Life Lessons

I read the story of Tung Chan, a banker turned chief executive of SUCCESS in the Vancouver Sun February 1, 2008 edition, and it amazes me how I am now learning the lessons he once learned when he first got involved with SUCCESS. Here are some of the life lessons he was taught by his father, but he never quite learned them until he was on the job:

• Don’t say anything about others’ shortcomings. Don’t boast of your strengths. Don’t remember when you help people, but never forget those who help you.
• Fame is not something to strive for; being generous, gentle and fair is.
• Touch your heart and think clearly before you move. Don’t feel hurt by rumours and gossip.
• Never allow your reputation to be exaggerated. Appear to be less intelligent than you are, it will suit you well.
• Do not let even the darkest moments or the worst company influence or change you.
• Hold your light and warmth inside. Be gentle and weak; it will increase longevity.
• Be careful with your words and with what you eat and drink.

I found his initial ways of running business were similar to mine, and I sure need to re-learn some of the lessons he has learned in real life. "When he tried to race through the first staff meeting in under an hour, his staff balked. They told him he needed to slow down, listen more. Chan started listening more and rethinking his father’s advice. He’s relearning how to be gentle and weak. He’s relearning the importance of relationships and finding ways to be critical without the other person losing face."