Insurance executive says key to success is based on setting clear long-term objectives, putting people first and realising that right outlook on life underpins individual and corporate triumphs
Despite all the courses, coaching and 'how to' handbooks explaining the techniques and mysteries of management, each corporate executive still has to find his or her own formula for success.
That's because the shifting set of variables, that include company culture, industry expectations, evolving roles and the overall competitive climate, mean no two situations are the same and each must be tackled on its merits.
The key skill for any executive is not to apply rigid theory but to perceive what will work in practice. Only then is it possible to adapt as necessary to the real needs of job, department, clients or investors and, as a result, get the very best out of the staff at one's disposal.
In his years climbing to the position of senior district director at insurance giant American International Assurance (AIA), the Hong Kong unit of American International Group (AIG), Frankie Yeung Wai-shing has relied on a flexible five-point framework, allowing him to cope with changing responsibilities. It was based, he explained, on setting clear long-term objectives, putting people first, and realising that the right outlook on life underpinned individual and corporate triumphs.
'A positive attitude is the key to success for every single person and every company,' he said. 'If you don't manage your attitude well, there will be problems in the future. [Ideally], the whole team should have the same dream.'
