"Famous" Quotes

We just had a great country visit by Ryan, our AP Director, and I can't help following in the footsteps of Mindy in quoting some of the interesting stuff I have heard in the 5 days that Ryan spent in Singapore...

p.s. I don't have that good a memory so this is reconstructed based on what I can remember =)

Ryan on Motivation:
As you move into different roles and take on more responsibilities, it is only right to expect that the highs and lows you experience will grow as well. So many people go into taking more responsibilities with the expectations that things will remain the same, that the lows won't go lower or that the highs won't go higher. But that's not going to happen.

The difference between any normal leader and the outstanding leader is that the outstanding leader is able to channel the energy from the low moments into a drive to aim for a high. Remember the high moments and the excitement and satisfaction you felt. And remember the low moments because that is where the challenge is, to pick ourselves and the people around us up, channel the energy into that fierce drive which will bring us to the high again.

Ryan on diversity of ideas and making decisions:
With so many diverse individuals on the team (not just in nationalities but also opinions, backgrounds, thoughts) it may seem hard to come to a consensus or make a decision that every single person is 100% satisfied with. Which is why we spend so much time getting our fundamentals right. Fundamentals such as the identity, the vision, the AIESEC Experience, the Brand Promise, being what is central to the organisation and what we do. And when we all have a clear consensus and understanding on the fundamentals, there is so much space and flexibility beyond for each individual to contribute. And of course, it takes that level of commitment to making the best decisions and delivering the best for the benefit of the organisation as a whole

Ryan on AIESEC and It's Up to You:
AIESEC is like sitting on a couch and watching television. If you don't like what you are seeing, you just have to make that decision, get out of that couch and make that change.

Ryan on some AIESEC stuff:
It's meant to be a tool, to be used as an indicator. It cannot be taken as a science, because sciences always have their flaws.

Ryan on AIESEC being global (which he quoted from Taco)
You know you're working in a global organisation when you turn on the television and what you watch on the news actually affects your work.

Ryan on Singapore:
(wiping sweat from his brow) Phew it's hot!
I'm looking for a satay stall

Thanks Ryan for all the sharing, the inputs and the advice!! All the best in the rest of your country visits and we look forward to seeing you back in Singapore again!!!