A young man with good EQ!

I had a chance to speak with a fine young man who had just graduated from a tertiary institution and started out in his career in investment banking. Of course, he is keenly aware of the challenges investment banking is facing right now due to the mis-selling of some structured investment products, besides the global economic downturn. But, he is very positive in his career outlook.

Throughout the entire conversation, he had been very cordial and was admirably an effective and interactive listener. At one point, he shared that he was consciously mindful of what his parents have been teaching him about, such as how to relate to people and respect all individuals no matter how lowly they may be in terms of the kind of job they do or who they are. I think his parents have done a great job in imparting good moral values to him and have made him a fine young man he is today.

Furthermore, he is also a humble and forward-looking young man who believes he has much to learn constantly. In fact, when I called at his place, he was in the midst of reading some work training materials. At one point when I told him that he was a smart person, he responded by saying something that impressed me. He told me that his younger brother who is currently serving National Service, is smarter than him especially academically. Frankly, it is not easy for one to say that someone else is smarter than him, in a sincere manner, I mean. It takes great humility and courage to say somebody else is better than oneself because saying such a thing perceivably makes one seem smaller or more inferior. But, strictly speaking, it is great to feel small in our own eyes.

As I see it, this young man would be a good role model for many young people to emulate. I would like to wish him great personal and professional success.