10 Ways To Writing Reports That Matter

Report writing appears to be an unpopular, but necessary form of documentation. Yet, it provides a recorded platform for evidence of tasks completed, achievements and the meetings of goals/KPIs. Reports are also used to document events, as well as salient points emerging from the activities associated with it. In practice the more you write and the more specific feedback you earn from it, the more improved you will be as a reporter.

If you have difficulty writing reports, how can you enhance your skills and confidence?

1)    Write about segments of a television program you have watched.

2)    Write a brief film review (100 words or less).

3)    Update your blog.

4)    Report on a sporting activity you have either participated in, or was a spectator to.

5)    Summarise the essence of an office meeting. Keep this to yourself.

6)    Report on the minutes of a meeting. (Sounds brutal, yet it is not if you know it comprises three salient components only).

7)    Read race/sports reports.

8)    Read about travel reports. It can be similar in style to that of The Lonely Planet.

9)    Glean from writers on Facebook and related social media. (I get inspiration from my friends who write well, or report on amusing matters).

10) Appreciate the structure and processes behind writing formal reports. Identify the content required for the Beginning, Middle and End.

Radiate Your Presence and Confidence

As athletes, we are measured by our energy that we radiate. Fit people are expected to be bristling with energy. They live for activity, and the activities they indulge in builds their reserves of potential energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, for it is transformed from one form into another.

What does the confidence of a leader do for you? How likely are you drawn towards their positive energy? How much of their confidence do you allow to envelop you? Most of these confident people also have presence. They present themselves in uniquely attractive way, so that we notice them when they step into our realms of awareness and sensibilities. When they are with you, how much of them are in the present? World-class leaders and celebrities express their aura when they walk with us, and among us. Consider these leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Elvis Presley, Dr Martin Luther King, President Bill Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, and George Clooney.

Confidence and presence are attractive features of a person. As a leader, these become critical characteristics that command attention and make you attractive to others. When you exude these forms of influence, you can begin to create attainment (buy-in) and, subsequently, attachment (loyalty). Leaders introduce others into their personal space, and get invited into the personal space of their people. Those who are disliked never get welcomes into the private space of others, and rarely engage in intimate conversations.

When you step into the company of others, how well are you received? Are you respected as a leader, or feared because of your position of power? How do you know that others have accepted you into their domains and comfort zones?

Leadership Lessons: How do you develop your presence? How do you express your charisma? How often do you light up a room, and delight others with your positive energies?

Journey To Personal Excellence

My students have asked me – other than as an educator – how and why I have several other roles. My reasons include being curious to learn, discovering my aptitude and attitude for a new field, and wanting to excel in more than one field of expertise. Being excellent in a field of interest can raise your confidence, self-esteem and direct you towards being a better person. When you raise your bar of performance, you begin to attain a higher level of competency. The results can be positively repercussive, toppling upwards to a staircase of more possibilities, abilities and motivations. 

I enjoy practising sleight of hand magic, due to my curiosity about the four-century-old craft of deception-as-entertainment. Once I passed the initial stage of learning about the secrets of magic, I was intrigued with the thinking process behind the tricks. I became fascinated by the cleverness and creativity behind some of the illusions. In the last 20 years of this private and public hobby, I have met many amazing magicians, illusion-designers, magical authors and thinkers. I had the privilege to be friends with magical consultants (for David Copperfield and David Blaine) – all very nice people with a common, fiendish mind to astonish and amaze audiences. I also had the privilege to hold leadership positions in my magic club, and appear on television to share my magic performances.

Desmond Peh, Entrepreneur of the Year, 2010 who excels in magic, mathematics, and managing his chain of tuition agencies

With triathlons and marathons, I learnt to pursue excellence in another way. You can progress in your fitness in many dimensions. You can become faster and stronger with consistent training, the occasional racing, and strengthening of your core muscles. I also met many inspiring athletes who encouraged and helped me step up on my game, so that I may realize my dream of being the best runner and long-course triathlete I can be. Earning elite qualifying times, and participating in world championships has help me orientate my goals, aspirations and dreams.

Leadership Lessons: How do you attain personal excellence? When have you exceeded your interests and develop those into something you can take great pride in? Create a sense of purpose, and aim to change, develop and grow. It is better to be great at a few things, than be mediocre in many.


Running Photo-credit: Le Giang

Loneliness of the Long-Distance Athlete

This morning, a band of 15 of my triathlon friends headed for Malaysia to ride 242km. This is, by far, the longest ride most of them have done. This event was part of a progressive series of rides, which is targeted at triathletes preparing for long-distance triathlons. It will be a test of endurance for many, as the road conditions and weather will be challenging. However, upon their completion, and I know many will - they will come back stronger, more robust and confident.

Confidence is built when we test ourselves, and succeed. Just completing an enduring ride, regardless of speed, can be comforting to the psyche of the cyclist. I completed about 90km this morning, and was pleased that the conditions were made tougher with persistent head-winds. I was grateful to the coterie of cyclists riding solo, or in pairs who indirectly encouraged me to continue riding, and defer my hunger.

Riding can be a lonely business. You may start as a pack,and then this team disintegrates into a longer convoy of riders; each person tending to their own demons and strategies for dealing with desolate self-talk and endemic self-doubt. However, this sense of isolation can help build a sense of independence, self-reliance and confidence - enticing elements of personal leadership. We live with our thoughts, actions and consequences; if we give up too readily and easily, we will have to live with ourselves, and our self-castigation for not doing more.

Do we get lonely whilst on these long rides? We might. Some people may be loners, yet that does not mean that they are lonely. Loneliness is based on a strong dependency of others for company. Loners may just enjoy being by themselves, sometimes; cycling and long-distance running fits very well as sports for such private personalities.

I can't wait to enjoy the many stories with the riders later this week - it promises to be wild, whacky and weathered. Meanwhile, train safe and be well!

Photo credit: Pee Kay