Working revolutionized

As to some recent changes our company decided to abolish our office and welcome a new era of freedom - working from home. No office = no temptation to go there, no irrelevant commuting. So that everybody can use their time as they truly wish. Our company is interesting in many ways, what textbookish organizational behaviour is concerned. We dont really have working hours either, we do work here in certain hours, but it actually doesn`t matter, as to the end result is what counts.

Now we have practiced it for a week and I`ve noticed that ineffective habits are as projected on a white screen.

The first couple of days I was ok and managed to be very effective. Later, as we progressed, suddenly the inner nasty voice told me "whats up in facebook?". Similar crap eventually came up and I noticed myself being pulled in some weird websites with no relevance whatsoever (news, blogs, product reviews etc). At the same time the other and "responsible me" pulled myself to close those tabs fast again. Back and forth, back and forth. Until realized it`s not about being responsible, but really being interested in the work. Well Are you, dush? Took a moment..."yes, damn it, Yes". Started singing and went on with work. Several similar moments accured over the week.



It`s definitely something to get used to and I realized that Im actually grateful for this situation, as Im starting to push myself even more. Less and less external motivators needed - awesome.

Probably not for everyone though, many friends have become sadfaced after hearing I work now from home. "Are you sure they can pay your salary?" :)


Picture: http://www.aghollinger.org/images/Standard%20Family/AH_working_at_home_5-18-01_b.jpg

"Suicide man! Suicide!"

"So mhm, what do you think how much would a bycicle cost here? Im thinking of driving to work regularly."

"Suicide man! Suicide!" - said the taxi driver with a hysteric Malay accent.

That said, today I still resisted the common sense everybody has been tying to share - use a bus, taxi or train in KL. I went on foot to work... The first kilometer was ok.

Having arrived at work, I had dodged speeding motorcycles, got lost and dehydrated, with a nice moist t-shirt for the rest of the day to remember it by. And! The distance was only 3,5 km.

A decent entrance starts with a bang, has been shared in every public speaking course. I can`t agree more - it was an awesome first day and maybe a great start in the morning even takes to get hyper.



Photo: Even W has had his first day at work.

Source: http://local.yodle.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/george-bush-sweating.jpg

Breaking News

Im in Malaysia - boom.

I`ve been here for 4 days and got to say, it`s all what I thought it would be and even more. It`s hot (of course), truly Asian but also a lot western. Kuala Lumpur seems to be like a melting pot of very different cultures. One of the first differences between Bangladesh (obviously the mind tends to compare) is the fact that there`s a lot more foreigners to be seen. Besides, theres of course a lot of other uncomparable factors, mostly due to Malaysia`s economic success in the past decades.

Now, that I`ve already almost forgot the experience of my large backbag full of sticky sweet liquor in London (a Vana Tallinn Cream broke loose), Im thinking more about getting aquinted with the city itself. It`s fairly interesting that on the map distances might seem short, but due to so many people living here, it might actually take a rather long time even to go 1km. The city center runs on many different levels of transportation, where most tiers are heavily used.

The living place is gorgeous, I`ve never had a more beautiful surrounding (our Estonian countryhouse excluded). The houses are built in a mediterranian style, all white condos with a nice decent pool in the middle. Took the first dip today and have to admit that it feels oddly satisfying to swim in the open :)

Work starts on Monday, so there`s more exciting stuff to come. If you haven`t seen the next generation online media intelligence tools yet, then take a peek here www.statsit.com. I`ll get into that part later.

What more gets me excited about Malaysia, is the fact that the travel guides and books are all full of various stuff you can do. It`s a place full on natural beauty, cultural diversity and business potential.

Here`s some shots on the neighbourhood I live.

Autumn light

Whats wrong with politics

It`s local election time in Estonia. Starting from this week, we can e-vote in advance and then the final judgement day is scheduald for the 18th of Oct.

Recently in Estonia numerous famous people have joined parties (like every voting period). Political scientists over here call these people "peibutuslammas" or attraction sheep. Somebody, who is famous or well-known and will attract more votes for the party. Recently it has been the case for some sportsmen.

But, whatever the case and motive. It has made me think about parties as such and their relevance. Democracy is a nice regime (many good sides), but the party system neglegts the politician him/herself. The polician, who once joined politics probably for a very noble cause (ideally:to make the country a better place), will be forced into a fixed set of rules. Sportsmen usually are very open-minded, yet patriotic and full of willpower to serve. And now, they`re put in a box and said to think like everybody else in the box. Does it really make sense to align your beliefs with the party?

According to my common sense, I would say that any party system neglects or downturns innovation and generation of new ideas. A party is a very efficient tool to destroy diversity. How can there be diversity, if everybody who joins, agrees also on what to „believe” and what to present. What if there`s a better way than the party leaders have decided?

And, If somebody says, Who the hell needs innovation in politics, then think of the millions of ways these few people in the parliament/government actually influence our lives. From social benefits, to salaries, to what we study in the schools, to what is cheaper for you to buy from the shops etc. Ruling a country is a complicated job and needs more innovation than any damn logistics company in the world.

Also, It seriously annoys that whenever I vote, I can`t really be sure of the chosen person. Will he really get the job if enough people support or will the party choose somebody else. Is it my duty as a citizen to start thinking about parties hidden agendas? Shouldn`t the system support fair results and no quizzgames? Whatever the scientists or pliticians say, it`s making a fool out of the citizen. In any other context it would be considered fraud or lying, but in politics it`s considered normal process.

The Estonian politician Indrek Tarand however, made it recently in June to the European parliament! He`s was a single candidate (no member of any party) and well-known beforehand. That is the most successful case I know of, how a single candidate is accepted by the majority and gets enough votes. Is there hope for change? Can we neglect parties in the future?



Video: Even Mr.T pitys the fool! In our context, it seems that Im the speedwalker and politicians in parties Mr.T. There isn`t any Snickers for the citizen though, just give your vote and let the endless jargon of parties continue

Hypnotizing

Tulpan

A great and somewhat different movie than usual. It`s almost like looking at a documentary, very real.

PS: Runs now in "Sõprus", when you`re in Tallinn :)

Next chapter

I`ve had discussions with a company for a while (since May) and now it`s finally so far, that I`ve got the tickets and we`ve pretty much agreed on my focus.

Im pretty excited about this and eagerly looking forward to the new chapter:)

Leaving on the 27th of Oct to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I`ll be responsible for marketing Statsit.