Training and Development in UK Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Training and Development in UK Business - Essay Example This helps the organization to train the employee while they are still performing their duties. On-work training is one of the most effective ways of helping an organization to increase the skills of its workforce. However organization can also train their employees in other institution. In this case employees are given study leave to attend training in other institutions. This is usually important when organization want to train their employees on new technology which is not readily available. There are other benchmarked ways that have been shown to be important in the training and development of the workforce that can be used by organization (Arkin 1995, p. 73). Employees can also be trained on different issues. The kind of skills that the company imparts to its workforce depends on the line of operations. But there are general skills that any company will need to impart to its workforce including communications, customer services, respecting diversity in the workplace, ethics in operation, human relations, and others that are important in the functioning of the organization as one system. But the most important skills that any organization would like to impart of its workforce with the special skills that are used in its line of operations. However at the end of the day there ar... However at the end of the day there are number of benefits that both the employees and the organization are likely to have. Although the organization will use a lot of resource in training the employee, at the end it will have a competent workforce and increase its overall production. It will haves satisfied workforce and reduce its rate of employee turnover. It will also help to enhance the image of the company and help in risk management. For the employees, there will be increased job satisfaction, increase level of employee motivation, increase efficiencies in the production process, increase capacity for them to adapt to the new work processes and the new technologies that are being implemented in the workplace, increase innovation and reduced turnover (Beard 2002, p. 83).Most of the studies that have been carried out have shown that there is a difference between different companies in the way they train their employees and the achievement of the employees. In this case it has be en noted that companies may use the same training and development process but achieve different end results. While the quality and the level of train can be taken as a probable factor causing this difference, many studies have not looked the employee's contribution factor in the efficiency of the process. There is need to carry out more research on the different between employee expectation and perception of training and the overall success of training and development initiatives (Thorpe 1997, p. 23). Problem statement Although most companies have invested in the training and development of their workforces, they have not been achieving the same result. Studies have

Tegan & Hrad cases Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Tegan & Hrad cases - Case Study Example The second point is that Hrad Technika agreed to take the project on a fixed return basis, which means that Tegan had managed one of the fundamental risks of project management, which is cost. The third issue was Hrad Technika delivery record, which had been above par before the A/P project. These reasons gave Tegan strong reasons to feel safe with Hrad Technica. The other options, such as developing the system locally did not have such strong incentives as at the time of commissioning the project. There was the risk that the project would consume more time and resources compared to outsourcing it. The first trade off is that there is a serious risk that the company will developed biased plans. Being a participant on both sides of the bidding process gives the company undue advantage and makes it hard for it to develop an objective requirements analysis. The second tradeoff is that there would be loss of detail in the development of the requirements. This comes from the self-confidence the bidding company has that may make them feel some details are not necessary to include in the requirements analysis. In this case, it is evident that Hrad Technica underestimated the cost and the duration it would take to develop the project when it developed the requirements analysis. The third Risk is that the bidding company may end up fitting the requirements analysis to their capabilities. They will interpret the needs of the client company in light of their capabilities, and not necessarily in the context of the needs of the client company The final risk will be lack of ownership of the project by the client company. The clients company can disown any problems that accrue from the implementation of the project even if they are genuine simply because of heightened expectations that the company that developed the needs requirement understands their needs well enough. On the other hand, such an arrangement can end up in the development of

The Strategy Implementation Of Starbucks Management Essay

The Strategy Implementation Of Starbucks Management Essay The Strategic business management and planning process is becoming more and more widely used by small firms, large companies, non profit organizations, governmental companies as well as multinational companies. David (1995) The process of empowering managers and employees has almost limitless benefits. In this study we find the strategic business management and planning of Starbucks Company. Starbucks that provide the one of best coffee shop in the world. They are starting their journey from 1970. The name of the Starbucks Company is taken from a classic American novel in 19th century that is Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. starbucks To identify the goals and values of Starbucks, we analyses their glorious history. After journey their 1970s then 1980s join their company Howard Schultz in 1982s. In 1990s they are opening a publicly traded company. In 2000s we see that Starbucks established their branch more than 15000 locations across the globe. They offer new product in 2000s that are Tazo ® tea and Frappuccino ® ice blended beverages are more popular to the consumers. The goal of the Starbucks is that identifies achievement of this organization and analyzes their competitive position by discussing their previous experience. To achieve their goals they identify the relationship between different goals. They traced their business goal level to produced business goal hierarchy. Rational (2003) In the value of the Starbucks Company they identify the consumer behaviour to their company and employee. The make a statement about the value of the consumers, their suppliers and local community. Heathfield Characteristics of strategic business management and planning can be defined by the formulation of science and arts, cross functional decision implementation and evaluation that is capability of the company to reach their goals and objectives. These characteristics implies the strategic management and planning that are focused on the management integration, accounting/finance, marketing, operations, development and research and computer software information to gain the companys success. As this definition implies, strategic management focuses on integrating management, marketing, finance or accounting, production/operations, research and development, and computer information system to achieve organizational success. Kargar The characteristics of strategic business management can be categorized in three stages that are strategy formulation, strategy implementation and strategy evaluation. In strategy formulation includes developing a business mission, identifying an organizations external opportunities and threats, determining internal strengths and weaknesses, establishing long term objectives, generating alternative strategies and choosing particular strategies to pursue. Strategy implementation is the action stage of strategic management. Implementation means mobilizing employees and managers to put formulated strategies into action. Strategy evaluation is the final stage in strategic management. Manager desperately needs to know particular strategies are not working well that means strategy evaluation is the primary means of obtaining this information. To develop business strategy and plan create a model that is conceptual framework of business model that are identifying the economic situation and provide the value of customer. In classic model that is give a picture about the customers, the value of the customers, and cost of the delivery to the customers and make profit, etc. In contemporary model used in business that are discuss about the product quality, types of product that are delivered to the customers. Here also consider about the services that are provide to the customers. In contemporary model also give a picture about the business operating system and organizing value. The external environment means impact of the forces of economy, influences of political issue, market competition, local culture, social impact, local environment, technology influences, etc. It can be simplify the customer requirement in industrial and customer goods and services. It can be impact on the developing goods categories, strategies of market division, different type performance offered, and the option of market policy and market competition. blurtit The Starbucks Company is running in more than 25 countries with United States of America. In the impact of external environment, they faced many training program for their employee, continue supervision and monitoring of the branch. They also need management market competition and keep patch with technology. The organizational governance is responsible for making the function of the organization. These functions are most effective and efficient for the company. They are regularly evaluating the function of the company by board of meeting. These organizational requirements are creating a committee to make an appropriate structure for this company that are influence their conditions and need. This governance requirement also influences to set flexible guidelines for the effective functioning for the company. The company forecast means which organizations deliberate and arrange for the future. It incorporates thinking the future results of this organizations decision. It depends the organizations full future, the future products outcomes, the future operations and programs, future infrastructure of this organization. MXI (2010)To take the company forecast, it sometimes solves many questions that are arising of this company. These questions may be companys future profit that is loss or gain, their product demand growing in the competitive market, etc. The most important forecasting is the financial change forecasting. It helps the organizations to take right decision in right time. For this reason, organization can prevent their financial loss. By taking change forecasting, they can increase their product quality and reach their target product within a short time. In order to shape strategic option, the Starbucks company forecast changes by ensure unanimity of purpose within the organization. And provide a basis, or standard, for allocating organizational resources and establish a general tone and organizational climate. And serve as a focal point for individuals to identify with the organizations purpose and direction and to deter those who cannot from participating further in the organizations activities. This also specifies organizational purposes and the translations of these purposes into objectives in such a way that cost, time, and performance parameters can be assessed and controlled. It is also facilitate the translation of objectives into work structure involving the assignment of responsible elements within the organization. Starbucks are coming with variety of premium coffee retailer with other snacks and sandwiches. They have worldwide network of over 37 countries that are well impression and good image from many other coffee shop. This network skill provides this company a high prominent power than other coffee company. This company currently strong depend on the United States market depended. It generally target and competitive with middle and high earners coffee houses. As example of Bulgaria market that valuable market place for this company. Another reason that is Bulgaria is the membership of the early stage in European Union. Another valuable market place is in Sweden, where many other coffee shops are failing in competition with Starbucks. Starbuck (2007) 3.2 The Appropriate strategies for emerging, maturing and declining competitive positions are described in below: Get a new global market first. Trying to gain market share from well entrenched competitors is exceptionally difficult. Invest in new technology. Successfully firms in the 1990s are going to utilize the most efficient technology. Consider alternative sourcing. Locate manufacturing facilities in low labour cost areas of the world. Install the right managerial system. Ensure that managers in foreign markets understand the culture and languages in host countries. Take early losses if necessary. Sacrifice short term profit for long term rewards. Join forces with competitors. Collaborate with competitors who have expertise in other parts of the value chain. Johnson ( 2008) 3.3 Any uncertain happen in a company is called risk that is impact of this company. The risk will be coming from different sides that are organization strategic risk, risk of finance, operational risk and compliance and legal risk. Lynch (2005) These risks are impact in every company look like in Starbucks. Most of the impact is coming from the financial risk. Because finance is main backbone of any kind of business. In operational risk impact the daily activities of this company. Risk impact can be categorized in low medium and high. In high risk impact are serious risk in funds, reputation and operation. And in medium risk impact is significant risk occurring of fund, reputation and operation. And in low risk impact is less significant impact of those fields that is mentioned above. Success of a business depends on the product and services that are provided to the customer in the competitive market on a global basis, not in the local thinking. Any company or organization is going to be loose position, if they are not keep patch with the competitive market and good range of product price. In the world every remote and every corner of the world are cover by the global market that is called globalization. Cultural, industrial policies, joint venturing, and exporting are important in the strategic management process of international firms. As a world economics and consumption patterns become increasingly similar and interrelated, political and economic changes represent major changes major opportunities for or threats. scribd There are different kinds of stakeholders that are impact on a company. scribd The primary stack holders that are customers and suppliers without those any company have no existence. And the secondary stakeholder is the community without this company can be exit. And there are another stake holders are active stake holders and passive stake holders that means active stake holders are employees and managers and passive stake holders are local community and government of this country. Stake holders are impact the companys present and future strategies in different ways. The external impacts are from competitors, customers, market situations, product suppliers and from local government. And the internal impacts are coming form company management, manager, stuff or employees, etc. To understand the impact of the stake holders in a strategic business management and planning its need priorities of the stake holders that are low and high power impact of stake holders. The high impact of sta ke holders means where company are fully engage about this impact. And low power impact where company have no concern at all about this impact. The business activity of the Starbucks Company is wide range. They operating in the many number of the countries and where environmental factor is play an important role. They need proper respond about environmental factor and need to make strategic planning. Every factor is coming from different channel, so its need to flexible responding to existence of this company. As we know that, Starbucks the world famous premier company in the coffee world. They always try to purchase their raw material that is coffee bean must be in high quality for this why they can serve the consumers the best coffee drinks. They believe that they need always happy of their customers that are depending on the future of the company and reputation of the company. A successful strategic management and planning are depend on supports from all sides that external, internal, and discipline in the company, motivation of the employee, hard working from all managers and employees. That is depending on the size and type of organizations, other management issues could be equally important to successfully strategy management in a company.

Nora’s Smart Choice in Ibsens A Dolls House :: A Dolls House Essays

Nora’s Smart Choice in A Doll's House So many women have suffered as the result of discriminatory duties. In the play "A Doll's House" written by Henrik Ibsen, the playwright reflects upon the subject of the 'social lie and duty'. By having Nora, the flawed heroine, slam the door shut just as her husband is hit by a ray of hope, Ibsen started much controversy between reviewers, columnists and the general audience. Through evidence offered by the play, Nora is right to leave her husband.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When humans are introduced to the world, many sacred duties are bestowed upon them. The primary one of which is the duty towards oneself; One is "first and foremost a human being". Before this incident, although Nora, when she was revealing her secret to Christine, evidently showed character and personality slumbering deep down in her consciousness, she was merely a doll, a plaything "passed from papa's hands onto [Torvald's]". It is only through this miracle (not the kind Nora hoped for, but a miracle just the same) could her sense of being come into full bloom. Unless she leaves her dollhouse to establish herself as an entity, the miracle would have been wasted. Furthermore, she must shed her doll's dresses and educate herself before she could carry out any duties towards her precious children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A mother's presence and love is so priceless and unique in that not only does it provide us comfort, but it also guides us along the rough road of life. Because Nora's father and her husband had wronged her so greatly, she is completely secluded from the society and thus possesses no experiences at all. This is well exposed by Christine's remark of "...since [Nora knows] so little about the worries and hardships of life] and Nora's own incomprehensibility of her crime. "I'm not fitted to educate the children" is what Nora perceives her current state to be and it is the truth. She does not have any valuable experience to pass onto her children. Should she stay in her dollhouse, she will never be able to "stand on [her] own feet [nor] learn the truth about herself and about life". She will continue to treat her children as dolls for she does not know otherwise. Given all this, it is best for the children if Nora leaves now and tries to fulfi ll her duties as a mother later.

Compare the ways in which ambition is presented in Act 1 of Macbeth and chapter 5 of Frankenstein Essay

Compare the ways in which ambition is presented in Act 1 of ‘Macbeth’ and chapter 5 of ‘Frankenstein’. Pay close attention to the writers presentation of ideas and relate your thoughts to the social and historical content of the texts. Ambition is a passion for something so strong that weaker individuals will become utterly seized by it. We see this in both protagonists in the two texts. Macbeth is first shown as a noble warrior. Shakespeare uses the language of the other characters such as ‘the captain,’ to underline and suggest what had happened and what will happen throughout the plot. Shakespeare uses the phrase â€Å"But all’s too weak/ for brave Macbeth† to explain Macbeth’s capability in the beginning of act one. Although we soon learn that he leaves his nobility behind as his selfish ambition takes control of mind. The words have been chosen to make the phrase dramatic and shocking to the audience, as Macbeth has just slaughtered â€Å"Macdonwald†, Shakespeare uses punctuation to split up the sentences as Shelly also does when ‘Frankenstein’ is terrified that the monster could be lurking in his home in Inglestad when he returns with ‘Clerval’. The novelist also does this when Frankenstein becomes manic due to his relief at seeing ‘Clerval’ and the fear of his creation. This technique is used so that the texts are read or performed in a disjointed manner which creates a sense of anticipation. Mary Shelley wrote ‘Frankenstein’ as an outlet of her experiences throughout her previous years and to express her feelings of grief, anxiety and shock from her childhood. When Mary Shelley was younger, her own ambition was to have a child to love and care for. This ambition and hope was shot down when her baby died soon after its birth. This could be the inspiration that she used for the creation and the unkind response given by the world to it. We learn much about the protagonist victor Frankenstein and his utterly selfish ambition throughout chapter five. This is the climax of his scientific obsession, he finally manages to bring the creature to life after his â€Å"Candle was nearly burnt out†. Shelley uses this metaphor to indicate that Frankenstein only had a small amount of his candle left to work by, and that he was close to giving up, and that his ‘Candle of hope’ was nearly extinguished. We can see parallels between Macbeth and Frankenstein where in the last act of the play, Macbeth describes how he sees life and death. He uses the words â€Å"Out out brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  to display his thoughts about the light or flame of life and how he now wishes he could blow out his candle so that he may die. A candle will flicker, shrink and grow through time and these uses of the word make me imagine the ups and downs of our lives until finally, they weaken and extinguish. The authors use the idea of a candle as it is often used as a symbol of light, hope and expectation. Frankenstein describes his own ambition to create the monster when he tells us that he had â€Å"desired it with an ardour†. Shelley uses â€Å"desired† to make us realise that Victor Frankenstein has wanted this success for a long time and that he has dreamed about it, the word â€Å"ardour† is in this phrase as it makes one think of a deep and intense passion of love in which Frankenstein is referring to the monster by. He contradicts this by using it in the past tense to explain that he regrets his decision to bring life to the monster. Frankenstein says that his aspiration â€Å"†¦far exceeded moderation† when talking about his hope to create a life. Shelley has used the words â€Å"exceeded moderation† to display the extent to which Victor Frankenstein had wished to succeed as a scientist. Although Victor Frankenstein, automatically rejects the creation when he views its appearance. This tells me that Frankenstein is very shallow and intolerant as he does not give the â€Å"utterly benevolent,† creature a moment to be understood or loved. Shelley uses this expression to compare the Frankenstein’s creation a new born babe as babies are completely innocent when they are first born. Shakespeare also introduces the idea of children and violent acts with Lady Macbeth when she tells us about the horrifying moves she is willing to take to have the opportunity to become Queen. Lady Macbeth says the expression â€Å"†¦dash’d the brains out† to turn the beautiful and natural act of breastfeeding into something monstrous, she is comparing killing her â€Å"babe† while breastfeeding to killing King Duncan. The word â€Å"dash’d† has been used to emphasise the speed at which she would kill her child and the Shakespeare has used punctuation to create this effect. I believe that this is where Frankenstein begins to fall due to his ambition and, in contrast to Macbeth, he dies not realise that what he is doing and has done is wrong. Macbeth describes his hopes for King Duncan’s death as â€Å"black and deep desires†, which tells me that Macbeth recognises the immorality of his wishes. Frankenstein and Macbeth both soon become arrogant and totally selfish. Macbeth also turns evil and bloodthirsty. Shelley and Shakespeare both warn their audience of the potential threats and consequences of trying to play the role of God by creating, destroying or changing life.

Science in Mechanical Engineering

For someone who has always seen himself as lesser superior than others; for someone whose confidence is always behind the scene; for someone who has never really seen himself any bigger than a green pea; for someone who has acquired numbers of rejection which, apparently, outnumbered number of acceptance from people around him; for someone who used to just exist – just exist – who would have thought it would come to this point? Review I cannot consider my life as an extraordinary this world had ever had. Each person has a story to tell and I must say mine is not really something different.While some people spend their lives with lots of colors around them, some just do not – and as much as I hate to admit, I spent many years of my life belonging to the second group. I go with flow and that has always been the case. It goes this way: I knew I need to attend school and so I did. I have to do well in school or else I will suffer from all the criticisms – the usual criticisms. It is never easy to live in other people’s expectations to the point that it is what they want that drives you. It is your body under their minds. I can now imagine how pathetic that was.All the while, though, I do not think I was as inspired as the rest of the class was. I did not make lots of friends from school. No big deal! But there were times when I also deal with thinking of the reasons for the ‘empty’ life. Those days would usually end with me getting no answer than ‘It must be me†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Although I acknowledge the fact that each of us has our own set of preferences and all the while, I lived in the thought that I just prefer to live my life like this – lonely, detached, alone. It was tiring when you care for no one and more when no one cares for you.This probably exhibits the self-centered approach known to men. My being careless about others exhibits my being self-centered while others being self-centered is signifi ed by how I saw them treating me. I started my career as an advocate of science and technology. Yes, my first degree was Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I used to get fascinated with breakthroughs science gets to offer – all those inventions and advances in technology. Awesome! Hale great! Breath-taking! Fantastic! All those praises†¦ Nothing can beat the feeling of having invented something out of nothing.Or the feeling of being the one to drastically improve the current state of something for the benefit of people around the globe – it is always satisfying! Or so I was told. But who could tell it was not really a career of choice? I was one of those high school graduates who do not really know what they want to happen in their lives. And so, without any particular basis, it was Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that I ended up with. Not a bad call anyway. I am aware of the good future this field has to offer. I have known of lots of pe ople who have succeeded in this career and, yes, that is, somehow, something to look forward to.I, at least, had this driving force to continue with my study. Fair enough to push me to strive harder and harder. I just told myself I need it or else I will end up with nothing. Although I appeared to be so passive all the while, in my heart I know I long for something. That something, however, is unknown. I do not know if I am just one those people who experience wanting something they do not exactly know what or looking for something they do not know, for sure, if existent. Can you just imagine how if feels to be in the dark? Be somewhere without any clear direction? They say that every little thing just takes a little of getting used to.Oh, well, probably, as I seemed to have been used to the feeling of being lost. It was sad but true. At this point in my life, I can never consider this as self-centeredness as I cannot even put myself at the center of everything. Myself was put on da rk – not in the center but in the darkness. Despite the lack of light in my life, I never questioned the existence of the Great Someone Up There. I perfectly know he is there. I do not recall how often I scream for His help. Maybe not that often but, of course, I do. I do and in my heart, I know I am not essentially alone all the while.However, there are moments when I tend to question the number and quantity of challenges facing me. There seems to be imbalance in load allocation. How come I am so lost while others follow certain direction? How come I do not know what I want in life while others are so certain of what they want in theirs? How come I do not seem to possess enough reason to be happy and complete. I often envy happy and satisfied people, I must admit – but I do not harm to them. I just envy them, that is it. And more often than not, I wish I were in their shoes. I even envy my own family members who seemed to find satisfaction in this life.Self-centered, I was, that time. In all the insecurities I have inside, there were times when I ask myself if this is something I caused. What is that something I failed to do? What is that something that I can probably change to make a difference? What could be missing? I have heard of success stories about people who started with nothing and ended up having the life they have always dreamed of. Can I not be one of them? My concern is never monetary. I did not wish for the whole world. I just want a piece of it – a piece of it where I can enjoy life to the fullest.I did not ask for extravagant things. What would a loner do with those? I doubt if anybody could really enjoy everything alone. I did not wish for fame. I have lived my life not having the attention of the whole world. I just want some compassion and feeling of belongingness. I did not wish for power as I have never ever seen myself mandating others or controlling the world. It could be that I long for power but that power is the power to appreciate and enjoy life, the power to make people see me as a sensible being worth the company, the power to contribute to the ‘real’ things in this world.In short, I was never a materialistic type. There are things I lack from within and that is something I longed for to fill in. Looking at these things now, it was all, I – I – I. I was so I-centered. Self-centeredness, however, can be seen positively or negatively. Realization should start from oneself. Otherwise, there is no way one can share himself to others. There is no way sharing yourself if you are now whole. In this way, self-centeredness can be seen as a first way in building or trying to build relationships with others.I used to have a, so to speak, very narrow view of things in life. I exist. I have to live. I have to survive. I used to find the question, â€Å"What am I here for? † or â€Å"Why do I exist? † as cliche that should have been buried decades back. Come o n! You are here because you are here and there is just nothing you can do about it! It is not a problem needing solution. It is just a situation that you have to live with. You are left with just two options – either you continue to exist or you end your own existence. Is that something needing some sort of profound thinking?!Life is as plain as that. You just have to go with the flow. I was never a person of confidence. I could not care less of what others might be thinking of me. Why would I? Could they care for me any better than that? I doubt†¦ I am just me. With or without me, the world would still revolve around the sun. With or without me, people from any part of the globe would still have 24 hours in a day. With or without me, things still go precisely the same way as they do when I am here. I am a nobody to ever have the notion I mean something – that I am myself and this person counts.As I started to look back, where did it all start? Where and when did I ever acquire this feeling of inferiority and lack of self-worth? When did I start to â€Å"kill† myself? After some self-scrutiny, these questions led me to this answer – the number of rejections I got from people around me. I was ignored for more than once, not just twice, far more than thrice, and to say it is four times is an understatement. It is never easy to be ignored. It is a feeling I would not want myself to dwell with – not anymore. As some people say, any attention is better than none.And indeed, any attention is better than the countless rejections my past gave me. Life has never been that kind to me. All those moments when I wanted to say something and no one seemed to be interested to even turn a head to look at who is talking; all those moments when my eyes could not speak more of what I feel inside and yet no one seemed to notice; all those moments when the only resort I can think of is to walk and walk and walk until my life ends; all those m oments when all I wanted is to disappear from everybody’s sight; all those moments contributed to the me that I used to be.In which case, the concept of containment applied in me. It was during this time when I tend to control and keep all emotions to myself, given the assumption that no one will listen and no one will care. My life went on and on and on. I learned to care for myself and for myself alone as I do not want to meddle with any other people’s lives. Why would I? Is it not that for so long I am with myself and myself alone? Is it not that for so long, I could not seem to find anyone beside me? Who ever said, â€Å"No man is an island? † I used to be an island and that is something I can attest.Until this very day came – I happened to come across (accidentally or probably it is fate’s planned way) with this certain book entitled, â€Å"Teach Only Love†. I am not a bookworm, definitely. No, unless it is an Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics book. I cannot exactly recall what is in that book that made me read it through. It was not me that is for sure. Nonetheless, the next thing I know is I finished reading that book. This is not normal. This must be something. And, indeed, it was. Why? Because reading that book had been the key to discover the other self I have.Yes, and it surprised me much more than any reader of this essay could ever imagine. What about this â€Å"magical† book? Nothing special at first glance†¦ It is a simple, plain, ordinary book that discusses the importance of our every word and every deed. It emphasizes that what we are today is basically an aftermath of what we said and did yesterday. I then started to look back at my past once more – the past that does not possess any allure to be revisited if not for the purpose of wanting to see myself mourning for the nth time. After reading this book once, I must admit something in me felt a slight change in perspective.But I was in denial. It is just a book – a fantasy created by someone, a perspective shared to others hoping there will be people to buy the ideas. â€Å"Count me out†, I told myself. But this book seemed to have a magical and magnetic property that made me want to read it over again. And so I did. This time, I cannot seem to put myself in denial as I did the first time. And yes, it opened my eyes in more than just one way. How could this certain piece of something, non-living, non-speaking, can speak of the things I have never heard from anyone in my life?How could this piece of bound paper wake me up from the long sleep I have been? How could it be? These are the questions reining my head for days and days. I got tired of seeking for answers. And then came the answer – if that non-living thing happened to show the life out of me, I can do far better than that. If this thing that does not have a mouth spoke to me of million things, how better could someone with mout h do that? If this thing that does not have a hand touched me in a unique, special way that no one has ever done before, what more could my able hands do?If this thing without eyes saw me the way I have always wanted to be seen, how better could these bright eyes of mine see those who are in need of my attention? If this thing without ears heard me like I was never listened to before, what more could these ears of mine do to those people who need people to listen as they confess? If this thing without shoulder happened to offer me a cradle of comfort, what more could this broad shoulder of mine offer those who need some rest? And if this thing without a heart happened to feel me, how can my heart not feel what other people have to express?It is this moment when I finally decided to stop asking why but to start thanking God that for millions of wandering souls we have in this world, I was given the chance to come across this book that opened millions of wonderful and worthwhile possi bilities. And so the confession above justifies the need for me to shift my profession from Mechanical Engineering to Counseling Psychology. These are far apart degrees and, yes, I did not see myself engaging in counseling. No, not even in my wildest dream. But this is not a dream. Yes, I am living in reality and the reality is that this is the vocation of choice.This is where I find myself, my heart. This is where I belong. It is true what the â€Å"magical† book says – that it is from your past where you draw your present. If not for the thousands of rejection, if not for the feeling of inferiority, if not for the lack of self confidence, I do not really think this book would have as much effect on me as it had. What is in counseling that truly entices me? It is not the feeling of recognition. It is not the money behind every consultation. It is not to make a living. It is to live and to let others appreciate how wonderful it is to live. Experience, indeed, is the be st teacher.I know the feeling of being neglected. I experienced lots of it. And this leads me to wanting to help people feel important, feel needed, feel worthy. I know the feeling of losing self worth and so I love to boost people’s confidence in themselves. I love to see people seeing their value as a person and claiming it as theirs. I love to see people loving themselves. But going through all these things, all these aspirations for others required lots of self realization. I had to learn to love myself first. It is true that you cannot share something you do not possess in the first place.How can I share love and confidence when I do not have it myself? I started with loving myself unconditionally, being proud of myself like I have never achieved anything before, and looking myself at the mirror with the courage to say, â€Å"This is me and without me, the world will never be exactly the same again. † When I finally learned to appreciate my own self, that was the time I started to see others in the way they should be seen – no prejudgment, no bias, no unjust feeling. This is where I started to realize the positive side of being self-centered.I took time to stabilize myself and when the time came, accidentally or planned, that I can tell myself I am whole, was the time I can start reaching out to others. Therapeutic relationship with others is where the essence of counseling relies. You have to build that kind of relationship to be able to counsel who are in need of help. When is it therapeutic? When you can ease others’ pain and when you can hear others’ grief without literally saying it. It is when your relationship with people tends to make those people feel relieved of their burden. It is the talent that no book can actually teach.This is the spice of counseling career. The theories behind help, but the counselor’s approach to practice it can never be assured by the theories. Person-centered counseling is when you put the person you are counseling as the central consideration in every word you will say, in every piece of advice you will give, and in every gesture you will show to the patient. The person being counseled would want it done that way. Well, to start with, he seeks counseling to be paid with attention that he wants to get, to get the understanding that no one seems to give him.The counselor should be able to give that. The central purpose is to make the person being counseled feel healed of the burden. As Jennie Rowden once said, â€Å"The best thing about counseling psychology is the face-to-face client work; it’s a real privilege to share in a complex process of change and deeply satisfying on a personal level. But I do so many other interesting things as well as therapy; with the research, supervision and the teaching and training of others, my job is endlessly fascinating and evolving. † And I share this same gratitude towards this vocation.It is more satisfy ing than having solved the most complex mathematical problem and far more complex than having invented a machine that could make the car fly. I am not saying these are fancy things. Let us just say, to each, his own. And this something that I won right now is something I will always be proud of. I claim the right to own it and be proud of it. Looking at my self now, I am far more self-directed than I was at a younger age. It is my responsibility to help others see the light of path and to be able to do that, I know I have to see the light in my own path first.It is a must for counselors to have interest in understanding people’s interaction with others and with the social environment. Understanding people’s perception is also mandatory. These things can be too challenging and too complex and only those are whole-heartedly interested can bear the complexity. Prominent areas needing focus are motivation, thought, attention, sensory, and perception. One of the most import ant things a counselor should never take off the mind is the confidentiality of the story or revelation of his patients.Opening someone’s life to a person who is not even a relative or a friend is never a simple thing. The counselor should keep the trust and confidence of the patient. Sharing one’s life is never easy, especially if what you have to share is something not-so-wonderful. But who ever define what is wonderful and what is not? As I come across this vocation, I realize, appreciation of something starts it all. When you learn to love what you have, you will see you need not have anything else. The chance to touch someone’s life, in a way or so, is one blessing I will not forsake.As I walk down the road, I wish my simple talk can speak of the things the lesser fortunate being would want to hear; my simple touch, I wish, could give them the comfort and shield they need; my simple smile, I pray, could bring them joy and hope that tomorrow is another day. There are people asking me what could have been – if I pursue the Engineering career†¦ As for me, I do not see this as a question needing answer. But then, I answered, â€Å"I do not really know. The only thing I am sure of is that had I not choose this vocation I am currently in, I may not feel this very light spirit in me.It could be that I will deal with problems of people in the world in addition to my own, but that is where the beauty lies. God gave these people challenges to work on, to give people like us opportunity to enlighten and uplift others’ souls. It is never easy but it is always true, always real, always sincere. † Looking myself in the mirror now, I still look the same but I see a completely new individual within. It was a total change – something I love. My past taught me a lot of lessons and although life has never been too kind for me then, the sacrifices that past brought me served as the inspiration in my life today.If not for this sad past, I doubt if I can see my life the way I see it now. Every bitter past, indeed, has sweet beginning if we only welcome the possibilities, if we only keep open arms for all the new changes. Fear is but a natural feeling. But to let oneself be drowned in it is another thing. The line, â€Å"I was left with no choice,† does not apply, I now believe. We are always given choices. The pick is ours. Sometimes we want something yet the apprehension is there and we let the apprehension rule. Realization does not have age limit.There are very young bloods who are very positive with their viewpoint in life. There are people old enough to realize things they should be doing and yet not doing anything. Maturity, indeed, does not come with age. It comes with the exposure in life. It comes with faith. It comes with the mindset brought by home. It comes with everything that happens in our lives if we only see things in right perspective. Each day is a new beginning and in each m orning I wake up, I thank God for the night that passed and pray that for this day, I inspire and counsel a soul.If I will ever change someone’s viewpoint, from dim to positively clear, that is when my day would become worthwhile. That is when I can tell it was never a waste and this day is something I am proud to tell God. In every talk that I do, may it be counseling or casual talk with friends, I know it is not them who learn from me. Talking is always a mutual thing. You learn from one another. No one can tell he knows everything. The same line, when uttered by two different individuals, may mean different. Why? Because it is not solely the words but the feelings and meaning behind the words.That is why talking about the same thing with different people results to a definitely wider perspective. It is not the subject matter, it is the people talking. It is not about the language used, it is the feeling behind every word. It is not length nor it is the brevity of the talk, it is the sincerity behind every statement. It is not important if the words are pronounced correctly or not. What is important is the openness of one another to talk and the willingness to feel and listen. There are, indeed, things no textbook can teach. There are things you can only learn as you get through it.I now know the answer to my questions and the answer is that I had to experience all those to experience what I am experiencing now. That may be the only acceptable answer and I do not really intend to search for more. Life is so simple if we only know how to really live it. Life happens but once. I might have spent many years of it in a not-so-wonderful way but it life does not lead back. It only moves forward. And so I should. No one should really wallow about the misfortunes in life, as there is no such thing. There are instances – some are happy while some are not.But those that are not are not really misfortunes if we are to scrutinize. Those are just Godâ€℠¢s means to prepare us. He does not teach us how to see things. He can only provide us with tests that can help us see things the way He wants us to. Our God is never a spoon-feeding, pampering God. He is a just God who gives comprehensive examinations where we can learn great lessons if we only listen. The world is a very huge venue to learn. This life is a very comprehensive exam to pass. The beauty is when we learn to appreciate the class – when we go to it not because it is mandatory to go to it but because we love to.ConclusionIf anybody would ask me now if I regret giving up my first degree to pursue counseling, I will answer, â€Å"The sad past led me to a wonderful today. Every bit of failure and pain did not really lead me to regretting anything because in each of those, I learned. And in each of those, I grew – not just as a person for myself but as a person for other people. † And now, I no longer find the question, â€Å"What do I live for? † mushy. I can tell, with chin up, I live for others to appreciate their lives. I do not just exist. I live. I continue to learn through others with high hopes and belief that they also learn from me. ?