Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch is already obsolete as new version to be released - seems like a dumb idea at first but it's really a billion dollar smart idea

I'm at home reading up on technology and was reading up in Forbes on how Samsung is rumoured to be releasing its new edition of its smartwatch Galaxy Gear in early 2014. Most readers and critics called it a dumb idea as this was just going to kill the first edition before it even hit global markets. Some comments:

Total fail for Samsung. The first one is not even out in stores and it is already being buried. Message to Christmas buyers – wait for the next version.

Samsung, stick to TV’s. Innovation is not your strength. They should have waited until Apple release their watch so would have something to copy.

The first one clearly shows that Samsung can’t innovate. It’s a $300 piece of crap. They should waited until Apple releases its watch so they have something to copy. Samsung needs to stick to what is knows best, washers and dryers.

These comments comparing innovation at Samsung and Apple and whether 'first to market' meant anything made me think back of the many court cases that Samsung had lost against Apple for so-called iPhone & iPad copyright patent violations. Basically Apple put Samsung into court for everything it could think of : first from the design to double-tap zooming to touch screen and whatever else it could make up.

I think Samsung released their Galaxy Gear smartwatch so early despite all its limitations not so much for consumers but mainly to protect itself from Apple's endless court battles. In fact, it can now out-apple Apple by going to court with all kinds of stuff related to patent violation on smartwatches - shape, size, touch, curved corners - maybe even the screws!

And we assumed that new technology was meant for discerning customers...hmm.

Scary: using someone else's Emirates ID card in UAE to open a bank account..too many questions not asked

I saw something scary in the Gulf News today: Duo bought 14 phones in UAE with someone else's credit card, which they made from a lost Emirates ID.

For readers who are unfamiliar with an Emirates ID card, this is supposed to be a very secure identification card issued by Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) and has to be used by all citizens and expats in the UAE. The reports states that a British man lost his Emirates ID card in 2010 and had a replacement issued by EIDA who supposedly told him there was no need to report the lost card to the police.

So using an inactive Emirates ID card, two men who may have found it used it to obtain a credit card and then maxed that card. So far - so good. But what is most puzzling and hasn't been asked is how the bank issued a credit card based on an inactive Emirates ID card. More questions than answers, surely. Doesn't the bank do a proper verification? I wish Gulf News had done a more thorough investigation and asked the bank why they allowed a credit card to be issued with just one document? Another question: Shouldn't the bank have access to the EIDA database, so that an inactive card pops up on verification?

The case is in court, so hopefully the judge or someone may ask the right questions and pull up the bank too for their negligence. But still this is a warning for us to be careful with our IDs, since this case shows our banks can't be too bothered. Hopefully EIDA is working with banks on a more secure verification especially for inactive cards.

Are presentation skills training a waste?

I'm still working on my online video, so I'm also checking out others, you know best practices and all that. So I came across this really good one which recommends less presentation training and and better content. Everybody drills it into us - eye contact, dress sense, body language etc. But David Levin says unless our content is compelling, all these secondary factors will not matter. Check it out, courtesy of David Levin, author of 'Don't Just Talk, Be Heard.  

That all important CV and using mobiles while crossing the road and at traffic lights

Hmm..before we can post our CV online on our blog or do a video CV, I think we need to get our basic CV right. We typically use so much of jargon and dead phrases ..and yes, I'm guilty of it too.

I've always used 'team player' in my CV, but just saw an article today which states that this is typical of most CVs.

What's your opinion on having your photo on your CV? Or putting references or 'references on request'.

I think we all need a crash course on the basic CV first, so I'm going to consult a friend in HR to get her perspective and I'll get back to all of you.

On a slightly different note, I've noticed that we don't see to have any downtime anymore. I've seen people crossing the road with their eyes glued to their mobile phones to check that Tweet or Facebook post or who likes their wonderful pic. While driving, I watch other drivers at traffic lights. No longer are their eyes fixed on the traffic light or observing their surroundings for anything untoward. Oh no- their eyes are fixed downwards on their mobile. They seem quite happy to wait for someone to honk them from behind to tell them the light has changed to green. But what happens when every motorist is looking at his mobile screen?

We're going to crash into a pole while walking or step into traffic while walking if we keep focusing on the that mobile screen? Will that tweet seem so important if you're in hospital or badly injured? The same goes with driving. Let's focus on the road and not on our mobile screens.

Sorry about the rant, but just needed to get it out of my system. Take care and let me have your opinion too on basic CVs and on using / not using the mobile while walking and driving.

Learning how to redesign my blog

I consider myself a student when it comes to branding myself through social media. I've done some stuff for others in my free time, but have finally taken the time to work on my own website. You might find some parts incomplete or rough around the edges ..that's because it's not complete yet.

I'm still testing fonts, pages, designs and various web elements, so please excuse the mess or errors that you see. If you sign up for this blog, I'll send you a post when it's complete to my satisfaction.

Take care,

Rose. 

The changing nature of jobs and its effect on the role of the HR practitioner

I've been contemplating on the changing nature of jobs in the 21st century, especially since I'm still transitioning to an HR role. I immediately thought of my recent assignment for my Masters in HR, where I had to discuss this very issue and debate on the key drivers. I had a re-look at my assignment and have taken the liberty of summarizing some aspects in this blog post. 

In the last fifty years, there has been a dramatic shift in the nature of skills, production, performance and competitiveness. Work skills and jobs have been influenced and reshaped by industrialization, lean manufacturing, technology, computing, global competition, connectivity, shifting consumer demand and the economic recession.

Globally, postal workers are out of jobs because of email, book publishers are struggling thanks to e-books and self-publishing, secretaries are out of work as senior executives multi-task on computers; even as CIOs have a less secure future in companies who use cloud computing and software as a service models. Many traditional back-office jobs were outsourced to developing countries years ago, though newer technology models like crowd-sourcing and crowd-funding are bound to affect even these job patterns. We still don’t know what effect the growing popularity of 3D printing will cause, but the very fact that it has been used to demonstrate printing your 3D gun while NASA is exploring using 3D printers to print food from powders and digital recipes for astronauts suggest even more evolution/change in skills, production, performance and competitiveness, because of technology.

How we think about work, what defines work and the skills we need to be productive in the future, continue to evolve. Our very concept of what constitutes skill is changing, along with production, performance and competitiveness. Even as the job landscape shifts, we are seeing traditional skills being downsized, disrupted or dis-intermediated by technology and new consumer demand. Companies and HR practitioners are confused whether they should invest in the skills of their employees for productivity or use deskilled labour for greater profit margins. The economic recession that began in 2009 has led to greater unemployment among low and medium skill jobs around the world and greater appetite for lower cost goods and services.

I too have been personally affected by this changing landscape. For over ten years I have been a Senior Tours Consultant working for a major travel company. In my earlier years, customers came to us for holiday advice and travel booking. Customers took our advice seriously and we formed bonds of friendship. Not any more – now customers come to us with printouts from Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline etc. and demand to know how they are getting better deals and quicker information themselves. They view us with suspicion and refuse to pay a single dirham more than their favourite website. Despite our best efforts to provide a superior customer experience, if we cannot compete on the price front , I can see the writing on the wall.

As HR practitioners, we need to make sense of this shifting landscape. It falls under our mandate that we look at future skills in demand, the key drivers for the changing skills market and whether our organization’s competitiveness should come from investment in the skills of our employees or from deskilled labour. 

I have no doubt that technology has dramatically affected our lives and work skills. It is all pervasive especially for medium and high-skilled workers who use computers, social media, smartphones, tablets and the Internet for their personal and business life, while companies will continue to leverage technology for manufacturing, efficient supply chain and the delivery of more efficient services and products. More than consumer demand or the other three drivers, I think technology is currently the most significant driver for new and high skills in our present day and age.

So that's one more reason for me to be up to speed with my own skills in technology. Thankfully, I've made a start with MyPB (personal branding course) from Leicester and am mastering the necessary skills in social media and networking. I've still got a long way to go, but at least I've started. 

What is your true calling in life?

Even 10 years into my current job, I still think I joined the sales line accidentally and wonder where my actual calling is. Let me explain:

I work as a Travel Consultant in the Tele-Sales Department of a leading airline in the UAE. When I was appointed, the messages and congratulatory calls from friends made me feel on top of the world. I was working for one of the leading companies in the world. But was this my true calling?

Ten years down the line, in the course of stepping out to work every day- on warm mid-mornings or on hot, mid-day afternoons, has made me reflect on a host of things happening in my life. Glance at any leading news daily and you will notice the ads for Telesales jobs beguiling you with lines like:-“Charm your customer’s sock off!” and “You will never be the same again “ etc.

To really be able to exert your charm is easier said than done. With customers’ attitudes ranging from the gentle and polite to the pompous and down-right rude, the line given in the second ad, proves to be right – work at a Call Center and you will never be the same again!

The old saying, “The years teach much that the days never knew” is a truism indeed. For when I ask myself the question : Have I been able to develop intellectually or gain in maturity over these years? The answer is - Oh yes- in a myriad of ways. With your nerves getting the same dose of medicine I have learned not to blow my top, but to be more patient and understanding of the customer’s needs and his/her temperaments too. I have learned to pick up on the nuances of people’s tones, and wrap up all business calls without a trace of annoyance in my tone of voice.

 Many a times, using a little bit of good humour and diplomacy with my team-mates, has gone a long way in converting what could have been otherwise, explosive situations. In my daily art of living, both on the home-front and in the work-territory I’ve found my most tenacious emotion is “hope”. Yes, hope resounds in my heart, making me anticipate favourable  situations at all times.

The naivety of my earlier years has been replaced by a mind that studies and analyses problems in a more critical manner. I’m not one who likes to begin a conversation- I’m a good listener. But, there have been times when subtle signs from others helped me to realize that.

Finally, focusing on the most important reflection of mine- if I had to choose, would I choose this career again? I think not – though I have gained a lot of experience in dealing with people from all walks of life, if career progression does matter, one needs to look and plan at moving forward. For this, I have taken the first step - improving my academic qualifications. With time things will change. I remain hopeful. 

Reflections on Leicester Award for Employability Skills - Personal Development and Online Networking (whew, what a name!)

I've been doing more thinking than writing recently. I was quite prolific (I think) with my first four posts on this blog with a gap of a few days between each of the first four posts. This fifth one has a massive gap of 23 days.

One possible reason is because my first four posts were mere rants/raves which I liken to streams of consciousness..I just thought, felt and typed whatever came to my mind at that time. This fifth post and probably my sixth and seventh needs to be different. I now need structure: background, reflections, less descriptive and more reflective and a word limit. I can write more than 500 words but not less.

Does structure constrain me?

YES, it does..which is why it's taken me 20 days to start writing.

I've always thought of myself as a creature of rules and order, but now that I've been critically analyzing myself, I realize that I've compartmentalized myself. I'm a creature of habit and order and structure when it comes to work. I prefer to know my duties, hours of work, the scope of my work and have a ready manual to refer to. And yet, outside work, I seem to prefer a non-structured day. I would hate to schedule regular times for reading, TV, exercise, or play with the kids - though I do make an exception for my higher studies, which I tend to keep for after everyone's gone to sleep.

So where does my blogging fit in? Should this be structured time or whenever the blogging mood hits me? Hmm, this is a tough one...my first four posts were written at odd times when the mood struck me. This one is being written during my study hours in the early parts of the morning. That gives me a clue. This blog post is more study than recreation, which is why I'm having such a difficult time writing it. And to think that I have to compulsorily write two more after this?

Yes, dear reader. I'm currently doing a Summer course from Leicester University. It's called Leicester Award for Employability -Personal Development and Online Networking (I think).  The best part of this course is that it's gratis. As in free, on-the-house, without charge. The worst part is that I have to write three blog posts and this is one of them! But allow me to explain further before you think I'm on a rant.

I'm currently doing an MSc in HR from Leicester. I've done two years and have another year to go. Thankfully, I don't intend (for now, at least) to blog about it, because I've spent hundreds of hours reading material and doing assignments that even my husband doesn't want to hear about. Anyways, about two months ago while working on an MSc assignment I got an invite from Leicester asking me if I was interested in a Summer course with that longish name above. I didn't understand much about the course except for two words: employability and free! Two words that most human beings desire. I jumped at the offer and I'm halfway through the course even as I type this assignment, err, bog post, sorry..blog post.

I'm still not sure what to call the course, firstly because it has such a long name and secondly because I don't know too much about the award aspect. On the blackboard, it's called the ONE course which stands for Online Network and Employablity , but having done half the course so far, I prefer to call it  MyPB or 'My Personal Branding'. The course takes about 3 months, is completely online and comprises three units:
1. Defining my personal brand (done)
2. Social media for employability (doing)
3. Creating an effective online presence (to be done)

Assuming I complete this course, I get a certificate (I guess that's the award) and it will appear on my academic transcript. But more importantly, I have been coaxed and dragged into the world of social media for networking and getting that new job in HR.

Without going into too many details, I now understand the importance of being in charge of my own digital footprint. Thanks to MyPB, I am now much more aware of social media and have begun using and experimenting with Twitter, LinkedIn and this blog. Earlier I thought a widget was some kind of screw or too. I still don't know what it is, but I've used it to link my Twitter account to my blog!

I've learnt so much about myself through psychometric testing, while defining my personal brand.
I'm beginning to realize the importance of a social media presence for me to be employable! To get that dream HR job. I'm also realizing that it would be useful to check a candidate's digital footprint as an integral part of the recruitment process.

So, there's plenty that I've learnt and would you believe it, I've finally written this blog post! More than 800 words and they kept flowing. I had better keep the rest of my learning experience for my next few posts. Cheers for now.

Thoughts on development in Mauritius very similar to Goa

Am posting from Mauritius (our favourite getaway). You get a visa on arrival, plenty of smiles and awesome beaches - very therapeutic after that last Leicester assignment. During our visit, we also met up with leading academics, NGO's and even the Minister of Environment & Sustainable Development. It was interesting to get their perspectives on the rapid growth and development taking place in Mauritius.

Every place reminds me of my home-town Goa in India with a huge difference. I see the Goa of 20 years ago in Mauritius. Less pollution, not so much traffic, still peaceful. And yet, I can see the not so good future. If Mauritius does not plan well, it will become today's Goa - chock full of traffic, pollution, too much development, erosion of the coastline. We told everybody we met that if they want to see the future of Mauritius, then they should visit Goa.

What is most promising is that there are many members of civil society in Mauritius who are working behind the scenes to ensure that development is done in a sustainable manner. There is always going to be friction between fast paced development/beach front property sale and community displacement.

I've visited Mauritius three times now and each time I return I can see it becoming more like Goa..I hope my prediction does not come true and civil society and the government keep working at preserving its unique beauty, culture, heritage and environment.

Here's my third post. 

First of all, thanks to all who commented on the blackboard regarding my blog. Most liked my design but I am conscious that more than design or aesthetics, a blog should have content worth reading. 

So what's my rant/rave about today? It's about Facebook and getting a better perspective.  

Each time I go to my newsfeed on FB, I see fabulous updates and photos from my friends all over the world.  Holidaying on the beach, parties on the lawn, fancy pubs, at the spa ..you get the picture. Suddenly my life seems so much more ordinary with my work and then looking after the kids and study late at night. Why aren't I partying or having as much fun? 

Then suddenly the scales lifted off my eyes..don't I always choose the best pics of mine to post on FB. I never put pictures of myself in my old nightgown, or with a sleepy face. It's always the happy smiling ones. I realize now that everybody does that, which means FB is not a real reflection of our life. It's just a tiny slice - and there's so much more to life than FB. 

So folks, when you see fab pics of me and my family on FB and think I'm having a blast - yes and no. Most times, I'm working really hard and have hardly any time for fun and relaxation. Wonder if somebody will come up with a SADFACEBOOK one day? 

Hmm..I'll begin by musing about life in Dubai, so here goes... Is this a rant or rave?

Dubai has been in the news for its bid to win the Expo 2020. My husband is supporting the bid - he's so pro-Dubai.

From his point of view, winning the Expo bid will mean boost to the economy (!!), lead to an increase jobs and opportunities, increased awareness of Dubai as a global brand...and so on...

As for me, I wonder what it will do to the traffic? And real estate prices? And house rents? And the carpet-bagger returning? I'm thinking just like the middle-class Brazilians protesting about bus hikes and price hikes because their politicians forced the Football World Cup and Olympics on them. I'm sure they are proud of winning the bid - but when taxes and prices go up (but salaries don't), you do wonder and struggle. So, I'm wondering whether winning big bids like the Expo 2020 are good for middle class people. Some people will say the usual - don't like it, go home, but I think this is very negative thinking and doesn't really help.

So that's my latest rant/rave. Let us know what you think, if you wish.

Okay, folks (for now that's my husband and one friend) - and anybody else who came here accidentally. 

I'm now online and on my first blog. 

Well, actually my second. I had one years ago on Geocities - which sadly closed down. So, this is my first, second blog. 

Now - why am I writing a blog? 

I live and work in Dubai - the city with eternal sunshine, provided you have great sunshades & stay out of the sun! 

I have three kids and a sales/consulting career - so juggling work and family life is tough - that's the tax I pay, but nothing to the government. 

As part of my Master's HR course from Leicester University, I am also doing a summer course on Personal Development & Online Employability

More to come later, as the course progresses....