I learned a lot from Faisal and Li Lian as I worked with them to sell the Hammer paper.
We moved in our Hammer teams to the surrounding shops and coffee shops around Kovan market.
A lady approaches us and demands we respond to her feedback. She makes a general comment that the place has become very dirty and that no one from WP has visited her at her home since 2011. Faisal and Li Lian ask for the specific areas of dirtiness which we could address, but the lady makes a general gesture telling us to look around and see for ourselves. They thank her for the feedback and tell themselves there is always room for improvement and will work on it.
Another lady approaches us not long after. I am amused she says the exact opposite and thank us for the amazing cleanliness she has seen since she moved into the area last year, compared to a neighbouring GRC she moved from. Li Lian is not amused. She asks whether there are any areas for improvement and even almost insists there must be when the lady is vigorously shaking Li Lian's hands and says it is perfect. She begs the lady to tell us if she ever sees anything out of order so that we can address it.
A friendly old man sitting at the coffee shop buys the Hammer and begins telling us about the dirty corridor he has been experiencing in the last month. Immediately, Li Lian's attention lights up to super-engaged and she asks for details so that she can identify the cause and address the problem. Boon Yaw, who helps Show Mao in the ward, writes down the details for follow-up action.
Live with the people, listen, humbly, don't judge, and seek to improve ourselves, always.
Daniel PS Goh
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/danpsgoh/posts/854223497973728