The Most Powerful Question Asked in Singapore

I like short and simple words because to say something short and simple takes a lot of effort and understanding. This is unlike some professors who use very difficult to understand terms and words that few can understand.

In people management, the less you say, the more they get it. I learnt this very powerful phrase from Singapore's highest grossing local dual movies "Ah Boys to Men". In that movie, while the recruits are preparing for their most ardent training (3-days field camp), their Officer asked them this question: "Before we move out, anybody not feeling well?" All the recruits answered a resounding, "NO!!!". Next the Officer said, "Gentlemen, every time the training gets harder, one question comes to your mind: 'Why am I serving national service?' My answer to you is - 'If not You, Then Who Else?'" With that the soldiers happily go for their training.

Indeed, "If Not You Who Else?" is a very powerful phrase because it contains at least 7 meanings:

You are the most qualified and prepared person
Please tell me who is better than you
I have no choice, you are the only one available
I have already done my homework: believe it or not, you are the most suitable
You are the best!
I am depending on you now
You are my chosen one

You can use this powerful "If Not You Who Else" phrase in your sales, management, parenting and even motivating yourself. The beauty of this phrase is that it is a question that has to be answered by the listener himself . We know that people believe more in what they themselves say than what is told to them. For no one likes to be told, but we all like to be led.

By Andy Ng, Chief Trainer Coach at Asia Trainers, details at here. Other related articles on people management:

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