Many young workers feel invincible. They tend to be eager and vocal about their ideas and opinions.
And that was true for Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) Assistant General Secretary Noorfarahin Ahmad when she first started out as an executive with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in 1993 at the tender age of 23. Her approach as a union leader was also similar back then.
“Maybe it was because I felt that it was a learning process. I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes as I knew I was a young worker and unionist. Maybe that was why I tended to be a bit more gung-ho in a way when I was younger,” she said.
Noor also said that she was very vocal with her ideas in the early years.
“I think it’s the same with young workers today. We always think that we need to change to move with the times. We would feel that a lot of the processes are outdated and old school, and we wanted that to be known,” she explained.
Naturally, some superiors weren’t so accepting of her new ideas.
“Many would tell me that I was too young, and I didn’t know any better. But to me, a person can never be too young for anything. You just need to believe that you can do the job and prove that you can do the job better than anyone else. You just make sure you have the substance and knowledge,” she said.
She still believes that this is the way to go for young workers today.
“It is not a bad thing for young workers to be vocal. It all depends on how you look at it. Let’s say you have a belief, and you are vocal about it, just make sure you are not rude. When we address issues, address them with diplomacy. Respect your peers and your elders. Balance your emotions and your intent,” said Noor.
Now at 47, Noor has learnt a lot from her 24 years of experience with the union and STB.
Currently, the vice-chairperson in the NTUC Women’s Committee has also taken a softer approach to convey her ideas.
“So, now sitting in the women’s committee, I still vocalise my ideas, but at the same time, I also explain the reasons behind them. We need to make other people understand your thought process and why your idea is needed,” she said.
The approach she has today helps her avoid conflict among fellow peers, and helps to build relationships.
To ensure everyone involved in the discussion understands each other, she has also included an emotional aspect to evaluate issues.
“Sometimes the person you are discussing issues with does not always apply reasoning when emotions are involved. Understanding issues from an emotional level is also important.
“I’m sure you understand that the mind and heart don’t always agree on certain issues. So my advice to union leaders, especially to women union leaders, is to try to find a way to balance this,” she said.
