Are Those Who Have Knowledge And Those Who Don't, Alike?

I found this gem of an ayat in the sunday papers yesterday. It is an excerpt from Surah Al-Zumar 39:9, which was quoted in the sunday column which exhorts malays and muslims alike to seek knowledge because long before Islam evolved into a constricting religion it was a way of life for those who sought freedom and understanding.

There is indeed a difference... like chalk and cheese...apples and oranges.

I cannot help but connect this findings with my recent observations.

"How the fork did they become GMs?" I said to Arvi last thursday.

Based on my past experience with Sr. Management here, I do not, in principal have much admiration for Senior Management of the company I work with. To me they just do not have the skill nor know how on how to lead and manage the businesses they head.

I am sure, once upon a time they were really good engineers and from there climbed the corporate ladder until now where they are numero uno of their respective SBUs. But their inept ways in making decisions and managing their staff leaves much to be desired.

A good number of people thinks getting promoted is their God given rights and since they are brilliant engineers/accountants/lawyers they would automatically be good managers and heaven forbids, some even think they have leadership qualities.

One can't help with the leadership part as that is partly talent, but anyone can be elevated to managerial position. Heck, one can even get up there if one is willing to kiss ass all day.

To be a manager is more than just being good at what you do. Managers need people skill, motivational skill, foresight and some learning on decision making. I see many of my GMs here dont have the aforementioned to save their lives.

Strategising is a requirement. It is not as described by one GM, 'Bullshit' or a time waster. One do not just forge into new territory or a battle field without prior understanding or knowledge of the battle field.

Culture, though sounds like nothing too important is absolutely critical for success. Not respecting other people's culture and ways of doing things is asking to be kicked in the ass. And yet, the management here kept resisting to acknowledge that different society have a right to doing things differently. Comparing the way we do things here in Malaysia or even anywhere in and around south east asia with India or anywhere else around the world is down right stupid.

Insisting that Mumbai Port have no rights to charge us 3 times the price that Port Klang does is an example of this stupidity. Insisting that the customs department of India have no rights to detain our gen-set when just a couple of days ago the DGH approved the equipment and previously there were no such rules on gen-sets and no where else around the world anyone can compare the roadside gen-set to our class 1 zone 2 gen-set is; you got it, pure stupidity.

To insist that everyone is corrupt and can be bought...more stupidity. Especially so when your case has become high profile. Who on earth would take a mere 30,000 rupees in bribery when the whole customs department is the centre of attention in the light of previously mentioned gen-set fiasco. Just because you would bribe the traffic police RM50 when caught speeding, doesnt mean everyone is equally corrupt as and when you want them to be.

To insist that most oil companies does things a certain way thus all oil companies should behave and act in the same way is more pure stupidity.

Assume is making an ass out of u and me. Whereas assumptions are fine when drawing up business plans, its a no no when you are in real time situations. You dont assume you find out the facts and act on it.

There are many blatant mistakes made by this GM but the one that takes the cake involved what he said to one of the managers.

This manager had so far been a rank and file, having 30 years operational experience and the company had offered him a scholarship to further his education by enrolling him in an executive diploma course. The old man was excited. He finally has a chance to study, to rise above from the basal needs of food and sex. And what did the GM say to him, in his face infront of us other managers?

"You so old why you want to study?"

In my books that was the ultimate insult and the epitome of stupidity.

We all shook our heads at such an uncalled for comment.

Thus how i came to reflect upon the abovementioned ayat from the Quran and realise how true it rings.