Rummler – Brache and Visual Thinking

I am amazed that I missed reading the works on process and performance improvement during the 1980’s and 90’s. During that time I was interested in subjects like Alvin Toffler’s ‘Future Shock’. But I guess the popular phrase at that time is‘re-engineering’ or ‘comparative advantage’ which can be linked to process or performance improvement. I find interesting is the use of visual tools in the methodology. Of course, I was familiar with early visual tools such as flow charting used at that time which eventually evolved into ‘swim lanes’. I think the rise of visual thinking can also be traced to the rise of process improvement concepts led by Rummler andBrache.

But I think their methodology is well known by management specialists during the period as it’s theories are taught in business schools to high level leaders and officers. This was not well known to the public perhaps because the theory was just starting out. Now that visual tools have reached a level of popularity, for example mind mapping or Dan Roam’s visual methods in ‘Back of the Napkin’ have made the process improvement concepts now seem dated. But the process concept has triumphed and well accepted management methodology. It’s no longer the preserve of the business elite but of every knowledge workers such as business analysts and project managers. It has become so prevalent because of the rise of visual thinking tools as well.

Now that both trends are well accepted methods, namely, process improvement and visual thinking, Rummler-Brache has achieved a certain acceptance and near mythical status. Of course, they do not rank high in the ladder with people like Michael Porter or Mike Hammer but more in the modern day consultants, business analyst or project mangers that rely on their tools and techniques in their every day work. I think their work is indispensable in today knowledge culture and information age. It’s a new world out there with baby boomers growing old and so-called echo-boomers coming of age like my kids. I think they need to understand these tools to be successful in the modern work place. It increases understanding and solve problems faster and comprehensively.

I think the immediate skill that I will teach my kids is to be a blogger or at least to learn how to maintain a website. This is a foundation skill in the age of the Internet. I am finishing Richard Reich’s ‘The Future of Success’ and he talks about the lack of time for modern professionals. So a good business is to help the harassed modern person with things like a call center based concierge or butler. The company has a similar life service where we can call and ask about things like the location of the best Chinese restaurant, or the closest book store that carries a book I want to buy and all that, including legal and financial services. All these services are for free as the company is paying for it. Recently I attended a road show about such services and I attended free seminars like ‘Integrating Work and Home Life’, ‘Thinking Positively’ and ‘Treating Mental Illness’.

I guess this is the image of the future. In fact we are living in the future. It is no more the stuff of books or concepts or theories. It’s a world where everyone is adept at visual thinking, creating process and relationship diagrams, creating and maintaining blogs or other web sites, calling life service concierges to get information and assistance, using social networking to keep in touch and having a digital life to get connected and achieve meaning in life. It’s a world that allows everyone to be what ever he wants to be. I feel like I have achieved an epiphany of sorts of the future or the life that I am living right now. It’s a way of life that can only exist perhaps in this country. It’s fitting that I should have these thoughts today being just informed that my permanent resident application has been approved. It’s as if the foundation of modern life has been laid after years of learning and experience and now is the time to live one’s dreams.

Talking Too Much – Part II

Another important aspect here is the clarity of one’s thinking. This is the hidden skill behind effective communication and successful public speaking. Hence one’s thinking skills needs to be sharpened first before speaking and this is the distinguishing mark. Last night, I read different articles on visual thinking which help one clarify his thoughts to generally improve the thinking process. So I guess there is a possible chain to success in this regard:

visual thinking -> clear thoughts -> effective communication -> successful public speaking.

I think the challenge today is that the world is too complex and nuanced that one need thinking aids such as visual tools like mind mapping to clarify thoughts to survive and communicate effectively. I think this is a pattern that has existed in the ages especially as one sees the cave drawings of primitive man. But the complexity of modern life needs more advanced visual tools than just simple drawings. Hence the success of mind mapping and other visual tools like flow charting to make sense of the world.


The conclusion then is to use visual tools to improve one’s thinking in order to communicate effectively. Once achieved one can only move up to the next step which is public speaking. It’s a subtle distinction because it changes that way one usually thinks. Hopefully mental noise is reduced and a clear focus and clarity is achieved as reflected in speaking or communicating. Clarity of thought results also in a good temperament which helps being effective. For instance, people write that Obama has a first class mind with a first class temperament. Similarly, FDR has a second rate mind with a first class temperament. But both persons where significantly successful leaders; though too early to tell yet of Obama. So perhaps clarity of mind contributes to a good temperament wherein intelligence does not significantly matter.


In my case, I think I have too much intelligence with less clarity of mind. This gives me a poor temperament in handling challenges. Perhaps I can be said to possess a second rate mind with a second rate temperament. Hence, following FDR one only needs to improve one’s temperament to be successful. Maybe the key here is to improve ones temperament by improving the clarity of one’s thoughts. In modern times, the effective tool to achieve this is visual thinking aids like mind-mapping and to be able to communicate effectively. Thinking is more an ‘internal’ skill while communicating is more an ‘external’ skill wherein both should be working at a high level to achieve a first class temperament.

Looking at it another way, talking too much gives the impression that one does not think. One is a blabber mouth. The common phrase is that still waters run deep – or the quiet person is a reflective person. So I guess that makes sense. So I guess I should reflect more before I speak by trying to analyze the implications and trying to put the impact of my words against what I want to achieve. Perhaps to put more strategy with regards to what I want to say and the impact of these words on the intended receiver. That is another thought but quite different for informal conversation. But maybe I talk too much because I think too much. In this scenario, the remedy is clarity of thought to convert verbiage to sensible phrases. Again visual thinking tools is the key to achieving clarity of thought but applied in a more reflective and strategic manner.

Talking Too Much – Part I

I realized since coming here that I blabber and talk too much. Perhaps this was an asset in Asia where speaking English is considered a good skill. But in the US this is not a good asset because everyone speaks English here (although Spanish is catching up). I had a similar feeling when I worked for 4 months in India. So speaking a lot does no have any value here as compared to other countries where English is not the main spoken language. So in this environment, speaking too much may need to be converted to speaking less. But this would not do because one will not have a chance to be known as everyone is encouraged to speak up and express his opinions.


So the next best thing is to be precise and speak honestly with integrity. Hence more thought should be taken before opening one’s mouth. Maybe a good analogy is that of a machine gun spewing out bullets all over the place as compared to one using a sniper’s rifle, picking out the appropriate targets with less effort or bullets. Nevertheless if one does proceed with a machine gun, it should be of a high quality than the usual run of the mill type. There are a lot of magnetic preachers and speakers around here that one has to be really good to rise up from the babbling speakers. Watching MSNBC or Fox Television is a good case in point where every man and his dog are just spewing out verbiage with out any precision or careful thought.


Making a good distinction in this regard are people like Abraham Lincoln and his present day protégé, Barack Obama. Both are master speakers but they are not the machine-gun type talkers who spew out elegant phrases for the consumption or entertainment of the masses. Of course they both have excellent speaking skills but what distinguishes them is the quality of their words and the careful thought process behind that which turn listeners from just being entertained to being enlightened and driven to action. I think their effectiveness are not only the well-crafted phrase but the sincerity and integrity and sensibleness or subtleness of their comments. This ability has allowed them to succeed in winning elections against great speakers who also possess incredible speaking skills.


The lesson here is that speaking English well is not enough to succeed. Careful and considered thought have to be behind the words. For example, joining Toastmaster here in the US is a different experience than joining Toastmasters in Asia. The main goal is not only to conquer the fear of public speaking but also to speak at a higher level than previously possible in a country that does not have English as the main language. One can argue that Spanish is also a well known language here but the goal here is effective communication rather than just public speaking. In other words, public speaking does not equate to being articulate. Being articulate should become second nature, like an instinctive reflex for one to be successful.

Visa at Last

We just got the visa approval this morning. We went to the embassy early today and waited in the 7:45 am queue. I had to go to the office first to get some papers that may be needed in the interview. I arrived at the office at about 6:30am and was afraid that the alarm was still on. But it was not and I was able to print the documents. It turned out that they were not needed. But I felt I had to get them just in case. Yesterday before I left for home I thought about bringing them with me which are actually my payslips. But I thought they weren't needed until I got home and read the instruction again from the lawyer. So I got fearful and felt that I would need them. Better safe than sorry.

I met my family at the embassy waiting area at about 7:50am. We were ushered in, our phones taken, went into the interview room, had our photos taken, submitted the application, sat down and waited, got called and interviewed and got out at about 9:40am. The visa will be stamped into our passport and returned to us this Thursday, 26th March. My wife will be getting the passports as I will be in Changi hospital for my check-up. Hopefully I can get my operation soon before I leave next month. Finally things are falling into place disproving all my previous anxieties and fears. I was tense and fearful these past weeks but I now feel better now that the visas have been approved.

Last Saturday, I went for my annual medical examination. At my age, I have more tests to do and hope the results are out soon. I don't think there will be much improvement on my cholesterol though I still try to exercise. My blood pressure was up but I told the doctor that I was stressed and not getting good sleep these past weeks. But now I should take things easy and prepare for the last days of the my stay. My wife and kids looked a bit bored while waiting for our turn at the embassy but I think their spirits went up during the interview and when we were informed that the visa will be ready by Thursday. As we stepped out of the embassy, our local personnel called to tell me that they are arranging my final pay. It was raining very hard so we called a taxi. I dropped them in the nearby train station near my son's school and I was brought back to the office.

The remaining major task is to rent out our place, prepare for the shipment of our stuff and complete the turnover. I have a few personal goals during the remaining time which is to do the area speech contest on Saturday and complete the remaining 3 prepared speech for my advance project manual. I am also rushing to read about writing the natural way, Kiran Desai's 'The Inheritance of Loss,' books on Japanese Prints and other art books. I also reserved a book on the meeting between Mao and Nixon and one of Robert Kiyosaki's book on successful investing. I hope I can rush more things to read before I leave because I don't think I can get the same quality library as here.

Last Sunday, I rented a car and brought my family to Joo Chiat. We had the famous Katong laksa, Ota and dessert of ice shaving with syrup and fruits. We walked around the area looking at the old houses. When I got back to the parking area there was a ticket in the wind shield. I have to pay S$ 30.00 for the ticket. I forgot to buy a parking booklet. We enjoy these Sunday trips to eat at popular and cheap food centers. I think it helps my family adjust to the coming move. At least I get to practice my driving to prepare for my relocation. I hope my kids would not burn their bridges here because it's a nice place to retire here as well.

I placed some drawings I made using visual thinking techniques discussed in Dan Roam's book. It helps me think better together with mind mapping. I am also reading 'Writing the Natural Way' which speaks about 'clustering' another visual tool which in this case, to help people to write. The drawing I did is to try to express my desire to be organized. It's one of the ideas in the book I just read called 'Why Am I Disorganized? I think being better organized (by using ideas from Getting Things Done,etc.) and visual thinking are the best tools to learn in today's distracting world. If anything, my learning and experience in these areas is enough to say that I have hopefully spent my time well here.

To Much Things To Do

I have gotten a reply from my sons' school on the steps to accomplish before moving to my assignment overseas. He has to withdraw from the school as a leave of absence is only granted for medical reasons. I also wrote to the manpower board regarding my kid's military service. I hope to get a reply soon. By using email and the Internet, I am getting things done quite fast. I wonder why I did not think of these things a few months ago. I have also called a few people to get their opinion on the things to prepare for the move.

The training plan seems to be moving along well with the new support staff in Shanghai and Hyderabad. I re-discovered my joy in teaching and training. I used to do a lot of these tasks early in my career. Recently I posted a video I made of this project in YouTube to relive the memories. The application we developed and deployed in Asia Pacific was a lot easier then. But the application we are supporting now is much more complex and we did not have a part in it's development. So training the new staff is also a way for me to know the application better. I also get to relive my past project which was a lot of fun while visiting these places.

I get to use the modern tool like phone conference and same time meetings to coordinate with them. It's much easier to work with virtual teams by using these tools. I enjoy explaining complex stuff and I hope I am able to educate the team during the training. All these are happening in the midst of all the other work I need to do to prepare for my transfer. I am glad that the Internet has a lot of information available. It does help me in finding the information I need and contact other people.

It's really feels like I am winding up all the learning I have had while here in Singapore. My 7 years here plus my work in Manila for 6 years have given me a wealth of experience I hope to apply in my new assignment. I have worked on the supply chain domain for quite some time that I know it's concepts and process. Working on projects have also made me know about the tasks as well as work with different sorts of people. Working with the boss man and other difficult persons have also given me a new perspective in work. I think my experiences in Toastmaster has helped me gain the proper perspective in working and communicating with them.

Yesterday I met with the boss man with the quality manager and we presented the proposed support model. It's probably our last meeting before I leave. I sat there with less anxiety than before. It was a good learning but difficult experience working with him. Together with my Toastmaster experience, visual thinking tools will help me succeed in my next assignment. Visual thinking is the wave of the future and mind mapping techniques coupled with Dan Roam's book is a good foundation to build on. During times of stress, I get to use all these techniques to solve problems and get on with life.

No News Yet

I guess I am a nervous fellow. I have not received any news from my new office for the past 2 weeks. So I am starting to get worried that maybe something has gone wrong. So I am filled with a lot of thoughts and anxiety. Nevertheless, I am proceeding with the plan that I will be moving by April. I am preparing for the rental of my flat, asking my son to apply for leave of absence and generally closing out my affairs here. It feels a bit strange that I am proceeding with this major move without a written offer from my new office. I guess the philosophy is that the transfer does not entail an approval of the offered salary and benefits on my part. I guess its viewed as an opportunity.

In these periods of useless anxiety, my mind starts playing tricks on me and contributes to my nervous state. Of course I have a right to be nervous because it will not only affect me but my children's future as well. So I have to make sure that the decision to move is the right one. But I guess this is water under the bridge at this point in time. The decision to move has been expressed so one has to plan for the transfer. But there is so many things to do that I am often transfixed into indecision. For instance, I need an operation to remove the k-wire in my hand and I know have 2 choice: a.) go for an efficient but expensive operation tomorrow by another surgeon, or b.) go for low-cost surgery at the end of the month by my original doctor but with less efficiency due to long queues in the government hospital.

My mind is filled with indecision because essentially I like living here. It is a nice place to live and leaving here, especially for my kids require them to burn their bridges. so this brings up my concern on their future. I know that their life will be different when we move because the life style there is not as modern as here. But I think that the change will be for the best as will be less distracting to them unlike here living in a city. I am listening to Phil McGraw's 'Life Strategies' and the first rule to that one should try to get it. I mean to get the true essence of the situation. Regarding my move, I guess I don't get it because the move is a real certainty and I should start planning for my new life.

Hence, worrying is a useless activity. The delay maybe due to many reasons: a.) that's how they work over there, b.) they are still deciding on my role and benefits, c.) they are waiting for the result of my visa application, d.) some political issue has come up which prevents my move, or e.) the local office is not helping in the move. I guess the last 2 reasons is the cause of my distress. But really it is more the unknown especially my expenses because I have to take care of my kid's coming university education. Our plan is to have them go to community college first for 2 years and finally going to a university for the remaining 2 years. Thinking about the expenses and coming challenge is also giving me this anxiety.

But maybe I just don't really get it as explained in 'Life Strategies'. Moving is a done deal and a privilege for my family. so I should not be having an attitude of doom and gloom (brought about also by the economic crisis) but look forward to a fun life. I should set the example to my family by appearing cheerful because I have been infecting them with worries as well. I guess it's due to the lack of information and the stress of my work activities as I prepare to move. I have read somewhere that moving to a new place or job is the 2nd most stressful activity in life. I now realize what that means now that I am experiencing it for the 2nd time but with my kids who are now teenagers as compared to 7 years ago.

Condolence to VT families

Sad news on the massacre at Virginia Tech. I think that it shows that we all have to develop coping mechanism to help overcome our problems or inner anxieties. I know how inner paranoia and turmoil can sometimes flip a person over the edge. Writing a blog or journal has, believe or not, helped me cope with the pressures at the office. It is simple and engaging activity if done every day.

Another way that I find useful is to use visual thinking tools like creating idea maps. It clarifies complex ideas by making associations to different concepts. It relieves the mind from over thinking via conventional or verbose ways. In fact it frees us to process information in a different way. I believe that it helps clarify thinking towards a more rational framework.

These days indiscriminate shooting seems often to occur in common social environments like schools and office places by seemingly normal people. Perhaps this occurs when troubled individuals can no longer cope with the social pressures they face - whether imagined or not. Still the complex world is getting to be more difficult to adjust to and perhaps technology offers a way to help. It may sound silly but blogging and visual thinking I feel have helped sort out and relieve stress from people like me.

I just thought that today I should not write about myself and my problems but allow today's entry to show support to the victims of the shootings. So much tragedy seems to have affected the US these past years. I attach a visual map I did on a book chapter about reliving stress and worry.