1
2
Motivation Š Vodafone Magazine For Vodafone Family
-----------------------------
Editor Hoda Al-Nimr
Designs & Graphics Hoda Al-Nimr
-------------------------------
Copyright
Vodafone FamilyŠ ------------------------------
Contact Information e-mail hoda.alnimr@vodafone.com
Website & Facebook Coming SOON.
3
~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. That is to say, 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 basically 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 customers. That is, besides being a linking chain in our grand family. 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
4
"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
with. 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
5
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?
·
start
· What about a common key, so to speak?
your
· A common key would be sympathy and being cheerful.
Vodafone career. Why choosing
The thing is that, customers give us a call when something
Vodafone in specific?
goes wrong, or when they don't understand and want some
Now
narrowing
let's
down
to
I used to work in a
-
company similar to Vodafone in the US for two and a half years.
explanation; otherwise, they wouldn't be calling. Our main message to deliver across is: we a re here to support you. ·
Were you sympathetic and cheerful as an advisor?
Then, it took me a whole year to
· As an advisor I was. Even if I wasn’t, I would act like I
settle in Egypt upon returning to
were. I find acting it out much easier than being it!
sort out my papers. I wanted to work in multi-national company, because
I
experience
had in
considerable the
field
· Don’t you feel like being false then; or that you are not honest with yourself? · No, because I am not lying to anyone. The customer is
of
happy, my manager is happy, the company is happy.
communication in general. Thus,
You see, I didn’t lie to either the customer or anyone
I decided to join a communication
else about anything.
company, and started applying in Vodafone, Mobinil, and Etsalat. I chose
Vodafone
former advisor and as a TM?
specific
As an advisor, I used to complain that my job was hard
because my Arabic was not good
and tough, and that I wish I were a TM because it is a
at all upon coming back. English
lot easier. TMs basically do nothing except for
was my mother tongue then, so I
lounging
found working in an international
instructions over and over again, "keep your numbers,"
account
"watch your AHT," "remove ACW"…etc. Now that I am
the
in
· How do you view an advisor's job from both angles, as a
most
suitable.
around
all
day,
repeating
the
same
Vodafone is good, so far!
TM, I think, "WOW, it was a whole lot easier being an
·
advisor!!!" I knew my job, did it as is should be done,
What do you think is the key
to excellent customer service?
and at the end of the day would go home safely. As a
·
The key? There is no one key
TM, I am accountable for others' work. To get the
as there is no one customer; we
picture, imagine a mom or a dad with 16 children, each
come
different
with different needs and wants. If you just remember
different
their names and don’t get them mixed, you are an
across
customers backgrounds
6
many from
amazing
mom
or
dad!
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 living elsewhere. By being indifferent to
·
So, you find it quite normal that someone
I find it normal because I was always friends with
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
and his/her team members should be based on?
anything, but not everything." Moving on, what
·
do you think are the most important qualities
but following after you like a shadow.
anyone in a position of managing should have?
7
Trust. If I don't trust you I won't be doing nothing
·
·
By trust you mean that even if you are
To cope, yes it is easy, but not quite so to
not there, you are certain your advisor is
socialize as many are two-faced, which is something I
doing their job just as well?
don't stand.
·
·
Exactly. Whether I am around or not,
you should be handling things as if I am
your friends?
standing next to you. My team proved and confirmed this mutual trust when I went on
Then what is the basis upon which you choose
·
Things we have in common, activities, and
spending much time with them.
vacation: things were running smoothly and
·
What does your team represent for you?
I had none of my delegates calling me
·
Business-wise: they are the team who will get
because of bad performance. When I was
me ahead in promotion with their commitment and
working with Fluid (Mahmoud Osman), and
achievements; and who, with my support, will grow
since I started working with Islam Elsayed,
up in the company; or they are the team who will
we always had that trust, they didn't look
keep where I am or get me fired.
after me or question me because they
On a personal level, I think of it as a family; a dad
trusted.
with 16 kids, every single child wants something;
·
besides, we hang out together, laugh together, and do
Do you frequently hear "you are difficult
to understand"? ·
everything together.
(Smiles) Yes!
·
What is the part you enjoy the most about
· And you don't plan to do something about
your current position?
that?!
·
· I will tell you why people say so. I believe I
do what my previous TMs did to me: get them to
am very straightforward: I say whatever in
grow up, move out of my team into better positions.
my mind outright; I don’t dress it up to make
·
it "nice." People think it is odd or there must
and major weakness?
be something behind because this not
·
commonplace in our life or community. This
hate the most!
is one thing I like about life in US, where
·
Then you don't know yourself well!
being quite frank is the norm there.
·
I know myself but don't know how to answer
Only when I came back to Egypt did I start
that question. Why don't you tell me based on your
hearing this phrase. This may also be due to
knowledge of me, and I will tell you whether it is
the way I grew up and my different
right or wrong?
background.
·
I have people who look up to me, and I try to
What would you define as your major strength (smiles) This is exactly the type of questions I
Hmmm, let's see. I should think your plus
point is you are determined and know exactly what ·
8
Given that, do you find it easy to cope or socialize?
you want.
· Okay..
· (laughs) When I was elected as the best floor
· You can also separate business from personal.
walker, I had no previous idea, nor did my
· Fine..
manager say a word on the matter. The reaction I
· As for the weakness, just tell us something
got from the audience when they announced my
about your personality or yourself you would
name was unbelievable. I had the biggest and
like to change.
longest cheer of all; it was such an amazing
· I think I should stop being alone!
feeling!
· What about 3 best events in your life in
·
Would you share with us a challenge that you
are proud to have overcome?
general? · One day, a girl from another team, I don’t
·
I had a lot in my life, but no specific one comes
know her name, asked me a very simple
to my mind now. I believe I don’t have fears to
question, and I helped her; after I went home
overcome, as they are more of concerns, like when
she sent me a page-long mail thanking me,
I first started scuba diving. I was concerned about
and telling me how much I have helped her;
the pressure on my lungs, being 30 meters below
she said, "I really love who you are, I have a
sea level, breathing and swimming like a fish and
wonderful TM, but I wish I were in your team!"
so on.
Thinking back, I don’t think I did much, but
·
Did you ever back out from any battle because
for her it was of a great impact, which was
you failed to live up to the expectations or face
rather surprising for me. I was really happy
the challenges?
then. This is mainly personal not business, so I wouldn't
count
this
as
a
·
knew I wouldn't achieve, or because I could
Vodafone
achieve if I tried but I didn't want to.
achievement. The second and third would be driving and scuba diving respectively.
I have backed out of things either because I
·
You know what you are capable of or at least
· And one best even in Vodafone?
can learn and try it, and what is not your scope
· That was when I achieved well as floor
in the first place.
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 taught them billing
·
Exactly.
·
What do you think is a major quality an advisor should possess?
·
potentials leave, though they could have
· How long have you been in Vodafone? · 3 years. · Seems like 3000!
Patience. A lot of great people with huge 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.
9
· Then you shouldn't be talking about
· If you had that specific car, no other dreams in mind?
patience when you had it that quick!
· Well, I will be satisfied!
· I am not patient when it comes to work!
·
And you won't feel lonely?!
· You want to reap the fruit quickly?
·
(laughs).. no.. I have my car!
· Just so! I get really bored if I keep doing
·
If you had a choice now, which would you prefer to be: TM
the same thing over a long time.
or advisor?
· But you’ve been advisor for 4 months.
·
Definitely a TM!
· Correct.
·
Even though you previously mentioned that being an
· Didn’t you get bored despite doing the same thing over and over again for four
advisor was much easier? ·
months?
Yes, because I passed that part of my life; people move ahead they don’t move back.
· The job was very easy and simple; there
·
As a close-up, please describe yourself in one word?
were no challenges after 1st month.
·
Awesome! (laughs) No, just kidding!
· Was it easy because of your background
·
Think of it as an equation : Patrick = …
and work experience?
·
Hmmm, I am not good at that.
· Definitely!
·
May I give you one?
·
Yes, you may.
percent satisfaction?
·
Would you like to know?
· No.
·
Yes, please.
· Ever had bad c-view?
·
I would say you are an intriguing character.
· Yes!
·
Would you elaborate more?
· How did you handle that?
·
Come to think of it, it is just like a deep well: you will never
· Could
you
always
guarantee
100%
· Next!
know what hidden treasures there are till you dive deep into
· Just let it go?!
it, for if you keep looking from above, you will see nothing
· I have gone through something not good
but still water.
and didn’t achieve well; ok, next one, please. Try again, tray again, try again! · And what would be a dream you wish to realize? · Getting Porsche 911 Carrera!!! · ??? · That is a car! · That is it? To have a car is your dream? · To have that car! That specific car!
10
·
(Smiles)
11
A Special THANK YOU
12
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. Thank You, Mr. Patrick!
Emotional Intelligence is not the triumph of head over heart, nor of heart over head; it is the beautiful intersection and magical blending of BOTH.
13
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 darling, 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,
14
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!"
15
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!
16
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.
17
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.”
18
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.
19
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 ►
20
21
What Do YOU Think Of ‌ It is about what YOU and YOU alone think; this is where you can voice out your opinion freely, constructively, and respectfully. In each issue, we will choose some point to discuss about the company, policies, work environment,‌etc. It is more like the surveys we have for the applications we use, (a case in a point would be the InFOrm survey); however, it would be deeper, and more you-oriented. All that it takes to participate is to be a person of mind, a will to change, a drive to reform, and most importantly, criticize to rectify, and praise to amplify! Speak up, and let us ALL work together to have a place we would LOVE to live in J
22
23
Who has not read and enjoyed some comics in their life?!
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
24
A Letter TO My Hero
25
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 hoda.alnimr@vodafone.com to acknowledge your Hero and introduce him/her to us!
Reference: http://www.indianchild.com/inspiring_stories.htm
26
27
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 be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best." ~ Henry Van Dyke Any talent finds happiness in execution. This is your own space: promote and ad about yourself for yourself. Do not let the word "talent" or "gift" set you apart. The fact that you came to this world by design is itself talent enfolded. Help other family members know how to "make use" of your "power" areas. A "power" area is simply one where you feel empowered; you are master of your own; like a hobby or pastime. You do not have to beat records or win competitions. All you have to do is to enjoy it, extremely enjoy it, because this is when you are going to give it your real best! Starting from next issue, we want to fill pages with talents and celebrate ALL our family members, for they are ALL talented J 28
"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.
29
We Are‌
"The job of the customer service agent is important: salesmen might make the sale, but the customer service agent makes sure that these sales keep happening again and again." Walt Disney had a famous service catch phrase: “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.�
Starting from the coming issue, we shall explore some tips for Golden Customer Service, carefully chosen from amongst billions of sites and articles on the subject all around the internet. This is not to say 100% success is guaranteed if those tips are applied; but unless we try applying them, we will never know. As the saying goes, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take."
30
How Love Came to Be “Blind”
Once upon a time, when the earth was not yet inhabited by people, virtues and vices like love,
mercy,
evil,
hatred,
envy,
madness,
sadness, happiness,…etc. lived together. They did nothing but rambling around till they got dead bored. One day, creativity suggested playing a fun game, and named it: “hide and seek”. Everyone liked the idea, most of all madness. “I’ll start, I’ll start,” cried madness, “I’ll close my eyes and start counting while you all hide quickly.” No sooner said than done, madness leaned against the wall, and started counting while all vices and virtues went for hiding.
Gentleness seated itself on the moon; treachery among a garbage heap; and passion amidst the clouds. While yearning dived into the bottom of earth; lying cried out, “I’ll hide myself underneath the rocks,” then headed for the bottom of a lake. “Seventy nine, eighty, eighty one…” madness went on. All vices and virtues had hidden by then except for love. Love was hesitant as usual, and therefore could not decide where to hide. This is not surprising, though; for we know how difficult it is to hide love. Madness went on, “ninety five, ninety six, ninety seven…” and when it reached one hundred, love jumped into a bed of roses.
31
Finally,
madness
opened
its
eyes
and
yelled exultantly, “I’m coming, I’m coming.” Laziness was the first to be found, as it did not exert any effort to hide itself in the first place! Following was gentleness, and then lying came out of the lake breathless. Madness found them all, one after the other; all save for love. It was about to give up when envy approached it. “Love is hiding in the rose bed,” envy whispered into the ears of Madness.
Madness picked up a thorny branch, and started piercing into the rose bed madly. It did not stop until it heard a heart-rending sobbing. Love came out of the rose bed, hands over eyes, with blood dripping from in between its fingers. At that sight, madness cried in remorse, “Lord! What have I done? How can I make up for causing you to lose your eyesight? ” “You cannot bring my sight back,” love muttered in pain, “but there is one thing you can do for me. Be my guide.”
And from then on, love wanders blind lead by … madness
~~~~~~~ Author Unknown Translated by: Hoda Alnimr
32
J
English is a Stupid Language!!! Let’s face it English is a stupid language. There is no egg in the eggplant
The Famous, British, Comic TVSeries
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 Boxing rings are square
Is NOW available on
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. 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,
Just type "yes prime minister" in the search tab, or follow the link: http://www.youtube. com/user/Enlighten edMonk#g/p
33
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.
Funny Riddles · Why did the student eat his homework? · What did the cannibal order for take-out? · How can you make seven even? · Why did the boy bring a ladder to school? · Why do elephants never forget? · What do astronauts eat?
34
Answers: 1.The teacher told him it was "a piece of cake." 2.Pizza with "everyone" on it. 3.Remove the "S". 4.He thought it was a "high" school! 5.Because nobody ever tells them anything! 6."Launch" meat!
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.
35
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
36
ﻭﻋﻅﺘﻨﻲ ﻨﻔﺴﻲ ،ﻓﻌﻠﻤﺘﻨﻲ ﺃﻻ ﺃَﻁﹾﺭﺏ ﻟﻤﺩﻴﺢ ﻭﻻ ﺃَﺠﺯﻉ ﻟﻤﺫﹶﻤﺔ .ﻭﻗﺒل ﺃﻥ ﺘﹶﻌﻅﹶﻨﻲ ﻨﻔﺴﻲ ،ﻜﻨﺕ ﺃﻅل ﻤﺭﺘﺎﺒﺎﹰ ﻓﻲ ﻗﻴﻤﺔ ﺃﻋﻤﺎﻟﻲ ﻭﻗﹶﺩﺭﹺْﻫﺎ ،ﺤﺘﻰ ﺘﺒﻌﺙ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﺍﻷﻴﺎﻡ ﺒﻤﻥ ﻴﻘﹾﺭﹺﻅﹸﻬﺎ ﺃﻭ ﻴﻬﺠﻭﻫﺎ .ﺃﻤﺎ ﺍﻵﻥ ،ﻓﻘﺩ ﻋﺭﻓﺕ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻷﺸﺠﺎﺭ ﺘﹸﺯﻫﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﺒﻴﻊ ﻭﺘﺜﻤﺭ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺼﻴﻑ ﻭﻻ ﻤﻁﹾﻤﻊ ﻟﻬﺎ ﺒﺎﻟﺜﻨﺎﺀ ،
ﻭﺘﻨﺜﺭ ﺃﻭﺭﺍﻗﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺨﺭﻴﻑ ﻭﺘﺘﻌﺭﻯ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺸﺘﺎﺀ ﻭﻻ ﺘﺨﺸﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﻼﻤﺔ. ﺠﺒﺭﺍﻥ ﺨﻠﻴل ﺠﺒﺭﺍﻥ \ ﻤﻥ ﻜﺘﺎﺏ"ﺒﺩﺍﺌﻊ ﻭﻁﺭﺍﺌﻑ 37
Have Your Say & Make a Difference NOW!
Fragrant Regards, Hoda Al-Nimr 38
39