What I learned for my career in Jan-Mar 2024.

 1. Make quick decisions by refraining from saying, "I can't imagine right now.”

Sometimes making a quick decision is more important than making a correct one, because it's difficult to define what is truly correct or what is more correct than another. On the other hand, the concept of quickness is definite. If you spend too much time trying to make the correct decision, the cost in terms of time may outweigh the benefits. It's often more effective to make a quick decision and then adjust as needed in the process.

How can you start making quick decisions? One approach is to stop saying, "I can't imagine now." There are two hidden meanings behind this sentence: first, you may not want to invest time in imagining at all, and second, you may not want to take responsibility for making a decision at that moment. This phrase can easily become a barrier to action.

Next time you need to collaborate with others, consider implementing a new rule: nobody is allowed to say, "I can't imagine now." You'll likely find that this simple change helps everyone to stay one step ahead.

2. Do we truly require fresh recruits to handle entry-level positions?

In my experience, most companies in Taiwan tend to recruit recent graduates to fill entry-level positions. However, I recently read an article stating that workers aged 18-25 prioritize salary and rapid advancement in their jobs. In my opinion, entry-level positions often do not align with the expectations of the younger generation. Those best suited for such roles are individuals who can consistently produce output, possess experience with paperwork, and have the ability to handle repetitive tasks.

I'm not suggesting that recent graduates are not qualified for entry-level jobs; in fact, there are many excellent young workers in my office. If I were the organizer, I believe there are alternative options for finding suitable talent, such as hiring semi-retired digital workers or older employees who are proficient in using online tools. These individuals could fulfill these roles for 5-10 years, saving time and resources otherwise spent on recruiting fresh talent annually.

3. Financial discipline

As a sales representative, it bothers me a lot when I need to remind my clients to pay overdue amounts. It consumes too much of my time, preventing me from focusing on my primary tasks. Despite my dislike for it, I recognize it as an essential aspect of a salesperson's role. Maintaining financial discipline is crucial for ensuring a healthy cash flow within the company. A healthy cash flow enables the company to navigate through tough times and survive challenging situations. I strive to have better financial discipline among my clients in this quarter, and I believe that the entire organization should participate in this effort. Regardless of whether one works in a business unit, financial department, or IT, everyone should contribute a bit towards maintaining financial discipline. This way, it becomes a less difficult and frustrating task for all involved.