz I must admit, because of all these, I don't know enough about any collection in the library. And to tell the truth, I'm not recognised as a selector among the selectors.
I keep trying to defend that I am a sort of selector but it's kind of far-fetched now...and now, since management doesn't seem too supportive of selectors, I will probably not end up with much skill in that area.

Secondly, another professional skill I want to develop is cataloguing, which i've been wanting to do for a long time. However, I've not been able to try it out yet. If possible, I hope that I can transfer to the cataloguing dept some day if there is an opening.

I'm sick of the liaison work I have to do...I don't want to be a professional liaison officer, I want to be a professional librarian! I know there will still be a need for all librarians to do some liaison work (related to librarian work), but not most of the time! Furthermore, management have some weird mindset of not hiring any more library officers, only librarians...so we have no helpers to carry out the admin & operative stuff?!

Anyway, when I joined the organisation, I was supposed to be part of the collection development team which has since been separated from my unit. As I was new, they gave me the current job scope (& some other areas which has now been allocated to others...shorthanded then) to familarise with things and promised me that in the next FY, I could start on doing collection development on a certain area so that there could be a easier cut-off in terms of the evaluation form. Fine.
Then, when the new FY came, they decided that the collection development of that area should remain with the current selector since she is very good at it (of which I agree...but she's also overworked...I don't mind working on other subject areas too) while I concentrated on the expanding scope of one of the areas I was working on. Eventually, I am not doing that area anymore since management has decided to hire 1/2 staff to work on that because of the expansion in scope. Fine, as I wasn't coping well with 3 areas of work although I seem to be still doing some of the things here & there.
Recently, I was told that they want to "expand" my job scope to cover 1 of those areas of which I have handed over...and a lot more liaison stuff which really is not my forte or like. In the end it was disappointment after disappointment.

The current work I'm doing has not developed me enough to be viable anywhere else in this industry, so hopefully I can transfer somewhere where I will really do some professional work as what a librarian should do. How can I move on when the current work is so...?

Newly discovered cafe

The other day, I discovered this cafe within a paper craft shop in Plaza Singapura. The shop's name is called Made with Love, if I recall correctly. The cafe is inside, very small, with just 2 tables (but each table can seat 4 people comfortably). I wouldn't have noticed it if I didn't see the menu displayed outside (else I would have walked past the shop and proceeded to Secret Recipe coz was hungry). They serve mostly cakes & pies and of course drinks. I ordered a steak & guinness pie (to find out what it was) & a glass of honey lemon.

There was real steak inside! (sorry about the mess...was eating halfway before deciding to take a pic). I wouldn't say it's fabulous, but it was quite ok. The price is also very reasonable (think the pie cost about $5). But I like the idea that it was nicely tucked away in the shop. You get to avoid the crowd!

Anyway, it was an interesting shop on its own. I believe they conduct lessons there too coz there was a special room right at the back.

plaza singapura

Unequally yoked

Yesterday, I attended an event (for Christians) & 1 of the topics discussed was whether a Christian should get together with a non-Christian.

Well, personally, for myself, it's a big NO NO! It is a most difficult situation and being a female, it is worse (why do all guys expect the ladies to give way?! - some of the guys actually said that if the girl loves you, she will follow...what about the other way around?).
The difference in values & background is very trying if eventually, they do get married. I'm already feeling the persecution & oppression from my parents (who are not Christians), can you imagine a lifetime of that (some more double the amount becoz of your in-laws). Anyway, even if I feel like I'm beginning to like someone (好感) who's a non-Christian, I will not even let anything begin. I will pray for GOD's help to cut off this bondage. I believe GOD will honour one's commitment to be obedient.

Of course, there were questions on what if you have already reached the stage when you're about to get married. In the first place, one should not lead the other on that far (even in the hope that the person will become a Christian), i.e. not even begin. Also, it is on dangerous grounds. Firstly, wanting the person to convert becomes a selfish motive (so that you can get together). We call it evangelistic dating. Secondly, it's hard to tell if the person converted because of you or truly believes in GOD. If 1 day, things don't work out, will that person draw away from GOD, especially if he/she entered the faith on the a wrong footing?
Hence, never take that risk. It is harmful to both parties.

I've seen instances where people start to draw away from GOD because of being unequally yoked. They tend to feel some shame & guilt that they disobeyed (that's why they draw away), which they will carry on into their lives. It's sad, but we are not to judge them. They are only answerable to GOD. As always, love the sinner but not the sin.

Of course, there are grey areas where the 2 persons are already together but 1 of them converts (I think some people, though believes, hesitate in converting because of that), whether as a dating or married couple. Well, I guess you are not forced to break up, esp. if married, coz it was in a time of "ignorance". GOD honours marriages for you have taken the vow. However if the non-Christian leaves you because of that, well...I don't have the answers. (Hey, some may even use it as an excuse!) The leaving party should not blame GOD for that. They made the choice.
Anyway, I know that I can't answer that coz I'm already a Christian, and of course I'll find someone who's a committed Christian as well. Only GOD has the answer.

I would rather live without an earthly partner rather than an eternity without GOD (of course I hope to marry a Christian lah!).

tag: christianity, unequally yoked, christian marriage, christian dating

My friend's engagement

Just heard news of my friend's wedding proposal. It's really over-the-top!

Her bf had planned a birthday surprise for her & on the day, as he popped her into the car, he told her she was going skydiving (they live in Australia)! She has been wanting to try that for some time so she was really excited. Of course it was planned to be in tandem with the instructor.

Anyway, as she got harnessed, jumped off the plane & was parachuting down, there, in a big field (the landing patch) was a big black sign with pink letters "MARRY ME XXX". (Wow! right?) Which girl wouldn't get touched by this? As she landed, he kneeled down & popped the question.

*sigh* So romantic & sweet. Envious lah...haha...but no skydiving for me. Was tearing when I read her account. So happy for her.

Hmm...wonder what's your dream wedding proposal? I used to think of those simulated rain scenes (haha...like watching movies)...

tags: wedding proposal, marriage proposal

Fencing wound

Got my official battle wound in fencing last week.

This happened when my opponent (a guy) missed the target area (basically the torso for foil, which is assuredly protected) and poked my arm, which was not so protected as it was not the target area.

Anyway, the first time in real dueling gave me an exhilaration (though I didn't fare that well). I guess I'm not so aggressive & a little slow. But will aim to improve! I will like to continue although it's quite expensive, so I will have to drop archery (can only choose one). Well, after all, left-handers in the fencing field are not so uncommon as compared to archery. And it seems I get to work out my whole body more? Need stamina though.

Victor Tan @ Esplanade

Was waiting for time to be up at the Esplanade before a concert & saw this interesting display going on at the concourse steps (called As it is...).

technorati tags: Esplanade (Singapore)

Walking around City Hall

Was on leave and after running an errand, took a walk down City Hall area...

1) The Old Parliament House (now The Arts House)
2) The new Supreme Court (behind the old)
3) A slip road round the corner of St. Andrew's Cathedral (post IMF)



technorati tags: City Hall, Singapore