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Table of Contents § Preface ……………………………….…………………………… P:4 § One on One : Patrick Meiger …………………………. P:6 § EI : Speak Your Love Up! ……………………………… P:16 § The Bookshelf & the 4 Agreements ………………. P:19 § Your Space! …………………………………………….. P:23-29 § Slice of Life: Love & Wrath ……………............... P:30 § Newbies' Guide to a Brilliant Career: 4Ps and 1B Rule …………..………..……………………. P:34 § Winning Spirit: What Does it Take to Become a Winner? ……………………………………. P:39 § Time OUT! …………………………………………………… P:41 § What Did They Say About: Dreams …………….. P:44 §
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……………………………………………… P:45
Motivation Š Vodafone Magazine For Vodafone Family
-----------------------------
Editor Designs & Graphics
Hoda Al-Nimr
-------------------------------
ASpecial ThankYou
Tony Ros For Support & Supervision ------------------------------
Contact Information e-mail vf.motivation@gmail.com
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~Allow Me to Start~ "Some say motivation does not last long; well, neither does bathing. That is why we recommend it daily." Daily motivation is important, that is true; motivation springs from within, quite true as well. Not less true, though, that we have motivation so deep-seated inside us that we constantly forget about it, or mistakenly believe it is not there. How is that? Well, we all, at least I believe so, were born with the power of motivation, along with many other hidden treasure and powers inside us. The thing is that we frequently forget to wake them up, and as such, they remain dormant within. That is why there are people and books dedicated for inspiration and motivation. If we did not possess those powers in the first place, it would definitely be impossible to interact with such material. In other words, many times we just need "the match" to fire up a pile of wood; one little spark and all is up and flaming! That is what this magazine is mainly about: a propeller, a driving wheel, or a "match" if you would say so, to stir up the hidden powers inside you. I meant it to be a beneficial and enjoyable "change of mood," to polish up our minds and get us into things other than the daily vicious circle of our dear and always-right customers! That is, besides being a linking chain for our grand family of course. Motivation is the mother tree we are aiming for; inspiration, creativity, passion for fulfilled life ‌ etc.,all these are the branches. I may have sown the seed, but the tree will not grow until we tend to it.. TOGETHER. Fragrant Regards,,, Hoda Al-Nimr
One of the best stimuli of motivation is to read about the experiences of successful people, or pioneers in their fields. The fact that you see a human being like you having achieved is in itself a ray of hope that you, too, could as well do "something glorious," regardless of the degree of that glory. Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon; he certainly was not the "last"; he opened the door, he paved the way not only for "setting foot" on the moon, but for various achievements of other types. It is all about giving you an insight that "it is possible," that a breakthrough might as well bless your life if you would give it some determined work. The most beautiful of all about biographies, autobiographies, or interviews is that, each time, I find Thomas Edison's words all the more true: "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.� Inspiration is "the super factor" we tend to believe is behind every success in this world; it is only 1%, though. "Perspiration" is the glittering drops of sweat that break on your forehead after "Hard Work," or "Diligent Persistence." We think little of these, or believe they are old-fashioned clichÊs, when they compose the 99%. Success was never "tailored" for some "divine" people, nor were miracles dumped from heaven into their laps. Success, excellence, achievements, and all these "magical" words are nothing but "personal choices." Shake off the illusions and roll up your sleeves as you enjoy these interviews with remarkably successful people in our Family!
Interviewed by: Hoda Al-Nimr
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"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results" Albert Einstein.
· Let's start with an introduction
car; this in itself I regard as quite an achievement.
about yourself; highlighting the
·
What college did you graduate from?
most important achievements in
·
The College of New Jersey
your life you would like your
·
Self- dependent for 15 years; don’t you feel lonely
readers to know you with.
sometimes?
- Well, my name is Patrick to begin
In a way I do; even sometimes when I am among friends
withJ I have been an Advisor, a
or family I still feel lonely.
Floor
·
Walker,
Manager
in
then
a
Team
Vodafone
UK
Why did you leave the US if you were happy there
with all those achievements?
account. I am very happy here as I
It is not that I was happy there, but I wasn't unhappy
got promoted 3 times in the last 3
either! The main reason behind my leaving there was a
years, besides being recognized 4
financial crisis. I had to come back, but I am happier
times as the top floor walker.
here. Now, I have more time for myself and personal
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On a personal level, I have been
activities. What I don't like is that people here are
through a lot in my life. I used
ungrateful. I wouldn't like to put it that way, but many
to live in the US and was
want to leave home and seek their fortune abroad. They
brought up there since the age
believe that life abroad is "heaven on earth," which is
of 10. I started to work at the
certainly not the case. I have lived there most of my life
age of 12, and have been working
and know exactly what it is like.
for 17 years. I only returned to
Thank God, I am satisfied where I am now, on all levels:
Egypt 4 years ago at the age of
job, friends, and family; couldn't really complain.
25. I have been self-dependent
·
for last 15 years of my life, for I
- It is mainly running around paying your bills. If I am to
have my own apartment and
put it in one word, it would be: hectic.
How would you describe life abroad, then?
·
Now
narrowing
let's
down
to
start
c come across many different customers from different
your
·
backgrounds.
Vodafone career. Why choosing
· What about a common key, so to speak?
Vodafone in specific?
· A common key would be sympathy and being cheerful.
I used to work in a
The thing is that, customers give us a call when something
company similar to Vodafone in
goes wrong, or when they don't understand and want some
the US for two and a half years.
explanation; otherwise, they wouldn't be calling. Our main
Then, it took me a whole year to
message to deliver across is: we are here to support you.
-
settle in Egypt upon returning to
·
Were you sympathetic and cheerful as an advisor?
sort out my papers. I wanted to
· As an advisor I was. Even if I wasn’t, I would act like I
work in multi-national company,
were. I find acting it out much easier than being it!
because
I
experience
had in
considerable the
field
of
· How do you view an advisor's job from both angles, as a former advisor and as a TM?
communication in general. Thus,
As an advisor, I used to complain that my job was hard
I decided to join a communication
and tough, and that I wish I were a TM because it is a
company, and started applying in
lot easier. TMs basically do nothing except for
Vodafone, Mobinil, and Etisalat. I
lounging
chose
specific
instructions over and over again, "keep your numbers,"
because my Arabic was not good
"watch your AHT," "remove ACW"…etc. Now that I am
at all upon coming back. English
TM, I think, "WOW, it was a whole lot easier being an
was my mother tongue then, so I
advisor!!!" I knew my job, did it as is should be done,
found working in an international
and at the end of the day would go home safely. As a
account
TM, I am accountable for others' work. To get the
Vodafone
the
in
most
suitable.
around
all
day,
repeating
the
same
Vodafone is good, so far!
picture, imagine a mom or a dad with 16 children, each
·
with different needs and wants. If you just remember
What do you think is the key
to excellent customer service?
their names and don’t get them mixed, you are an
·
amazing mom or dad!
The key? There is no one key
as there is no one customer; we
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Don't you find it sometimes unfair, that as a
·
TM you are judged based on your team
and the business.
members who may not be as committed as
·
Do you find it hard to do so?
you are?
·
It depends on the person. For me it is pretty
You need to know how to separate the personal
· No, because my team is a reflection of me.
easy; I know how to separate both well. I have been
· That is to say, if the performance is not
working since the age of 12. If after 17 years of
going as should be, would you lay the blame
experience in different types of jobs you don’t know
on yourself as the TM, or on your team
how to separate business and personal …
members who are not committed enough?
·
You should resign!!
On the team members who are not
·
(Smiles) The personal and the business should
committed, which is my own fault in the end
never be mixed. Neither has anything to do with the
for not getting them to be so. I can't force
other.
someone to be committed, but I can define
·
whether the issue is commitment or
should, to put it politely, "criticize" you a moment ago
something else. That is, if you are not
for bad performance, and the next moment you are
committed enough, leave the job and seek
friends again as if nothing happened?!
your fortune elsewhere. By being indifferent
·
So, you find it quite normal that someone
I find it normal because I was always friends with
to your performance, or by not doing well
my TMs and this is how it worked. Then, since I
enough, you are harming not only the image
became manager, I have always been friends with
of the company, but also everyone else
my peers and team members. Though we used to
including yourself.
tried
have heated arguments about work all time, by the
earnestly and it is not paying off, then it is
end of the day, all is finished and done, and we
recommended that you resign; simply put,
would go hang out together or have dinner;
this may not be the job for you. For
completely separated. Another example: I may be
instance, not everyone can or would like to
compelled to start an action plan for some member,
become a Doctor even if they got 100% in
this is business-wise; on a personal level, we may
high school. After all, not everything is for
well go and have lunch together just as normal.
If
you
have
everyone. ·
Or as the saying goes, "you may do
·
What do you think the relationship between a TM
anything, but not everything." Moving on, what
and his/her team members should be based on?
do you think are the most important qualities
·
anyone in a position of managing should have?
but following after you like a shadow.
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Trust. If I don't trust you I won't be doing nothing
·
By trust you mean that even if you are
·
What does your team represent for you?
not there, you are certain your team
·
Business-wise: they are the team who will get
members are doing their job just as well?
me ahead with their commitment and achievements;
·
Exactly. Whether I am around or not,
and who, with my support, will grow up in the
you should be handling things as if I am
company as well; alternatively, they are the team who
standing next to you. My team proved and
will keep where I am or even get me fired!
confirmed this mutual trust when I went on
On a personal level, I think of it as a family; a dad
vacation: things were running smoothly and
with 16 kids, every single kid wants something or has
I had none of my delegates calling me on bad
something; besides, we hang out together, laugh
performance issues. When I was working
together, and do everything together.
with Fluid (Mahmoud Osman), and since I
·
started working with Islam Elsayed, we
your current position?
always had that trust, they didn't look after
·
me or question me because they trusted my
do what my previous TMs did to me: get them to
level of work.
grow up, move out of my team into better positions.
·
·
Do you frequently hear "you are difficult
What is the part you enjoy the most about I have people who look up to me, and I try to
What would you define as your major strength
to understand"?
and major weakness?
·
·
(Smiles) Yes!
(smiles) This is exactly the type of questions I
· And you don't plan to do something about
hate the most!
thatJ ?!
·
Then you don't know yourself well!
· I will tell you why people say so. I believe I
·
I know myself but don't know how to answer
am very straightforward: I say whatever in
that question. Why don't you tell me based on your
my mind outright; I don’t dress it up to make
knowledge of me, and I will tell you whether it is
it "nice." People think it is odd or there must
right or wrong?
be something behind because this not
·
commonplace in our life or community. This
point is you are determined and know exactly what
is one thing I like about life in US, where
you want.
Hmmm, let's see. I should think your plus
being quite frank is the norm there.
· Okay..
Only when I came back to Egypt I started
· You can also separate business from personal.
hearing this phrase. This may also be due to
· Fine..
the way I grew up and my different
· As for the weakness, just tell us something about
background.
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your personality or yourself you would like to change.
·
· I think I should stop being alone! · What about 3 best events in your life in general? · One day, a girl from another team, I don’t know her name, asked me a very simple question, and I helped her; after I went home she sent me a page-long mail thanking me, and telling me how much I have helped her; she said, "I really love who you are, I have a wonderful TM, but I wish I were in your team!"
are proud to have overcome? ·
rather surprising for me. I was really happy
overcome, as they are more of concerns, like when I first started scuba diving. I was concerned about the pressure on my lungs, being 30 meters below sea level, breathing and swimming like a fish and so on. ·
count
this
as
a
Vodafone
achievement. The second and third would be
the challenges? ·
· That was when I achieved well as floor walker: we were only
11 at that time, and the
billing account was recently launched. All the current floor walkers, I was the one who
achieve if I tried but I didn't want to. ·
· 3 years. · Seems like 3000! (laughs) When I was chosen as the best floor walker, I had no previous idea, nor did my manager say a word on the matter. The reaction I got from the audience when they announced my name was unbelievable. I had the biggest and longest cheer of all; it was such an amazing feeling!
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·
You know what you are capable of or at least can learn and try it, and what is not your scope in the first place.
·
Exactly.
·
What do you think is a major quality an advisor should possess?
·
Patience. A lot of great people with huge potentials leave, though they could have
taught them billing · How long have you been in Vodafone?
I have backed out of things either because I knew I wouldn't achieve, or because I could
driving and scuba diving respectively. · And one best even in Vodafone?
Did you ever back out from any battle because you failed to live up to the expectations or face
then. This is mainly personal not business, so I wouldn't
I had a lot in my life, but no specific one comes
to my mind now. I believe I don’t have fears to
Thinking back, I don’t think I did much, but for her it was of a great impact, which was
Would you share with us a challenge that you
achieved if they had the patience to persist. ·
How long have you worked as an advisor?
·
4 months after my training I became floor walker.
· Then you shouldn't be talking about patience when you had it that quick! · I am not patient when it comes to work! · You want to reap the fruit quickly? · Just so! I get really bored if I keep doing the same thing over a long time. · But you’ve been advisor for 4 months. · Correct.
· Didn’t you get bored despite doing the same thing over and over again for four months? · The job was very easy and simple; there were no challenges after 1st month. · Was it easy because of your background · Definitely! you
always
I try not to regret because that is how I learn, but it would definitely be my last car cause it ended up costing me almost double what I paid for it. * A tip you would recommend for a "cool" first impression, especially for interviewees. Do not be afraid to make a joke, it is a great way for ice breaking the conversation
and work experience?
· Could
* Did you ever made a decision, went through a situation, after which you had some regrets?
guarantee
100%
percent satisfaction? · No. · Ever had bad c-view? · Yes! · How did you handle that? · Next! · Just let it go?! · I have gone through something not good and didn’t achieve well; ok, next one,
* Do you believe "first impression" is all that counts? Does your first impression of others usually match? I do not believe in first impression, you have to have a full conversation. My first impression is almost always right. * "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them" What is your own definition of greatness, one that is painted with your flavour? My definition f greatness is when you put a goal for yourself and achieve it. Do not wait for others to tell you are great. * "You are what you believe you are"; "What you believe, think, regard is, after all of little consequence; it is what you DO that matters."
please. Try again, tray again, try again!
Which saying do you take sides with?
·
The first one; without believe you don’t have confidence, without confidence in what you do will get you nowhere.
If you had a choice now, which would you prefer to be: TM or advisor?
·
Definitely a TM!
·
Even though you previously mentioned that being an advisor was much easier?
·
Yes, because I passed that part of my life; people move ahead they don’t move back.
·
·
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You are the sort of the person who "went through" a lot; would you share with us "a life lesson"? I did go through A LOT in my life, and I all I can say that I learned a lot from is trying something at least once before deciding it is wrong, whither it is food, a place to hang out in, or an opinion.
* If you had Aladdin's lamp, what would be your three wishes? That s good one! 1. A good life for my family, whither it is money or anything else 2. Happiness 3. Porsche 911 Turbo J
A Special THANK YOU Though it was a tough day, full of meetings and coaching, Mr. Patrick Meiger was kind enough to welcome staying late after the shift for the interview. He didn't have to, and it could have been postponed to a better timing, which was perfectly fine with me, but because he had promised me earlier it would be that day, he lived up to his word.
Speak Your Love Up! & Let the whole world echo your heart!
Nothing I find more surprising than what some people say when it comes to expressing their love, "I don’t know how to say it!" Even more surprising are those who think of expressing love, or uttering the word "love" as something childish, or unbecoming of a "grown-up"! Why do I find it surprising? Simply put, much as our "brains" define us as the "higher" race, so do our emotions define us as "humans." They are not a plus point or some "extra" advantage that we may or may not use; emotions are the essence of our existence as humans. If you find this some romantic clichÊ, then let's have a robot or a smart phone for comparison, or any of the "brainy" machines our lives are bombarded with. What sets us apart from them if we both share the "brainy" part?! Just about the other day, my brother came up to me and, unexpectedly, said, "I love you!" I looked up at him, a bit surprised, and then I smiled as if I got the "undertone" behind that "introduction." "Okay sweetheart, what do you want?" I asked. My brother shrugged his shoulders, and, with his smile growing wider, replied, "Nothing!" Now, I was indeed surprised! "Do you really mean it?" I wondered, somehow still doubtful of his "little" intentions. As you may know, I got the affirming reply with a strong reassuring hug that he did love me, just for the sake of love! Did it ever happen to you? That you were in the position of the seeking lover or the doubtful beloved? That you surprised someone by telling them you "love" them, without this being the clichÊd introduction to some request? Or that someone surprised you with the same approach? Why is it a surprise? Is it because we seldom voice out our love to our loved ones, and when we finally do, it is because we want something? Does love have to come "by default," especially among family members, that we find it wondrous to hear the word "love" directly? That is, we take love among us, family members, for granted. I certainly love you because you are my relative (father, mother,
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sibling, spouse,‌etc), which sounds more like I" should" love you. Yet, did I ever take the "extra mile" to walk up to you, and tell you in the face, "I love you," because I DO love you, or at least find something I love about you, other than being "by default" a family member? Did you ever think of going to your parents, or ringing them up if you live away, and say, "I just wanted to tell you how much I love you, and how happy I am to have you in my life!" Just to convey your love, without anything else, including enquiring after their health, or congratulating them on some occasion! Did you ever think of knocking your sibling's door, peeping in, and when asked, "What's up?" you simply, and sincerely reply, "Nothing! Just wanted to tell you I love you! And I am the luckiest person on earth to have you in my life!" Simple, or "childish" as it may sound, I can never paint to you the magical impact of such words. You will only know what miracle you have just done when you see tears glittering, voices quivering with joy, and you find yourself held in arms, and told what a bless you are to those around you. Do you realize what you have just done? You have just sown a little seed called "love." What is magical about this seed is that it grows slowly yet firmly, and when it finally blooms, it will extend shade to all those around you, and to you as well. Love is never wasted; it blesses those who receive it, and blesses YOU, the giver. Better still, love never grows old. No matter how much you voice out your love, it comes out freshly dressed each time, with the gown of sincerity. This, in itself, is one of the miracles of human existence: it is an invisible substance, abstract, intangible; yet, it is with which we "touch," "feel," and "live" our humanity. Let's start planting the seed of love today in our families. Love is meant to be expressed, if you suppress it, your existence fades away. Love may be conveyed with goodtreatment, a smile, or a look. Yet, the word itself, when uttered, makes a difference none of the above can match. You will only feel it when you try it. If you say, "I don't know how to put it," I say, "Put it as it is, and let your sincerity play sound effects!"
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If you ask, "What is the occasion?" I would say, "That your loved ones still exist in your life; you never know when someone will cease to be there for you, and won't be able to figure out, then, how much you loved them when they were around."
"A bell is no bell 'til you ring it, A song is no song 'til you sing it, And love in your heart Was not put there to stay Love is not love Till you give it away." ~Oscar Hammerstein (song writer),
From "the Sound of Music."
How about picking up your phone now, and ringing as many loved ones as you please, just to tell them how much you love them, and that you are happy to have them in your life. It is worth the try!
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The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdom Book BY DON MIGUEL RUIZ AMBER-ALLEN PUBLISHING © 1997 · 138 PAGES Very simple, very effective, and very "four"! These are the four agreements that we are going to explore briefly. Before that, it is worth mentioning that the author, Don Miguel Ruiz, is Mexican; this is where the word "Toltec" comes from: people of central and southern Mexico. Other than that, it is simply a wisdom book! Enjoy! The 4 Agreements: “The First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word The Second Agreement: Don’t Take Anything Personally The Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions The Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best.” A Quick Breakdown of the 4 Agreements! 1. Be Impeccable with Your Word: “Impeccability means ‘without sin.’ […] Everything you feel or believe or say that goes against you is a sin. You go against yourself when you judge or blame yourself for anything... Being impeccable is not going against yourself. When you are impeccable, you take responsibility for your actions, but you do not judge or blame yourself.” In other words, to be impeccable with your words, when it comes to dealing with your own self, is to stop lashing yourself with depressing words at each mistake you make, to cease the flow of negative messages to your subconscious mind, to be more receptive and welcoming of who you are; yes, acknowledging your mistakes and flaws, but then moving ahead to rectify and construct.
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You are impeccable with your words, as far as
others are
concerned, when you live up to your promises and commitments, regardless of whom you are dealing with, you honour your own word, and you shoulder your responsibility till the very end. You never promise or vow a commitment when you do not really intend to follow up; then you are impeccable with your words. Also, you "criticize" others mistakes as gently as you do your own J when you are impeccable with your word. 2. Don’t Take Anything Personally “When you make it a strong habit not to take anything personally, you avoid many upsets in your life." Seeking the approval of all is unquestionably impossible. Much as you cannot guarantee everyone's "personal" satisfaction with, so it is true that you are not the "very" cause behind every upset face. In a few words, whenever someone praises or criticizes you, always bear in mind that there may be some truth in their words; weigh it up, break it down, and consider it always a chance to better or refresh yourself. The trick here is that this applies both to criticism and praise, as both may well be either constructive or destructive! 3. Don’t Make Assumptions “We have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth. We could swear they are real. We make assumptions about what others are doing or thinking—we take it personally—then we blame them and react by sending emotional poison with our word. That is why when we make assumptions, we’re asking for problems. We make an assumption, we misunderstand, we take it personally, and we end up creating a whole big drama for nothing.” Very wise and very true! What does the author suggest we should do about that? “The way to keep yourself from making assumptions is to ask questions. Make sure the communication is clear. If you don’t understand, ask. Have the courage to ask questions until you are as clear as you can be.”
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4. Always Do Your Best “There is just one more agreement, but it’s the one that allows the other three to become deeply ingrained habits. The fourth agreement is about the action of the first three: Always do your best.” “Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time, so your best will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be as good.” This is quite a valid point we seldom pay attention to. Another valid point about doing your best is that: "best" is by no means a synonym to "should." That is, doing your very best needs not mean doing what should be done. The essence of your best is what you yourself know you are capable of. Brian Johnson, a philosopher commenting on this book, says, "Think about it. When what you’re doing is less than what you’re capable of doing—and I’m not talking about what you “should” be doing here, but what your Highest Self *knows* you’re capable of—there’s a gap. And, in that gap is where depression and anxiety and disillusionment hang out. When we close that gap by doing our best, there’s no room for the angst/negative /etc. and we feel REALLY good."
I One Moment, Please! It seems a common tendency to believe that what should be done is "better" or "higher" that what we are truly capable of. That is, we take it for granted that "our best" may not be up to the requirements or common standards. A good example is the filed of customer service. We call it an "extra mile" to do something beyond "the required." In effect, that extra mile is nothing short of than our "real" best. When you decide to follow up or take responsibility to its full, this is when you practise "what your highest self knows you are capable of"; in which case, your best is way higher and more sublime than the required. There nothing "extra" there, I believe; we simply realize and put our full potentials into effect when WE, ourselves, decide to take ownership of those potentials.
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We think we are exerting some "extra" effort because we do not frequently "choose" to realize our FULL potentials, do what we are really capable of; that is, do our very best. Always do your best; always do what you are capable of.
Beautiful Quotes from the Book: “Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive—the risk to be alive and express what we really are.” “Nobody abuses us more than we abuse ourselves.” “If you want to live a life of joy and fulfillment, you have to find the courage to break those agreements that are fear-based and claim your personal power.”
◄ The End ►
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Who has not read and enjoyed some comics / illustrated stories at some point?!
Now, we want to enjoy YOUR version of it! If you have ever sketched some comics of your own, please do share with us. Any "joint" work will do as well. If you have the scenario or the story but miss the drawings, or vice versa, get another family member to complete the missing piece; and let us all enjoy the splendid masterpiece in the end J This section is dedicated to gifted storytellers & illustrators: each time we may as well have a story & ask for a gifted drawer to draw illustrations, or have the illustrations for you to weave a tale around. Step ahead and have your name on the list of
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competitors.
A Letter TO My Hero
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Take this quiz: 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? "The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers; they are the best in their fields, but the applause dies, awards tarnish, and achievements are forgotten. Prizes and certificates are buried with their owners."
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel, appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. 6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
This page is dedicated to the Hero in your life, who made a difference, who carved his image in your heart forever. Write your letter of gratitude or appreciation, and send it to vf.motivation@gmail.com to acknowledge your Hero and introduce him/her to us!
Reference: http://www.indianchild.com/inspiring_stories.htm
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Hoda AlNimr
Put Yourself on View! If you have some "hidden powers," or feel your talents are yet to be fulfilled, you are in capable hands! We ALL have talents, gifts, and enormous powers. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you. "Use what talents you possess: the woods would Have been very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." ~ Henry Van Dyke "Regardless of how junior you are in an organization, you can have ideas that positively affect the company. Do not be contented with just doing your own work. Be an ignition of your company. Take the initiative to start something. It does not always have to be work oriented. It can be something fun or informal." ~ (Shine at Work, by: Long Yun Siang) Any talent finds happiness in execution. This is your own space: promote and "ad" about yourself for yourself. The Continuous Improvement Team is more than happy to adopt and nurture your initiatives and creative ideas, aiming at improving and boosting our work-style.
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"Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him." ~ Aldous Huxley. Why not share with us what you have learned, experienced, or enjoyed so far, being a valuable member in Vodafone Family? Just write it down and have it published for all other family members to read and share.
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Love & Wrath Touching Life Lesson
Delighted with the new car, the father was engrossed in shining it up that he did not notice his 4-year-old son approaching it. Very quietly, the child picked up a pebble, and started scratching up one of its sides. Hearing the noise, the father went mad and, without checking what the scratches were about, started beating at his son's little palms angrily with a hammer. Before long, the child was taken to hospital, suffering severe injuries.
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Filled with grief and regret, the father headed towards the new car, and furiously started hitting at it. Eventually wearied out, he sat leaning against the car, and through tearful eyes, he noticed the scratches his son made on the side of the car: "I love you, Papa," they read!
Author Unknown Translation by: Hoda AlNimr
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Love and Wrath are limitless; choose the former to lead a sound life.
Things are made to be used .. People are there to be loved; So often we mix both, that we end up ‌ using people and loving things!
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Reference: http://www.career-success-for-newbies.com Designs by: Hoda AlNimr
Part 1 : 3 Ps & 1 B Rule 29
1. Have a Sense Of Purpose
We think when people say, what is your purpose in life? The answer must surely be grand. Maybe, go to such and such country, start a charity, volunteer at a home and so on and so forth. Sure, if you know that is your calling, so be it. Go ahead and do it. But what if you do not and are still muddling through life? Is life’s purpose so easily discovered? If your life’s purpose were revealed to you today, would you even know it? While you discover your purpose in life may I suggest this? Your work is not a hindrance to that search for your grander purpose in life. If it is, you have a choice. If it isn’t, do not blame your work. Get angry at it; you will drift further from your answer. In fact, your work now is part of the process of discovering your grander purpose in life. It is filled with hints, clues and challenges that point you to that purpose. To do that, find a sense of purpose in your work now. What is your purpose at work? What role do you play? What services do you offer to your fellow colleagues to that make this a better place to work and a better world, and through the services and products offered by your company? Understand that role and you will understand your grander purpose better, if not discover it. This is an important part of your career planning success and a factor for career success.
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2.Pride
I know this is a tricky word. It connotes arrogance especially when one has too high an opinion of oneself. Personally, in defining my attitude - "Pride" is taken to mean self-dignity. Pride prevents you from doing just enough to get by. If you know everything you do at work has your name and signature on it, then you will give it your best shot and nothing less.
However, there is a danger here. That danger is excessive pride without the necessary skills and knowledge is arrogance. z Pride – Skills/Knowledge = Arrogance What about doing your work with just skills and knowledge and with no pride? Well, you end up with mediocre work. You get it right but it wouldn’t be the best. Is this your attitude in the workplace? z Skills/Knowledge – Pride = Average Work
When you add this set of positive attitudes in the workplace together, pride and skills/knowledge – what do you get? z Pride + Skills/Knowledge = The Best Work Each Time
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3. Passion
Just a simple plain ‘interest’ in any work or career you choose isn’t enough to bring you through the tough times. And trust me, there will be tough times. It could be an unreasonable client or an impossible timeline. However, passion as a positive attitude in the workplace is the burning desire and love for the work that you do, which will pull you through the tough times. It is an intense enthusiasm that all things worth doing are worth doing well. However, like the previous set of positive attitudes in the workplace it needs to be balanced by another factor - Direction. Passion without direction would just mean wasted energy. z Passion – Direction = Wasted Energy What if you know where you want to go but do not have the fuel for it? It just means success takes longer to achieve, if ever. z Direction – Passion = Success Takes Far Longer, If Ever When you add direction and passion as positive attitude in the workplace, you get goals galore! z Passion + Direction = Goals Galore
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4. Belief
In order to generate that passion, it is important to believe. Only a deep belief will create the vigour and force that gives you the fuel to charge. Know that you can achieve all that you set out to do for yourself. You only need to start believing in yourself. [As the saying goes: the limit is the sky.] This belief must be balanced with action. Action means making your plans work. It means doing. A belief that is not backed by a plan of action is just fantasies. z Belief – Action = Fantasies What if you work your plans without a belief? Anyone without belief in themselves and their dreams but continue to work their plans is a fool at work. z Action – Belief = Fool at Work When you are able to synergize belief and action into one, your dreams come true! z Belief + Action = Dreams Come True
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Source: Weekly Updates on Our Intranet
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English is a Stupid Language!!! Let’s face it English is a stupid language. There is no egg in the eggplant
**Funny Riddles** 1. Why did the student eat his homework? 2. There is one word in English that is pronounced incorrectly; what is it? 3. How can you make seven even? 4. Why did the boy bring a ladder to school? 5. Why do elephants never forget? 6. What do astronauts eat? 7. Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain on earth?
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No ham in the hamburger And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple. English muffins were not invented in England French fries were not invented in France. We sometimes take English for granted But if we examine its paradoxes we find that Quicksand takes you down slowly And Boxing rings are square If writers write, how come fingers don’t fing. If the plural of tooth is teeth Shouldn’t the plural of phone booth be phone beeth If the teacher taught, Why didn’t the preacher praught. If a vegetarian eats vegetables What the heck does a humanitarian eat!?
Why do people recite at a play yet play at a recital? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? English was invented by people, not computers And it reflects the creativity of the human race (Which of course isn’t a race at all) That is why When the stars are out they are visible But when the lights are out they are invisible And why it is that when I wind up my watch It starts But when I wind up this poem It ends.
Answers 4 Funny Riddles: 1.The teacher told him it was "a piece of cake." 2."Incorrectly". 3.Remove the "S". 4.He thought it was a "high" school! 5.Because nobody ever tells them anything! 6."Launch" meat! 7.Mount Everest.
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Smart Quiz! Note that answering these Qs depends on logical sequence: · How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator ?
Why not share with us some of your pastimes? Recommend a site; send an anecdote, or a funny piece of writing…etc. Take part now and let's have some Time-OUT together J
· How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator? · The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend, except one. Which animal does not attend? · There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it ? Answers: ü Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and then close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way. ü Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions. ü The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. You just put him in there. This tests your memory. ü You jump into the river and swim across. Have you not been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the animal conference. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.
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What Did They Say About…
© Dreams are answers to questions we haven't yet figured out how to ask. ~ Unknown. © Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you. © ~ Marsha Norman © Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives. ~ William Dement © Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions. ~Edgar Cayce © Dreams are free, so free your dreams. ~Astrid Alauda © The best reason for having dreams is that in dreams no reasons are necessary. ~Ashleigh Brilliant © We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. ~ Woodrow Wilson © When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality. ~ Dom Helder Camara
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ﻭﻋﻈﺘﲏ ﻧﻔﺴﻲ ،ﻓﻌﻠﻤﺘﲏ ﺃﻻ ﺃﹶﻃﹾﺮﺏ ﳌﹶﺪﻳﺢ ﻭﻻ ﺃﹶﺟﺰﻉ ﳌﹶﺬﹶﻣﺔ .ﻭﻗﺒﻞ ﺃﻥ ﺗﻌﻈﹶﲏ ﻧﻔﺴﻲ ،ﻛﻨﺖ ﺃﻇﻞ ﻣﺮﺗﺎﺑـﺎﹰ ﰲ ﻗﻴﻤﺔ ﺃﻋﻤﺎﱄ ﻭﻗﹶﺪﺭﹺْﻫﺎ ،ﺣﱴ ﺗﺒﻌﺚ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﺍﻷﻳـﺎﻡ ﲟـﻦ ﻳﻘﹾﺮﹺﻇﹸﻬﺎ ﺃﻭ ﻳﻬﺠﻮﻫﺎ .ﺃﻣـﺎ ﺍﻵﻥ ،ﻓﻘـﺪ ﻋﺮﻓـﺖ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻷﺷﺠﺎﺭ ﺗﺰﻫﺮ ﰲ ﺍﻟﺮﺑﻴﻊ ﻭﺗﺜﻤﺮ ﰲ ﺍﻟﺼﻴﻒ ﻭﻻ ﻣﻄﹾﻤﻊ ﳍﺎ ﺑﺎﻟﺜﻨﺎﺀ ،ﻭﺗﻨﺜﺮ ﺃﻭﺭﺍﻗﻬﺎ ﰲ ﺍﳋﺮﻳـﻒ ﻭﺗﺘﻌـﺮﻯ ﰲ ﺍﻟﺸﺘﺎﺀ ﻭﻻ ﲣﺸﻰ ﺍﳌﹶﻼﻣﺔ. ﺟﱪﺍﻥ ﺧﻠﻴﻞ ﺟﱪﺍﻥ \ ﻣﻦ ﻛﺘﺎﺏ "ﺩﻣﻌﺔ ﻭﺍﺑﺘﺴﺎﻣﺔ" 40
Final Word Dear Family, This issue is just a start for a big go. It is mainly designed to be about us, VF Family members, and most importantly advisors, the pillar and forefront! We will bring up the most interesting of issues starting from the relationship between managers and team members, to work environment, and striking a balance between career and outside life. I will not close up with the clichĂŠ phrase: "stay tuned." There is no need at all to stay tuned; all that is needed is to take part! Fragrant Regards,,, Hoda AlNimr
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