Learning to speak up...

I read an article today about Asians not being outspoken enough. I agree... I guess I am one of them. Why is that so? Blame it on our education and upbringing. Remember primary school teachers asking us to put our fingers on our lips? Or that children shouldn't challenge adult's authority? Nod... deep psychological impacts were inflicted...

As for me, I can't really stand by my point of view. A little bit of resistance and I back down. Or after I give my opinion to a crowd... I worry about the way I put it across. Was it clear? Did I sound nervous or too agitated or angry? I don't have the confidence to deliver my pitch and stand strong by it. It frustrates me.

Work has been frustrating too. I think an important element in all jobs should be the ability to listen. Just simply to sit down and give your full attention to that person and listen with an open heart. Don't judge. Don't belittle. Don't be impatient. Don't interrupt.

Just listen and practise a little empathy. And you might be able to find that little bridge to seeing the big picture. To understand someone's grouses or unhappiness or problem. Everybody talks to much. For pete's sake.... shut up and listen.

Must learn to speak up and not be a softie asian. As Greg says, you are not a little fly. You are an angry bee. Sting them. (Opps.. but bee die after stinging.) Ok. Be a wasp, sting them many times.