Big Cleaning Day

The country has proudly practised a system and discipline known as Five S's or 5S - Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. It could have started with the manufacturing and industrial plants first because they benefit most from tiptop organization and systematic planning and implementation.

This quality program known as '5S' has been successfully adapted for use in institutions of higher learning, including my university - the Universiti Tenaga Nasional. Recently, the '5S'auditors came down and visited the campus to evaluate our performance in keeping up with the challenge. Hmmm, I shall try to update this article when the results is released...

So we went '5S' crazy for a long while. The university staff attended pre-'5S' workshops and campaigns, and then, there were filing systems to follow, arrangement and labelling to be done, and what I dreaded most was discarding of items - which may sound impossible for individuals like me. Argggh! the office is my treasure chest!!! complete with precious belongings and items of sentimental value:)

Our first nightmare came around in sorting our stacks of items. But it was not as tough as it may sound. As much as '5S' may be stringent in ensuring order, it also brings about a very impressive 'speck n clean' culture. Besides, it nurtures a very good habit of keeping our workplace organized and in perfect order. Everything has its place, and should be returned to its assigned location after use. This way, we can find completely any reference item in a jiffy, and eliminate lame excuses like - lost it! the elves must have taken it! somebody must have borrowed it. Ring a bell? We were positive in embracing this new 'big clean concept' and we all did it wonderfully.

I guess the best part for '5S' is the last step which is to sustain the good practice and habits. We certainly don't have to wait for another program, campaign or evaluation visit to happen to remind us about our responsibility to keep our place clean and systematic. We don't need to declare another Friday as our 'big cleaning day'.

For its superior qualities, let's take '5S' program and concept as our culture - a complete package of guidance, value, and quality control. Like the industries, the universities are welcoming the '5S' program. The nation should read up more about it, and join the pursuit of total cleaning initiative. Imagine - reduced rubbish, zero litterbugs, cleaner roads, well-maintained road signs, etc.

The '5s' program does not end at the workplace - main office, lecture halls, and individual work space. It also reminds us of our dutiful chores at home, systematic student life, and intrapersonal and interpersonal values like time management, discipline, effective procedures, etc.

Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.

Good vs Bad Habits

One of my students presented a speech on "habit" yesterday and I promised the class that i shall post one short article on the topic in this blog. I guess this topic is close to us, particularly in analysing our everyday attitude, behaviour and personality. Whether we realize it or not, some of our habits potray and also reveal our true selves significantly.

In general, we can think of habits from two perspectives: good and constructive habit, as well as bad and destructive habits. But, how do you draw a line between these two domains? If it is based on principles of life, moral values and common understanding, anything that contributes to the betterment of mankind can be considered as good habit. On the contary, actions that can bring harm, injustice or casualty will be labelled negative. Then, what happens to so-called human rights? Human prerogatives? Freedom of expression of your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviour? Freedom of choice?

Well, in uptight situations like this, we need to remember that we live in a community replete with standard practices and accepted values. Thus, in order not to offend the people around us, as much as we don't want to suppress our freedom to do what we like, we can study the norm of our society. It is polite to observe some ethical considerations as well as unwritten rules.

For example, many of our friends are smokers. We all know that it's a harmful habit, which can be even more hazardous to the people around called secondary smokers. Too bad - some are heavy and chain smokers that they can't quit despite health campaigns and incessant cough. For this group of people, we generally request that they occupy the non-smoking corners at the restaurants, refrain from smoking in gazetted non-smoking areas, and stay away from pregnant ladies and children. In other words, make it a personal agenda.

Nevertheless, even personal habits like biting fingernails under stress, putting one hand in the pocket during public speaking, and taking snacks before sleep should be avoided due to certain conventions and etiquette namely grooming, public speaking and health. Good habits like reading even at bus-stops and in the commuter, or saying thank you, should be nurtured and encouraged.

Interesting? Mind-boggling? Confusing?

Well, think back and evaluate yourself. What are some of the bad habits that you should abandon? Similarly, what are some good habits you shall keep for the rest of our life, promote to friends, and something you plan to adopt in the near future?

Let's get the ball rolling and discuss this interesting phenomenon which is ruling our lives - GOOD vs BAD HABITS.