Entry 2: Be a manager

I attended "Marshall of Singapore: The Extraordinary Life & Times of David Saul Marshall (1908-1995)" at the National Library Building.

Promenade, Level 10, National Library Building

12 December 2008 - 20 February 2009

10 am - 9pm daily

Objectives and background

To educate the public on one of the most influential figures in Singapore history, to promote the National Library Board (NLB).

Target audience

The target audience is the general public, but can be narrowed down to secondary school students, as they would be studying on David Marshall in history lessons. The National Library aims to create greater awareness of the life and contributions of Marshall, particularly among the younger generation of Singaporeans.

Publicity

There is almost no publicity for this event. There are only pages on websites like The National Library Board (NLB) site and Yesterday.sg, a Singapore nostalgia blog.I saw students visiting the exhibit on an excursion. They would presumably have known about it from their teachers.

Media coverage

The media does  not cover this event. I have not come across print or broadcast ads for this event. I think there is no media coverage because it is not a major event. It it also not very large, covering just one section of one floor or the NLB building. One thing that can be done to attract coverage is to make it more extensive, not just showcasing more articles and memorabilia on Marshall, but other forms of media like documentaries on him and interviews with him or his friends.

Success / failure evaluation

I would say that this event did quite poorly overall. The content of the exhibition is good, comprehensive yet not overdone. On this front, it has achieved its objective on creating public awareness on David Marshall. However, it fails to appeal to its main target audience, students. Where it fairs the poorest is that it is not very well known, and most of its visitors would have gone because of school or nostalgia (those who grew up in Marshall's time). It does not show up in most local event listings. This will not do the NLB much good in terms of promoting itself, so that objective has not been met. For greater success, I would have more diverse forms of media and give it more publicity, specifically more ads in public spaces. I would also cater it more towards students and make the exhibit more relevant to them.

More of the exhibit

Marshall's war medals

On a lighter note...

 Judging by the look on this face, you'd wonder just what he was smoking

And he also seemed to like...

Entry 1: The Manager

About the manager
Roslyn Chan, 43
Vice President of regional marketing, Millennium & Copthorne Group Singapore

1. Briefly describe your job responsibilities as a manager

• I help to oversee the company's regional marketing for Asia
• I also set the direction for regional marketing - I review and re-prioritise strategies to drive growth through revenue increase and effective cost management
• I'm involved in People Management and managing corporate functions

2. What is your management style?

• I practise an open door policy
• I give latitude to direct reports to drive individual areas of KRAs (Key Result Areas) but will make executive decisions where necessary
• I give credit where it’s due but will take to task where necessary

(I would say that Roslyn's style of management is a hybrid of the modern and HR school of management. It combines much of Theory Z from the HR management with the concept of leadership from modern management. However she also borrows from Henri Fayol's principle of equity from Administrative management.)

3. What are some of the difficulties you face as a manager?

• The most difficult aspect of my job is people management...
• It's challenging to strike the balance when motivating staff and be firm but fair. An analogy - to borrow from kite flying terms – when to “hulur” to provide slack so they can soar and when to “tarik” when they are in danger of dipping. It's also tricky counselling or disciplining errant staff

4. How do you overcome these difficulties?

• I seek counsel from a HR peer
• Through practise and experience
• By speaking the truth directly but with some measure of compassion where the situation merits
• Direct discipline (e.g. verbal warnings where necessary) to ensure equitability and that the good performers do not need to pick up the slack from those who don't. This helps maintain the level of motivation as well as it helps recognise contributors and shape up laggards
• We have open performance appraisal (3 times a year)

5. In your opinion, what makes a good manager?

• A good manager is one who provides strategic direction to ensure consistency of plans and deliverables; but leaves the management of implementation and execution to staff. Also, involvement at milestone checkpoints is important
• He/she is firm but fair
• He/she ensures a good work environment by being equitable in the treatment of good performers and non performers
• A good manager provides a condusive environment for relevant feedback
• With oversight comes accountability – a good manager takes final accountability
• Lastly it is important to have moral authority, to practise what you preach

Recruitment ads

Company Description
Media Biz Singapore is a broadcasting company established in 1994. We produce daily news programs for TV and have an islandwide following. Media Biz is known for providing fresh and challenging perspectives on current events as well as being consistently unbiased in its reporting.

Job Description

• file on-site video reports on news events
• handle live phone calls from the studio during programs
• attend and report on press conferences when required
• conduct on-air interviews
• write news scripts
• present the news live from the studio

Minimum requirements

• Diploma in mass communication or related courses
• 2 years experience in broadcasting
• Excellent command of spoken English
• Calm and articulate on camera
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Knowledge of TV production techniques preferred

Open to Singaporeans and PRs. Full timers only.

Please send your application letter, along with a resume stating your relevant qualifications to:

Luke Yan
Human Resource Manager
11 River Valley Road
Singapore 650722

We reget that only shortlisted candidates will be notified