My Thoughts on Participating in the Extraordinary Leader Course by Lee Fong Chai

In 2023, I participated in the Extraordinary Leader Course training and discussion organized by Lifeskills Institute Malaysia. The overall framework of the course and the professional guidance of the teachers gave me a deep understanding of what leadership, especially an Extraordinary Leader, encompasses and how to improve myself and my organization.

Before the course:

Through a highly scientific and objective online assessment system, I gained a clear understanding of my position across multiple aspects of leadership.

The course is supported by a comprehensive and powerful global database, and the assessment system is equally objective.

Feedback from various levels of superiors, colleagues, and subordinates enabled us to understand our leadership level within the company and even within the global system, providing a clear standard for self-awareness and improvement space.

During the course:

The course systematically explained the meaning and interpretation of each leadership style and analyzed the report of each participant.

Participants easily grasped the key leadership skills and their contributions to the team and organization, thereby gaining a better understanding of the value of leadership development.

After the course:

The teacher arranged specific Self Development Plans/Reviews and Peer Reviews, scheduling follow-up checks and evaluations at fixed times.

Upon completing the entire cycle, the course also underwent a final scientific evaluation of improvement or change, incorporating comprehensive feedback from superiors, colleagues, subordinates, and oneself.

This complete closed-loop system reflects a scientific approach to leadership development and emphasizes that it’s a continuous process requiring diligent implementation according to plan, ultimately resulting in personal and organizational transformation.

About Ms. Chai Lee Fong

Ms. Chai Lee Fong is a highly experienced leadership mentor with profound insights into human nature.

Before class:

In pre-course communication, she quickly identifies the best approach to collaborate with the enterprise and the trainees, ensuring swift and reliable course implementation according to plan.

In class:

Ms. Chai adeptly controls the class progress, fostering a cheerful learning atmosphere.

She pays close attention to each participant, discerning their individual characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses, skillfully guiding introspection and observation.

This underscores that effective leadership primarily entails understanding people.

Each participant also undergoes a one-on-one coaching interview, facilitating open discussion about their understanding, cognition, shortcomings, and aspirations for targeted treatment.

Ms. Chai’s understanding of people and her genuine concern for enterprise development are crucial to achieving optimal course outcomes.

She exhibits a long-term vision for individual and enterprise development, excelling in communication, guidance, and possessing qualities of both a psychologist and enterprise leadership coach.

She transcends enterprise limitations, identifying participant and enterprise issues, guiding self-awareness, and pursuing transformation.

Personally, my greatest takeaway is Ms. Chai’s insightful application of coaching in one-on-one counseling, deepening my understanding of how to effectively identify, nurture, and realize leadership step by step.

From personal report evaluations to the coaching method of listening and questioning, Ms. Chai isn’t merely an instructor issuing instructions or demands; rather, she resembles a thoughtful friend or psychology teacher attentively listening to your thoughts.

Through targeted questioning and conversation, she encourages exploration of viable answers, offering profound insights into leadership skills and effective means of cultivating them in others.

Furthermore, Ms. Chai adeptly identifies and challenges my personal cognitive biases, providing significant encouragement and confidence, fostering a belief in the potential for improvement.

Simultaneously, I’ve learned to assist others and enhance myself to create greater value.

Best Regards,

Howard Fan, Hao

Deputy General Manager