7 truths spoken by Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel is stepping down as German Chancellor after 16 years. 

There was an article on Sinchiew Daily's Business Section on 21st October 2021 (page 8).

Read more on Merkel on Wikipedia

There are 7 famous quotes that spoke the truth of our word today:

1. The question is not whether we are to change but whether we are changing fast enough. 

- Before becoming Chancellor in 2005, Merkel was sure that the Germans were able to change, learn, adapt, and progress. Those who thing otherwise were wrong. 

2. You could certainly say that I've never underestimated myself. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious. 

- During an interview with Time in 2010 (after 5 years as Chancellor), she brushed off doubts about her ability and credibility. The fact that she managed to bring Germany out of the financial crisis was proof that her election as chancellor was no fluke. 

3. When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromise. 

- During the Arab spring in 2010, Germany accepted the most refugees. Although there were disadvantages, displeasures and challenges, Merkel showed support and care for human rights.

4. Freedom does not mean being free of something, but to be free to do something. 

- Merkel grew out in Communist East Germany, where freedom was almost unknown. Safeguarding freedom was one of the objectives as a politician. 

5. Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are. 

- Probably one of the most famous quotes from Merkel, this quote reflects her career and personality as a whole. When she was chosen as Time's Person of the Year in 2015, she said that a German sees politics as a skill and not merely about showmanship. Merkel's demeanor and practicality was what the people desired. 

6. So, one has to try to find compromises with mutual respect, but also with a clear opinion. That's politics - always looking to find a common way forward. 

Financial Times compared Trump and Merkel's personalities, and both could not be more different. Merkel was open and free while Trump was racist and inward looking. Still, Merkel refrained from a confrontation policy but tried her best to seek common grounds. This met her political objective. 

7. The fact that people seem to no longer wish to talk to one another... that is something that fills me with grave concern. 

- During World Economic Forum in 2020, Merkel explained that unlike the cold war period, the current international community lacks communication. If we only engage with one another who shares the same views and values, disaster may happen. For the past 16 years, Merkel has been a proponent for a united Europe. She has been dubbed as the leader of the free world. 

What a leader and person Angela Merkel is. We could learn so much from her. 

The Art of Influence - Dr. Tunku Alina Alias

Last night, I attended a talk by Dr. Tunku Alina Alias, organized by Chevening Malaysia Alumni. It was a 45 minute webinar, but I learned a lot. 

Full credits to the organizing team!

Below are some key takeaways regarding the art of influence:

1. The first step is to start with why. 

• What is our purpose and cause? Why would you wish to influence anyone?

2. How can we do it? 

• Before we even start, we need to create rapport. The method to influence depends on the intent. People use a variety of methods - Educate, advocate, threats, bribes... Again, it all depends on the intent. The best way though, is to inspire. 

3. We need to know the drivers of human condition.

• Different people are driven and persuaded by different conditions - Intellect, bias, emotion, circumstances, desperation, superstition, greed... By understanding our counterpart, we can use the best approach. 

4. In short, extraordinary influence method:

• Requires and depends on purpose, technique, occasion, time horizon and person. 

5. Leadership encompasses a wide range of dimensions - personal, family, team, community, corporation, political and etc. The facets of a leader is divided into:

• Innate - Personality, talent, charisma, internal strength, will, comfortable in tension, emotional resilience.
• Art - Developing intact core, building credibility and personal branding, learning communication skills, acquiring resources, networking (is vital, it is part of 'work'. We don't call it netplaying), wisdom of humidity, influence and inspire. 

6. Active listening ability is key:

I first came across this understanding from Prof. Arfah Salleh of Putra Business School, UPM in 2014

That's why we all have a pair of ears and eyes, but only one mouth. 

In summary, the art of influence involves:

1. Active listening skills
2. Creating alignment and trust
3. Recognizing the human before you and their needs
4. Affirmation and encouragement at the right rime
5. Provide guard rails and watching out for derailment

We had some interesting questions from the floor and these are the answers from Dr. Tunku. 

1. People always remember how you made them feel, no so much what you said. So treat people as human first. 

2. How do we manage when we are of a minority in society (ethnicity, gender)?

• Sometimes, we may need to recognize that some things cannot be changed. But we should not give up. Never underestimate the power of collective voices of the masses. 

3. What happens when someone is also trained and tries to influence us? 

• It is always challenging if someone comes with an agenda. There is no point trying to influence them back. We can help people with problem, but cannot help problem people. 
• We rather have honest people, and we are open to be persuaded. When we feel that we are being manipulated, we need to turn around. We need to recognized our counterpart.