Muse - January 15, 2016

Credit - canva.com

A brand new year means starting fresh once again. For majority of us, it's about performance review and bonus time.

This year, the boss require us to do a presentation of our past year achievements. There are around 90 of us so standing out is vital, because everyone wants to get the biggest bonus, no? But for some, it's also about being appreciated of the hard work you've done and it'll be nice to get rewarded. It depends on how you see things. 

Honestly, I hope I have made a good impression on the team even though this is my first year. Part of my job is to come up with innovative ways to increase efficiency and productivity. It's not an easy task suggesting ideas and having it rejected. But I have been procrastinating for so long and it has to stop sometime.

Here are some ways I have learnt to stand out at work:

#1 - Create your own goals and objectives. Different people have different goals so do the things you think you are capable of.

#2 - Believe in your idea. Draft your ideas into a proposal and think through everything before submitting it to your boss. Be prepared for the questions that will be coming. Show how passionate you are towards this idea.

#3 - Failure is a vital part of success. If your manager rebuffs your ideas, like mine did, do not give up. Either re-brand the idea or start anew. Easier being said than done actually, but you're not alone in this situation.

#4 - Brainstorm with people. Talk to colleagues, family, friends and even kids. Ideas can generate where you least expect it.

#5 - Be enthusiastic. Sometimes your boss may come up with an activity or suggestion that will increase teamwork within the team. Instead of fretting that this will potentially take your time away from completing your work, embrace it and show your boss (and yourself) that you are one hell of a multi tasker.

#6 - Do more than what your job requires. When everyone in the team does the same job, you will have to go one step further and do something different. It could be learning something new, doing your job in a different way, organizing an activity to encourage team participation etc

#6 - Progress is what matters. Start small and take baby steps towards your goals. 

Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort

The division I work in had a teambuilding last month at AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort. The hotel is about an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, and is prominent for its rooms lined out to resemble a palm tree in the middle of the Malacca Straits. Think the Palm Islands in Dubai, UAE.

The news about the teambuilding was announced pretty late, and if rushing to complete all our work before we left was stressful enough, our bosses made it compulsory for all of us to participate in a lip sync competition. I lip sync to songs in the car all the time so I was psyched for this but performing in front of an audience was something I hadn't done in a very long time.

In fact I barely ate during the dinner before the performance. Nerves - 1, Yours truly - 0.

Nevertheless the four of us did splendidly. We didn't win but it was the effort, determination and teamwork that counts.

The Chicas team.

All of us from the Content Group division were segregated into different teams. This is the Maze Runner team, all decked in red.

Our first assignment. A tunnel made from natural green. A peaceful path many can't resist. Kudos to one of the team members who came here before so he knew where to go.

Second assignment. Beyond the first trunk lies the gateway of an alternative crisis route.

Final one. When you sit, you need to use your feet. When you move, body coordination is required. We thought it was the swings at first at a nearby playground but we didn't spot any other teams there.

We didn't win this one too, but it was the team bonding that matters.

After running around the hotel for an hour and a half, we all settled down for lunch and got our room keys. The villas were all located out at sea so some of us opted to rent a bike to cycle to their rooms and the rest opted to wait for a buggy.

I chose to walk under the sweltering heat, because a little workout never hurts. <cough>Show off<cough>

Jogging map courtesy of Huzack.

View from our balcony. Excuse the feet.

We were given the family villa which accommodates the 4 of us. This is the lounge which proved useful for the lip sync competition rehearsals.

The roof.

Second bedroom with twin beds and a balcony overlooking the sea and other villas.

Second bathroom with a shower.

Master bedroom with a king sized bed and another private balcony.

Obligatory master bathroom photo.

Bathroom goals. Unfortunately no one had the time to utilize the bathtub. 

View from the master bedroom.

I think we could have enjoyed the trip more if we weren't so busy preparing for the competition and if it was a 3 days 2 nights stay. Room was clean and spacious and breezy when the sliding doors to the balconies are opened. Breakfast was delightful and had a wide array of choices. The infinity swimming pool overlooks the sea, so does the gym. Unfortunately the Malacca Straits aren't known for its cleanliness, unlike the eastern part of Peninsular Malaysia so no crystal blue waters.

The hotel is pretty secluded too. There are a number of Malay restaurants next to the hotel overlooking the beach; otherwise a car is necessary to go to the nearest town for more food choices.

Will definitely come back someday. A short vacation is overdue.