nbk insider july 2009
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NBK's monthly internal newsletterTRANSCRIPT
insider
ΝΒΚΝΒΚΝΒΚΝΒΚ
© Public Relations Department
© PR Department NBK Holding 2009 Year 2—Issue 13 July 2009
VVVVVVVVVVVV I S I O N F O R T H E F U T U R EI S I O N F O R T H E F U T U R EI S I O N F O R T H E F U T U R EI S I O N F O R T H E F U T U R E
Celebrating Celebrating Celebrating Celebrating One Year of One Year of One Year of One Year of the INSIDER the INSIDER the INSIDER the INSIDER
Inside this Issue:
Pages 3- 4 NBK News Bulletin
Page 5 NBK Family Round-Up
Page 6 SAP Journey SAP Key Users Awarding
Page 7 U Matter “Innovate or die” by Dr. Nizar Issa
Pages 8-9 HR News
Page 10 Announcement Ask Your Management
Page 11 In Depth NBK ReadyMix
Pages 12-17 Special Report Left or Right Brained
Pages 18-19 Health
Page 20 Round & about The Human Condition: The good try
Dear Colleagues,
C ongrats! – Today marks the first year anniversary of our NBK In-sider. On behalf of NBK, we, at the PR department, thank each and every one of you for making this project a true success and benchmark of great and continuous team effort and commitment.
We shall take this occasion to speak to you about the importance of communications. In today’s world, we are overwhelmed with new means to connect, speak and share. We have a number of social media; technology is providing us with new gadgets and widgets every second of the day; we are turning to digital conferencing and shedding away the more traditional methods of meetings and debates but we tend to forget the most significant element of it all: COMMUNICATION. With all the amenities that your Blackberry, your second personal mobile phone, your laptop or your pager provide you with, you could be overlooking the importance of communications’ skills in all areas of your life. And here we find ourselves quoting the English novelist, Charles Dickens, saying: “Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.” With a quick search of an online dictionary, communications is defined as the act of transmitting or conveying messages, thoughts, ideas and feel-ings. But how can we do so successfully and effectively? Many times, we find ourselves failing to do something because there was a lack or misunderstanding in communication. Every type of relationships has its founding basis in communications If you can’t do properly then you might just be often prone to facing problems and challenges wherever you are and at any point in your life; and for that, we have three broad words of advice to you: 1. Don’t assume; make sure to research, to ask and to back your point of view with enough facts before jumping to conclusions 2. Take your time to clarify your point of view 3. Don’t think. Listen!! Acknowledge that disagreements is a natural part of any conversation Again, we thank you all for your brilliant commitment to the NBK Insider. We are deeply confident that the upcoming months will see further fruitful results. We look forward to receiving your valuable feedback and thoughts on our past 12 issues of the Insider so please feel free to drop us a line at [email protected] or call us on 4624438. Warmest regards, PR Department Team 2
EDITORIAL
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NBK Insider
Issue 13 - July 2009
NEWS Bulletin
NBK READY MIX HIGHEST PRODUCTION RATE
“Concrete Commitment” The NBK Ready Mix Plant has been established in May 2007 with the aim to support the Al Wa’ab City project as well as the rest of the mar-ket. NBK RM utilizes two state of the art batching plants from Leibherr, Germany with a capacity of 100 sqm per hour as well as a huge fleet of trucks, truck mixers, cement bulkers and mobile pumps. NBK RM is a joint venture between Austrian Arabian Ready Mix Co., well-known for pouring the world’s tales tower in Dubai, and NBKS Group. Due to its unique location and capacity, NBK RM has been the sole concrete supplier for the Al Wa’ab City project as well as many other developments in Qatar. NBK RM employs around 150 employees and continues to view expansion and upgrading to be-come one of the top concrete suppliers in Qatar, with a keen eye to expand its reach and provide the best quality and service. A major millstone has just been achieved and celebrated last May as the NBK RM were able to reach the highest production capacity ever since its establishment.
NASSER BIN KHALED AND SONS COMPANY BAGS BOSCH AWARD FOR BEST PERFORMANCE IN THE RE-GION
Nasser Bin Khaled and Sons Company has been recently awarded the title of Runner Up 2008 as the Best Performing Dealer in the Automotive Aftermarket for the Arabian Penin-sula by Bosch Middle East. This title recognizes NBK’s auto-motive leadership in Qatar and the region. The award was presented by Mr. Stewart Kelly Regional Sales Manager and Mr. Subin Mohan Regional Sales Execu-tive from Robert Bosch Middle East to Mr. Ahmed Habib, NBKS GM, Mr. Samuel Zidan, Division Manager, ZEIN Auto-motive (Spare Parts & Accessories).
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NBK Insider
Issue 13 - July 2009
NEWS Bulletin
NBK Bowling Tournament rumple continues
NBK Bowling Tournament continues in its ninth week. The tournament is getting so competitive with the teams aiming to be within the top three. The teams standing and on the top three places are Team 10 (Leah Rosello, Ronnie Villegas, Nick Pelaydon and Khaisam A.K) , Team 2 (Cathy Francisco, Dexter Javier, Omar Khalil and Leslie Cleofe) and Team 6 (Jonineth Cabague , Munther Al-Herbawi, Mahmoud Al-Moghrabi and Hani Z) consecutively. Good luck for all and we will keep you updated with the results in the next issue.
QAC LIVE ONLINE WITH NEW MITSUBISHI AND FUSO WEBSITE www.mitsubishi-motors.com.qa
Qatar Automobiles Company, recently launched its new Qatar-related website Mr. Khalid Abu Shaa’ban, General Manager of QAC said: “Digital is now a core driver of any business and a prime choice for retail transactions. The online pres-ence of any corporate entity is crucial to maintaining and strengthening its relation-ship with its stakeholders providing them with the opportunity to locate specific in-formation pertaining to their needs and interest.” The Website incorporates user-friendly features enhancing information dissemination, product and services reviews, availability, booking and evaluation Tracks the development of QAC with an overview of its current and upcoming initiatives and campaigns Provides links to various customer-service related departments
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NBK Insider
Issue 13 - July 2009
NBK Insider wishes a Happy Birthday to:
NBK Family Round-Up!
Paul Maryan NBK Holding 12-Jul
John Jacob NBK Holding 15-Jul
John Mathai Puthoor NBK Holding 20-Jul
Ali El Said Mohd NBK Holding 10-Jul
Leah Rosello NBK Holding 20-Jul
Alan Atellin NBK Holding 1-Jul
Harun Rashid Tajul Islam NBK Holding 15-Jul
Asmaa Yousif NBK Holding 20-Jul
Leslie Cleofe NBK Holding 17-Jul
Michel Tranquilo NBK Holding 3-Jul
Mohamed Abou Zahrei NBK Holding 1-Jul
Hamdi Moustafa Ibrahim Abouelezz NBK Auto 15-Jul
Mirza Sani NBK Auto 10-Jul
Puthiya Veettil Bhaskaran NBK Auto 13-Jul
Kuttenkulan Karappan pushkaran NBK Auto 30-Jul
Naseem Khan Tajbar Khan NBK Auto 6-Jul
Senani Perera Perera Liyanage NBK Auto 16-Jul
Domingo I. Aguja NBK Auto 26-Jul
Chateesh Sundarsanam NBK Auto 21-Jul
Agosto Saguin Saguin Yurong NBK Auto 8-Jul
Nenita Vedra Asingho NBK Auto 25-Jul
Poovathur Govind Raj NBK Auto 21-Jul
Ruwani Pradeepika NBK Auto 23-Jul
Ramil Ganzon NBK Auto 6-Jul
Bassel Abou Hassan NBK Auto 31-Jul
Julius Condat NBK Auto 10-Jul
Ahmed Korrani NBK Auto 19-Jul
Henry Onyango Okumu NBK Auto 22-Jul
Ahmad Sharief NBK Auto 2-Jul
Fouad Howaiji NBK Auto 17-Jul
Elise Jheane Jimenez NBK Auto 9-Jul
Kolambo Ajith Kumara NBK Auto 7-Jul
Ghiath Maki NBK Auto 25-Jul
Eiad Alkhatib NBK Auto 1-Jul
Ali Yahya Class Leasing 1-Jul
Julius Ruiz Class Leasing 13-Jul
Victorino Chua Class Leasing 8-Jul
Nonong Crisostomo Class Leasing 31-Jul
Joseph Albert Gonzales Class Leasing 25-Jul
Jazzel Wang Class Leasing 21-Jul
Ahmed Toujani Class Leasing 9-Jul
Mark Bayaliss QAC 19-Jul
Tamer Abdel Hakim Mohamed Saleh QAC 23-Jul
Salim Solayman QAC 16-Jul
Mohammad Walid Al-Haj Mahmoud QAC 3-Jul
Mohammed Fowzan Sa'adeh QAC 22-Jul
Emad Dawali QAC 29-Jul
Loay Al-Nammoura QAC 11-Jul
Ahmed AbdelRazek Ahmed QAC 14-Jul
Magd Ahmad QAC 20-Jul
Mohammad Khader QAC 17-Jul
Abeypala Arachchige QAC 27-Jul
Eapan Oommen QAC 20-Jul
Oommen Oommen QAC 15-Jul
Chengali Sunny Kutty QAC 27-Jul
Dilum Gamarachchige QAC 1-Jul
Crisolgo Corido QAC 4-Jul
Mohammad Abu Jafar Abdul Jalil QAC 8-Jul
Leon Carstens QAC 18-Jul
Dionisio Antimano QAC 7-Jul
Chhabi Sapkota QAC 28-Jul
Ronie Vongiese QAC 4-Jul
Mickhael Asuncion QAC 31-Jul
Cristopher Alcantara QAC 2-Jul
Elezar gigante QAC 10-Jul
Sarah Umali QAC 30-Jul
Rajitha Suminda Galgana Acharige QAC 15-Jul
Kalyan Singh QAC 13-Jul
Moti Lal Bohara QAC 8-Jul
Kiran G.C. QAC 30-Jul
Herald Sta. Maria QAC 15-Jul
Micheal Ryan Merin QAC 29-Jul
Yuan Rafeek Bauharie Bosch Automotive 27-Jul
Daisy Perez Bosch Automotive 22-Jul
Apolonio Villanueva Bosch Automotive 7-Jul
Richard Allam Bosch Automotive 17-Jul
Jay Punzalan Bosch Automotive 9-Jul
Mohamed Hasan Bosch Automotive 23-Jul
Senadeerage Gunasekara Bosch Automotive 24-Jul
Howie Rogers Bosch Automotive 17-Jul
Tharanga Deupura Acharige Bosch Automotive 19-Jul
Santiago Contreras Bosch Home App 17-Jul
Madathil Parambil Abdu Doha Petrol Station 5-Jul
Mildred Guillemer Babao Doha Petrol Station 8-Jul
Bharat Bishowkarme Doha Petrol Station 26-Jul
Vindoh Hewa Fonsekage Doha Petrol Station 5-Jul
Leah Young Harley Davidson 25-Jul
Puzhankarayillath Kutty Heavy Equipment 9-Jul
Bishnu Sunar Heavy Equipment 3-Jul
Cris Manalo Heavy Equipment 25-Jul
Edwin Araya Heavy Equipment 2-Jul
Khum Prasad Heavy Equipment 30-Jul
Roberto Aran Heavy Equipment 19-Jul
Tabroni Bin Kasram Intech 29-Jul
Sunil Kumar Jathan Intech 22-Jul
Raj Kumar Ojha Intech 5-Jul
Ucip Bin Ujang Intech 15-Jul
Jang Bahadur Nishad Intech 15-Jul
Bhacesh Ghelani Intech 5-Jul
Tembhare Prakash Chaitaram Intech 10-Jul
Hewa Aracharig Manakish Al Basha 2-Jul
Tarek Mohd jarkho Metropolis 20-Jul
Noriel Mendoza Metropolis 1-Jul
Salimuddin Bashar Michelin 12-Jul
Ernesto Domingo Michelin 23-Jul
Joel Jamora Michelin 15-Jul
Rolan Dizon NBK Fashion 31-Jul
Nizar Issa NBK Medical 9-Jul
Khaisam Al khams NBK Medical 27-Jul
Hazem Jaradat NBK Medical 18-Jul
Maria Elena Quiocson NBK Medical 6-Jul
Cenon Marmol NBK ReadyMix 30-Jul
Arnulfo Tapic NBK ReadyMix 15-Jul
Tirso Cali NBK Real Estate 3-Jul
Allan Cardiel NBK Real Estate 4-Jul
Jefferson Sulapas NBK Real Estate 28-Jul
Marwa Agouza NBK Real Estate 17-Jul
Ananda Jeewandarage NBK Trading 2-Jul
Lakshman Pulukkuttige NBK Trading 2-Jul
Joseph Agustin NBK Trading 23-Jul
Moideen Peediyakkal NBK Travel 19-Jul
Felimon V. De Los Santos NBK Travel 23-Jul
Ravlito Alvaran NIC 6-Jul
Abdel Kader Ghalaieeny Prime Ride 5-Jul
Von Silvester Sibayan Quiksilver 16-Jul
Czareenah Mangrubang Select 9-Jul
Mary Rose Hernandez Select 15-Jul
Catherine Cabiles Silver Cafe 24-Jul
llewelyn Minerva Silver Cafe 11-Jul
Sanath Udayanth Silver Cafe 17-Jul
Sarath Thubadeniya Silver Cafe 17-Jul
Ralph Alitagag Silver Cafe 8-Jul
Dinesh Amarakoan Silver Cafe 12-Jul
Mohamed Musthafa Silver Cafe 8-Jul
Essam Mustafa El Azab Smart Repairs 19-Jul
Honorio Escobedo Smart Repairs 3-Jul
Jennylyn Casquejo Smart Repairs 5-Jul
Julie Duque ZAI 5-Jul
Sayed Afifi Ziebart Kuwait 18-Jul
Alexander Ramos Ziebart Kuwait 10-Jul
Nandhakumar Vettekudath NBK Holding Senior Accountant
Mohamed Abdel Monem NBK Holding Junior Accountant
Nelson Javier Kawasaki Spare Parts Coordinator
Safaheer Sally Class Leasing Driver
Ramzy Ghobril H-Deco Chief Accountant
Sherif Ghali NBK Real Estate Service Coordinator
Perumalraju Ganapathy NBK Trading ICE Plant Operator
Abdul kareem Mytheen NBK Trading Pump Operator
Abdul Vakayil NBK Trading Heavy Vehicle Driver
Selladorai Ramesh NBK Trading General Helper
Chhabiraman Mishra NBK Trading General Helper
Padam Kafle NBK Trading General Helper
Jayasundara Mudiyanselage NBK Trading General Helper
Krishna Bhattarai NBK Trading General Helper
Arjan Kumar NBK Trading Heavy Vehicle Driver
Nuwan Mudiyanselage NBK Trading Heavy Vehicle Driver
Rakesh Kumar NBK Trading Pump Operator
John Senapathige NBK Trading Heavy Vehicle Driver
Lakshman Pulukkuttige NBK Trading Heavy Vehicle Driver
Wewala Wewala NBK Trading Batching Plant Operator
Nasser Bin Khaled welcomes new
assets to the family
Krishnan Shriram ERP Project Executive NBK Holding
Philippe Leclercq Marketing Manager NBK Auto
Ali-Al-Aiassa Workshop Manager NBK Auto
Mohamad Ziad Chati Sales Consultant NBK Auto
Mohomad Ismailge Mechanic QAC
Hassan Mneimneh Assistant Store Manager NBK Fashion
Sana Hasnaoui Sales Assistant NBK Fashion
Julieta Jarlego Sales Assistant NBK Fashion
Rona Abou Rjeily Project Development Executive ITG
Bosko Stojanovic Procurement Manager H-Deco Qatar
Elanie Molle Executive Assistant & QC H-Deco Qatar
Basoah Benjamin Kofi Foreman H-Deco WLL.
Reem-Al-Salebi Sales Executive NBK Projects
Saranapala Arachchilage Truck Mixture Driver NBK Ready Mix
Alexander Sumera Waiter Prime F&B
Ram Prakash Giri Washer Ziebart
Nasser Bin Khaled wishes farewell and the best of luck to the family
NBK Insider Issue 13 - July 2009
SAP JourneySAP JourneySAP JourneySAP Journey
SAP Journey June marks the completion of our first round of the SAP In House Training program. We continue to build the momentum of this initiative by recognizing the efforts of the em-ployees who have greatly contributed to the success of this project – the core team, our Key Users. On June 16, 2009 a special recognition ceremony was conducted where our DCEO awarded all 11 Key Users for their contribution towards this program and a job well done. Key users have shared their knowledge and enthusiasm with their col-leagues by delivering successful training session to approximately 100 line users during the initial phase. Training sessions for the different SAP modules are ongoing; for any inquiries or re-quests for training, please contact the Human Resources Department – Training Unit.
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NBK Insider Issue 13 - July 2009
MATTER
U-Matter! NBK invites each and every one of you to
share their thoughts, views and points of interest
on a monthly basis.
U-Matter! NBK invites each and every one of you to share their thoughts, views and points of interest on a monthly basis. This month, our colleague Dr. Nizar Issa shares some very interesting views on innovation.
W hether you want it or not, it is coming at you and you have to do something about it. It is change. What is change and how would you respond? Old classic school motivation for “change or die”: Find Facts, Fear then Denial. Before trying to change, find the source problem. Facts should be compelling to motivate change. Change is dictated based on fear. Then, it’s denial asking why motivation for change didn’t work. New school internalization for “change and thrive”: Relate, Repeat, Reframe then Bonus. Form a new relationship that inspires and sustains hope, connect with others to understand the change process (relate), through this relationship learn new habits and ways of thinking that promote change and keep working on the change (repeat) until you can internalize the change (reframe). Small victories get you through the repeat process (bonus). Change could mean extinction if companies didn’t re-spond properly. Best response is done by using innova-tion. Corporate innovation is the remedy for change, but what kind of innovation? Innovation can be with either defensive or offensive strategy; out of fear or the will to surpass? Innovation is quite a challenge in good times and won’t be an easier job in hard times like this global economic down turn. Only companies with the right kind of innovation will succeed over the coming decade.
Innovation moves at high speed, companies that don’t keep up will be left behind to their fate. Competition is ruthless and is the driving force for today’s market, if you’re not moving and innovating, you’re not standing still, you’re moving backwards. You are big and successful and up on top; your battle is not to fight to stay there. Nobody is ever on top, it is a continuous fight to be bigger, better and stronger. Being defensive deprives you from the first mover benefit; you are only reacting to change out of fear or because it was forced on you. Believe it or not, defending yourself means you received the biggest share of punches. It is a well known strategy that attack is the best way of defense, just do it and use the offensive strategy. This fight is inevitable, start it and deliver the biggest share of punches. Innovation is to come up with new ideas, new ways in do-ing things, new approaches, quitting old habit before it hurts you. You have been smoking for the last 10 years. You know that smoking kills. What are the odds? Unfortunately, it is 9-1 against you actually; change your behavior even in a life or death situation. Same applies for change or die & innovate or die; fear of extinction is not the best motivator. It is the will to exceed, precede and pioneer through inno-vation and excellence and take it from me “better innovate than sorry”. Inspired by: Corporate innovation and entrepreneurship: Art Boni, George White, Tome Jones, George Fetcher, Mohammad Dobashi. Change or die: Alan Deutschman. The business of innovation: Maria Bartiromo, Mel Kar-mazin, Suzy Welsh.
“Innovate or die” By Dr. Nizar Issa
NBK Insider Issue 13 - July 2009
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The Microsoft Excel Basics Training is our next training milestone.
Continuing with our “Booster Shot” sessions, in July 2009, we will offer the Microsoft Excel 2003 Basics training program. The target participants of this training are those who work with spreadsheets, tables, graphs, and charts together with basic formulas that will help them speed up their work through automation. The objectives of the training are:
1. Create your first workbook a. Create a new workbook b. Enter text and numbers c. Insert and delete columns and rows
2. Learn how to perform calculations and simple automations a. Enter formulas and create basic math calculations to add, subtract, multiply, and divide b. Use cell references in formulas so Excel can automatically update results c. Use functions (prewritten formulas) to automate your work
3. Modifying a worksheet a. Manipulate data with filters and sorting b. Formatting your worksheets c. Protect your data
4. Learn how to create visuals from your data a. How to create charts and graphs b. Get your data on paper
5. Getting Help in MS Excel 2003 Stay tuned for the training invitations sent by Human Resources during the month of July. See you in training!
A Culture of Progress! – HR Thoughts, At a Glance
More HR and development news on the way in the upcoming July 2009 issue of NBK Insider!
Pilar Proctor Human Resources
Development and Performance Management Specialist
NBK Insider Issue 13 - July 2009
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New Hire Orientation On 3rd June 2009, 37 new employees attended the orientation program held at the NBK auditorium Participants were given an overview and history of our organization, how it played a big role in the development of Qatar, and the in-dustries, products, and services that NBK offer to the community. Participants also learned more about living in Doha and had the opportunity to meet fellow employees from other divisions and department promoting camaraderie and belongingness in the NBK family. Let’s join hands and welcome our newest team members and provide them with all the help they may require!
Summer job for Qatari students program starts in July Continuing with our community outreach program, NBK will offer once again a summer work program for students. Starting July 1
st, NBK will host at least four Qatari Students who will be as-
signed to different divisions. The objective of this program is to foster the development of future generations by providing students the opportunity to gain work experience during summer in vari-ous areas.
Dr. Nizar Issa bags awards for innovation; brings to NBK the titles of Best Technology Venture from QSTP and Best Business Venture from QBA. Let’s congratulate our colleague Nizar, Sales Manager at Medical Equipment- Projects Promotions on winning 2 prestigious titles following his innovative “Robot Gas Pipe Inspection” project which he provided as a business solution model for the LNG industry. Nizar led his team to the finals of the CMU Business Venture Competition which was sponsored by the Qatar Science and Technology Park and the Qatari Businessmen Association. Nizar graduated from Carnegie Mellon University-Qatar, Tepper School of Business - class 2008-2009. Kudos & more power!
A Culture of Progress! – HR Thoughts, At a Glance
NBK Insider Issue 13 - July 2009
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This section of the Insider is dedicated to each and every team member; it is your channel to share your concerns with your man-agement and have all your inquiries answered. We have added this section to encourage upward and downward communications among staff and management. Your questions will be delivered to the right people in total confidentiality and anonymity; therefore please feel free to send us your thoughts, ideas and queries to [email protected] Kindly note that this section is dedicated to corporate-related questions that are of general benefit to all the staff at NBK. For any PERSONAL inquiries, kindly drop us an email at [email protected] and a specialized HR employee will an-swer your inquiry within 24 hours.
NBK Insider Issue 13- July 2009
INDepth NBK ReadyMix
Concrete Commitment
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NBK Ready Mix is a joint venture between the Nasser Bin Khaled Group and Aus-trian-Arabian ReadyMix; which is one of Arabtec Contracting Company’s subsidiaries, a leader in the GCC construction and contracting industry. Since its inception in January 2007, NBK Ready Mix has grown quickly into one of the top companies in its industry. From its base in Al Waab City, and in partnership with Austrian Arabian Ready Mix UAE, the company has supplied concrete to many world-leading projects, including the world’s tallest tower. NBK Ready Mix is also among the first companies to receive accreditation from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), the world-leading audit association specialized in the ready mix business, and continues to maintain compliance with the ACI product quality code.
NBK Ready Mix at every level is staffed with highly specialized and experienced personnel operating to international quality standards including the BS, ACI, ASTM and AASHTO. At NBK Ready Mix Concrete, we provide our customers and our community with high-quality concrete at competitive prices, with unmatched service and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our true value offering lies in our experience, our equipment and our human resources, and we champion these by investing in training and development, moti-vation and quality management to ensure we provide excellence at all times. Innovation and integrity are the foundation of our customer relationships, and we will work ceaselessly to build on them by integrating the best emerging technological and operational enhancements and remaining true to our mission.
R E A D Y M I XR E A D Y M I XR E A D Y M I XR E A D Y M I X
Issue 12 - June 2009
NBK Insider Special Report
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NBK Insider HEALTH
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ROUND & about The Human Condition:
The good try by Alan Weiss, Ph.D., CMC – Founder, Summit Consulting Group
At a ballgame I attended not long ago, I was seated in an upper, covered deck behind home plate. The ballpark was packed, and the scoreboard stats showed that the pitcher was throwing at just under 100 MPH. A batter swung and fouled the ball back slightly to the left of our position, but even with our row. I'm not sure of the physics, but the ball still had to be traveling at 75 MPH. Its tra-jectory took it right into the hands of a fan that, fortunately, had seen the entire thing. Not so fortunately, he dropped it, the ball took two bounces, and dropped into the deck be-low us. Not so surprisingly, the crowd around him booed lustily, as if the leftfielder had just dropped a routine fly. Everyone laughed, including the guy who made the unofficial error. But it was emblem-atic: A good try is, well, just not good enough. We applaud the winners. With rare exception, we forget about second place, about the also-ran, about the "almost made it." With the sole exception of the almost equally-legendary War Admiral, no one discusses (and I can't think of) any of the horses that finished sec-ond to the illustrious Sea Biscuit.
They are not even footnotes in oral history. We don't remember the vice presidents, nor the seconds-in-command, nor the understud-ies, unless they ascend to the top spot. I'll grant you that some of the American Idol run-ners-up go on to major careers, but I'll also make a case that just appearing in the top ten means you've won a great deal already. Upon finishing eighth of eight boats in the Olympics one year, the coach of the Harvard 8-man scull commented, "There's nothing wrong with being the eighth best in the world." Maybe, maybe not, but it's certainly not as memorable as being the first. I understand that not everyone can be first or best, boat, racehorse, or human. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't at least be trying. I don't believe anyone goes to the Olympics shouting, "Let's go for the bronze!" or "It's not whether we win or lose, it's how we play the game!" I don't think that attitude would have gained Mary Lou Retton that "10" in one of the most highly pressured single vaults of all time. Michael Phelps didn't say, "I've got four gold medals, the rest will just be gravy." That guy who almost caught the ball took things in stride and will probably tell the story a thousand times or two. But wouldn't it be better if, when he told the story to his grand-children, he was then able to say, "But I caught it, and here's the ball for you to keep...."
Issue 13– July 2009
ΝΒΚΝΒΚΝΒΚΝΒΚ insider
NBK insider NBK’s monthly Internal E-Newsletter
Issue 13—July 2009
Publisher: Public Relations Department Website: http://nbks/PR/default.aspx
Chief Editor [email protected]
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All rights are reserved for NBK Holding Pubic Re-lation Department. All published articles are properties of the re-spective owners.