As a youth-centric company, the myHarapan team are big believers of the importance of creating a positive workplace culture. As an organisation, our mission is clear: we develop and empower young Malaysians to create positive sustainable impact in their communities. And we always uphold the seventh principle of social business; which is to do it with joy.
It has been a busy and hectic first quarter for the team at myHarapan, and while we have been busy implementing our projects and initiatives for the year, we have also not forgotten the fun! As a way to boost morale, improve performance and for everyone to come together for a little bit of fun, the Management organised a workshop for the team last week!
Conducted and facilitated by Wavemakers, the session was entitled ‘How to Win Your Audience with your Personality’, and it covered topics on personal grooming, presentation, and business etiquette.
The workshop started with grooming basics: knowing our skin, and tips for taking care of our skin using products readily available in stores. The segment also included use of makeup; choosing the right colours for your skin tone and the occasion, and using makeup for work. The facilitators also highlighted the importance of dressing right – and yes, you can look sharp and presentable for a business meeting, even in a pair of jeans. (but keep the frayed and torn pair for the weekend!)
“We all learned that the way we look and carry ourselves already sends a message, even before we speak! So you’ve got to look the part if you want your audience,” said Mohammad Asyraf bin Bustaman, Executive, Youth Engagement.
“After the grooming session, I would like to further improve myself by reporting to work earlier, taking better care of myself, wearing the best smile and displaying a positive attitude all the time,” he added.
On presentation and confidence, one of the highlights for the team were the vocal projection exercises. Whether we are in a small meeting of four, addressing a boardroom of twenty, or delivering a presentation in front of an audience of 100, we were taught that our voice plays a critical role in the successful delivery of our message.
In order to practice applying voice projection techniques, we had to participate in role-playing professional/business scenarios set up by the facilitators.
“We had so much fun doing role play, and it gave me the confidence to speak louder and clearer. I’m really shy, and I think my voice is meek and I think I sometimes mumble,” said Norhasanah Ariffin, Executive, Research and Policy.
Some of the vocal exercises we learned last week have been incorporated into our weekly team energizer routines, so don’t freak out if you happen to be outside our office and hear us yelling out our vowels!
Our overall verdict? We feel loved! We reckon that sometimes we all get too caught up pursuing our goals – be it at school, university or even at the workplace, that we forget to take care of ourselves. So, thank you to our bosses and the HR team for making sure we look and feel good! And to the awesome ladies from Wavemakers, thank you for spending the day at The Zoo – we had fun, and hoped that you too did it with joy!