First Impression

After a 7 hours flight from KL to Dubai, a 5 hours transit wait at Dubai International Airport, another 8 hours flight from Dubai, I finally reach Manchester, the first city that I am going to start a new live outside of Asia. There are always lots of excitement together with confusion when one arrives to a new city. And my first week in Manchester is considered a smooth and quite lucky one (although it can be better if I knew the city better and knew british english better...). At least I have settled down with a lovely apartment which is near to the school as well as the city centre; know where to shop, where to dine and where to party; or I should say that there should be no problem for me to survive in the next 18 months. 

For those who have never visited Manchester before, here is my first impression. Since I have been living in Tokyo for the past 10 years, it is inevitably that I tends to compare the city with Tokyo.

1) City
Manchester is the "second" city in UK according to BBC survey in 2007, mainly contributed by its popularity in Football. A very small yet vibrant city, with the mix of ancient and modern architecture. Although the public transportation is very convenient in the city, with free mtero shuttle, tram, train, but basically you don't need one to travel within the city centre. A walk around the city centre that cover the main spots like the China Town, Piccadily Station, Piccadily Garden, Arndale Shopping Centre, Town Hall, John Rylands Library and the Manchester Central will take you less than an hour. The city is busy even on the weekdays, with lots of activities/festivals over the weekend. I was so lucky to witness a gay parade, the so-called Manchester Pride during first weekend in Manchester. Residential area is clean and beautiful but the city centre where drinkers and smokers gather is so...

City Centre View

     Manchester Pride Parade

 
2) People

Manchester is the city with largest student population in Europe with several big univeristies in the city. Therefore, the population in Manchester is young in general and full of diversity. Walking on the street you will pass by the Whites, Blacks, Asians, South Americans, etc. A mix of colors, culture is normal and so no one will look at you strangely and say, "Hey, there is an alien here!". British men are very gentlement, as what I read in the books. They are polite and helpful, especially in showing us, the easy get lost new comers the way to our destination. But I have to say that I am still struggling with the British Accent or "Mancunian" Accent in specific. They tends to pronounce "u" as "o", like "bus" as "boss", "pull" as "poll" etc.   

 

3) Weather
Rain, rain, and rain. A waterproof jacket and umbrella is neccesary whenever going out. But I was so blessed because there were few sunny days (although mix with rain occasionally) in the week. The sky was so clear in the sunny day. And people were out especially in the garden to enjoy the sunshine. The temperature was just nice, about 17 to 24 degree celcius, so quite comfortable compare to the hot and humid summer in Tokyo.

Blue sky at the Media City, Salford Quay

4) Food
Thanks to the diversity in the city, there are lots of international cuisine besides the "notorious" British food. Tried the "famous" fish and chips at the Lowry Outlet Mall but will never give it a second try. There are many Chinese restaurants and Chinese grocery store in the city which help to reduce my homesickness somehow. Eating out is generally expensive, although the lunch menu will cost a bit less. The cheapest (and may be the most delicious one) is a home cooking dish, as the grocery  price is quite cheap compare to Tokyo. Not forget to tell that there are lots of pubs. For beer lover, the pubs can be found any corner in the city.

British "famous" Fish and Chips

Indian

Chinese

Nando Chicken

5) House (Accomodation)
There is a saying in Chinese that the man's happiest life is getting the US salary, a Japanese wife, a Chinese cook and a British house. It sounds that the British House is highly regarded by the Chinese as the best in the world. So, how about the reality? Well, depends on the location (city centre or suburban), the price (a businessman afforable or student affordable), the type (house or flat), it will varies significantly. I can't make any conclusion yet right now to say whether staying in a British House really contribute to the man's happiest life. But at least for the same price I pay here, I can get a more spacious, stylish, better location and well furnished apartment compare to Tokyo, one of the most expensive city in the world.    

6) The University
The Univeristy of Manchester is located at the south of the city centre. Due to its gateless campus, the universities building made up part of the city. Just like the city, the architecture is a mix of the 18th century and modern. The university museum,which is also called the Manchester Museum is housed in a castle-like building aged more than a hundred year while the Univeristy Place just opposite the Museum is new and stylish. One thing to my surprise is there is no free student sport facilities. I have to depend on the street jogging for free work out.

University Buildings

Anyway, these are all my first impressions after a one week stay. For sure there will be more to discover and the feeling may change when time pass by. And the fact is, I am already here in Manchester! This is the city that I was looking forward since a year back and that I will spend my next full 18 months (if I am not going elsewhere for the internship & exchange). For better or worse, it is up to me to explore. One thing for sure is, this is not the comfort zone (both the city and the program) for me, which will indeed stretch me after I get over with it. 

Previous blog tittle of "Road to Manchester" may sounds obsolete now. While I am thinking for a better tittle, let me tentatively rename it as "Roads in Manchester" to kick start the new journey!

<Lost my grandpa while writing this last week. May he rest in peace and continue to witness my endeavor from the heaven.>  

The Speech

Still wonder what to say in tomorrow morning farewell speech. Out of a blue, I received an invitation mail two days ago from the department secretary, asking me to give a farewell speech in front of all department members.

Being 6 years in the company, I have seen many retirement speeches in the department, but not once a resignation speech. As in the Japanese culture, a resignation (vs retirement) is not something blessed for. So whoever resigns, will leave quietly, without alerting anybody…

I think I am lucky. Resigning for a reason, a reason not because to abandon something, but to strive for something. Something that still obscure that I need to figure out at a different platform before I decide where to go eventually. And luckily I have the supports from my fellow colleagues, and my bosses, who despised my decision at first but showed their appreciation and blessing at last.

I feel thankful. Thankful to the company, my fellow colleagues and my bosses. Throughout my life in the company, I have learnt so much from them. One thing I like the Japanese so much is their generosity in sharing their knowledge. And what’s more is the friendly environment that I can work comfortably. Work itself is stressful, but due to the Japanese “helping each other” culture, there is never a one person problem, there is only a team problem, where all team members share the problem and solve the problem together. And I always believe that the generosity and the teamwork are the two main characteristics that make Japanese strong.

Spending almost 10 years in Japan, I am leaving a place where I love so much which I am not sure whether I will be returning in future. Sounds paradox as you may ask why leaving a place that you love so much? Well, my answer will be, the outside world, whether better or worse, you will never know without exploring. Through continuous expedition, then only you will find your true love, whether it is your dream job, your dream life, or simply the place to settle down.

So, what should I say in tomorrow speech? The reason, the thank you, the don’t forget me…? All these are just not sufficient to express my real feeling. A feeling that is a mixture of pain for parting, anticipation for new life, and anxiety for the future… I don’t know what will happen after the MBA, where I will go and what I will do…

But one thing I know for sure is, from the deep of my heart, I sincerely feel grateful of joining the company. So, whatever the tomorrow speech will be, I think the key message will simply be “nagai aida osewa ni narimasita, hontou ni arigato gozaimasita, korekara mo zutto zutto yorosiku onegai itasimasu!”

  

What is consulting?

Just finished reading this book “What is Consulting” written by Kouichi Hori, previous president of BCG Japan, and currently the chairman of Dream Incubator (DI). He has been working as a strategy consultant since his graduation from the Harvard University MBA program 30 years ago. Some notes on this book:

Essence of consulting – thinking what is the problem?

Why need consulting –

1) Company may not really understand the customer need

2) Company tends to be bonded by previous success (experience)

3) Consultant pursues thoroughly the cause and causation

4) Consultant owns the skill and experience for strategy planning

Consulting process –

1)       Interview : find the gap in understanding/needs/feeling

2)       Accumulate facts

3)       Graphing : determine the x and y axis

4)       Present

5)       Implement (by Company)

Pre-requisite to be become a consultant

1)       Intelligence : logical thinking

2)       Flexibility : willing to hear what others say

3)       Diligence : curiosity + inquiring mind + hard work

4)       Toughness : able to work in pressure, able to stand up after fall down

5)       Luck : gambler luck?

MBA graduates promoted averagely after 3 and 7 years. But the “UP or OUT” is common within the consulting field where half will out within 3 years and half of the remaining will out within 7 years. But most OUT will still success in other fields because the logical thinking and look big perspective learnt in the consulting will help in any other fields.

Consulting fee – Manhour rate x Manhour x Multiplier

Multiplier > 3.0 accounted for overhead and benefits of the consulting company.

What is interesting about consulting – a consultant alone can bring a significant change to the company

Safety Net

Eventually I decided to tear off the safety net, the safety net that will guarantee my employment after my MBA. Well, may be you will say I am stupid. I can just be silent and make the decision only if I found another place to go after the MBA. But I just want to play fair with my company, a company that I love so much that I even have the feeling of being a betrayer by speaking up the resignation.

My immediate manager was angry. I understand his feeling, he is the one who most support my decision for MBA study, which involve a temporary leave from the company for a period of more than a year that busy schedule due to new projects is expected. Being a typical Japanese, he simply believe that I will return to the company as soon as I finish my study.

And I myself also thought of returning to my company, although my company rejected my application for company funding for my MBA study, by saying that there is no such a system of education funding in the company. Nevertheless, it is a comfortable place to work, with friendly people, challenging international mega projects, decent pays and benefits which no one should have think of leave at the first place.

My manager asked me what changed my mind? I honestly told him that I have been struggling for this idea for a long time. Spoke with several MBA alumni and students, attended several MBA career seminars, all gave me a clear message that one should try to embrace as many new challenges as possible in the MBA program, which can be a perfect platform for transition or I would say reborn. And that is how one will eventually find out what he loves the most and does it for life.

I am still in the quest - the quest for my perfect career. Therefore, I need a reset. Start with what I have so far but without need to look back. And since there will be no safety net, the only choice is to move forward. Move forward for new challenges, for new knowledge and skills, for new friendships and networking. And who knows, I can still contribute to my beloved company in future, whether I will return, or work at different a company as a partner, collaborator or even customer to my current company.

My manager looked at me calmly this time and said, it is very hard for me to say yes in my position. But since you already make up your mind, I respect your decision. But be reminded that this is a Japanese company, once you leave, we will not accept you again even if you willing to return, no matter how competent you are.

I told him, I love the company, and I just need to find out what I love the most. If I eventually find out that here is where I should return, I will still try to return, whether you are welcoming me or not.

He smiled.

The Hedgehog and The Fox

My wife asked me what is the meaning of the Hedgehog Concept that I wrote in “Career Design”. I told her that it is a business concept derived from the famous essay, “The Hedgehog and the Fox” by Isaiah Berlin. He used the typical image of the dowdier Hedgehog and the cunning Fox to describe different categories of people.

Berlin divided the writers & thinkers into 2 categories, hedgehogs, who view the world through the lens of a single defining idea (examples given include Plato, Lucretius, Dante, Pascal, Hegel, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Ibsen, and Proust) and foxes who draw on a wide variety of experiences and for whom the world cannot be boiled down to a single idea (examples given include Herodotus, Aristotle, Erasmus, Shakespeare, Montaigne, Molière, Goethe, Pushkin, Balzac, Joyce, Anderson). ~ a reference from the Wikipedia~

A more straight forward and simple explanation would be the fox knows many things; the hedgehog knows one big thing. And Jim Collins, the author of “Good to Great”, states that concentrating doing what is relevant based on the 3 Circles of Hedgehog concept, is essential to turn a good company into the Great Company.

Then, my wife asked me again. Are you the Hedgehog or the Fox? Ohh… I never think of that before. But frankly speaking, my eagerness to learn new field of knowledge, my passion to challenge new things, and my ambition to be an all-rounded person somehow tell that I am unconsciously trying to be Fox than a Hedgehog.

But at the other hand, I know that a cunning Fox that knowing everything in the superficial level will definitely cannot win the competition with the Hedgehog. So, like the Hedgehog, I have been very “loyalty” in my major, an engineer, a backbone profession since my undergraduate, postgraduate study till now.

Ok, I might be wrong for the definition of Hedgehog. Continuing a profession for long is not the concept of Hedgehog. The concept of Hedgehog, according to Jim Collins, is to understand what your passion is, what you can do, and what will give you the economic support to continuing doing it. So, the next question is, is the profession of being an engineer fulfill my passion, capability and economic requirement?   

No grumble for the capability or economic factors, but have to admit that current work not really burn my engine to sprint me forward. As what Steve Jobs said, if you haven’t find something you are really passionate about, keep finding.

I do agree. For me, life is just about finding. Since small, we find who to become friends, what to study, which university to go, which company to join, what occupation to do, who to be the lifelong partner, where to settle down, what business to start with, etc. Each finding comes with pleasure or sorrow, surprise or anger, satisfaction or disappointment, laugh or tears. No one can do the right thing, meet the right person, in the right time right place in the first finding. But just believe in faith, and never give up finding, we will eventually found what we want in heart.   

So, if you know where your passion is, just go for it. Who cares you are the Hedgehog or the Fox.

What to learn from an MBA

Yesterday, I attended another MBA pre-daparture seminar presented by the CEO of Accenture Japan, Mr. Chikatomo Hodo. 

Hodo-san joined Accenture after he graduated with an Engineering bachelor degree from Stanford University. Later he quit his job for MBA study in University of Columbia. He didn’t think of returning to Accenture after the MBA, but a coincidence meet with his former boss at an escalator (in a train station?) changed his mind. He returned to Accenture and become the CEO in 2006.

Just some notes of his talk yesterday.

What he took away from the MBA

1)       Health : become more health conscious and routinely doing sports

2)       Common language: not just English, but also the understanding of different culture and idea

3)       Finance knowledge: able to judge a company by numbers

4)       Discussion skill: able to actively participate in the discussion, know when to lead, when to follow, and how to guide the discussion to desired conclusion

5)       Contacts: his school location in NY provides lots of chance to meet the prominent figures not only from the business fields, but also politics, NGO, academic etc.

What he thinks he should have done in the MBA but didn’t

1)       Take other undergraduate subjects besides the MBA subjects.

2)       Go to the developing country for exchange program. (As he said, the economic centric is moving towards the developing countries from developed countries.

3)       Learning other language – Chinese, Spanish etc.

4)       Learning art – music, dance, pure art, liberal art etc.

The characteristics of a Global Business Leader

1)       Individualized MACRO view – poses own Macro view for decision making

2)       Enjoy risk-taking – keep challenging, no gain comes without risk. But the important thing is to ENJOY. Enjoy the good outcome, and even enjoy the failure, because it is where you can learn from.

3)       Passion – a passion to the job, to the people and to the society

4)       Communication skill, flexibility, professionalism

What to do for self improvement

1)       Self reflection – reflect every 3 years. If you found you did not stretch in the past 3 years, means that you should seek a change instead of staying in the current position.

2)       Design & stretch – understand your capability, design the steps to achieve your aspiration, and stretch yourself with every little step.

3)       Network & Connecting Dots – building a reliable relationship with friends, colleagues, business partners etc. The dots you created at different moments will connect themselves at last.  

Hodo-san closed his presentation with the famous speech by Steve Jobs in the Commencement Address at Stanford University.

“Again, you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Well, I do believe that what I have achieved so far is a consequence of the connection of what I did before. However, since there are so many choices available in this Informatics Age, I always try to make easy life by predefine what is relevant and what is not relevant before I decide what to do. This is important for time management as well as for "life efficiency", but at the other hand, there is also a hidden opportunity cost by turning down some of the “irrelevant” choices, which probably an important “dot” in my life.

Back to the school, I think I should be GREEDY again! Doing all kinds of study, participating in all kinds of activities, meeting all kinds of people, and grasping all kinds of opportunities. And who knows, these will be the essential dots for me to connect from the past to the future!      

Career Design

While my current company still undecided whether to retain my position for me after my MBA, I have started contemplating my post MBA career. I just couldn’t be patient for the slow decision making process in the Japanese Organization. It reminds me of why recently the Japanese industries are lagging behind the Korean’s. While the Korean is already sprinting far away by doing the thinking along the way run, the Japanese is still pondering whether it is safe to move the first step...sigh...

Yesterday I joined a Career Design Seminar dedicated for future MBA holders organized by Axiom, a head hunting company in Japan. Just to see what are the opportunities available for me after my MBA. To my surprise, the post-MBA local job market is quite large (considering relatively small number of self-funded Japanese MBA holders) according to the presenter. Of course, whether an MBA holder can secure his dream job is depends on individual pre-MBA experience and competency.

The key messages of the seminar can be summarized in below 3 points:

1)       Most of the executive positions (CEO, CFO, COO etc.) are not advertised publicly in the recruiting market. Those positions are available only through the head hunting companies which they call the Scout Market. To be aware of those positions, you have to make use of those head hunting companies. (Kind of advertising of its own importance in the executive job market)

2)       Upto 35 years old, you are free to choose any companies/any jobs to work for, but after 35years old, you have to know exactly what you want to do, what you can do, and what you want to be. Means that if you still couldn't finalize your career vision by 35, you will doomed to be the mediocrity. (Sounds true as after 35, our mind and stamina will start deteriorating, and the family and financial pressure will drive us more conservative and less risk-taking.)

3)       The best post-MBA job (or simply a Job) would be the one that you want to do（やりたい）, you can do （やれる）and you are pledged to do, or in another word you are paid to do（やってくれ）. Quite the same with the 3 Circles of Hedgehog Concept proposed by Jim Collins in his “Good to Great” book. What a company (or individual) choose to do or choose not to do depends on these 3 circles: (1) What you deeply passionate about, (2) What you can be best in the world at, (3) What drives your economic engine.

For myself, I am still in the way looking for what I passionate about. I have so far aggregated a career as a Professional Engineer, but in future instead of continuing working in the technical filed, my interest is more towards the management. So, considering what I want to do, what I can do, and what would drive my economic engine, I have a seemingly clear yet uncertain (sorry for this paradox) goal as the "CXX" of an Engineering Company.

Well, I still have time upto 35. It means there is no rush to finalize my career goal at this moment. The essential thing is to first equip myself with the necessary business skills and sense during the MBA. And I believe, when someone is well-equipped, the opportunity will follow.