If you think a degree is all you need to succeed...

... think again!

A study at the Stanford University School of Business tracked MBAs 10 years after they graduated. The result? Grade point averages had no bearing on their success - but their ability to converse with others did. Learn the tricks in making small talks - oh yeah, it's an artform.

This brings to mind a Neil Humphrey's piece on the difference between a typical British kid and a typical Singaporean kid. If you ask the two to talk for 5 minutes on small things in life, the British kid can yak on and on (mind you, it is not easy talking about bananas for THAT long), but a Singaporean kid might be stunned silent. Or at best, maybe the kid can regurgitate strings of nutritien facts about bananas, why fruits are good for your health, the importance of a balanced diet etc.

Now that brings a smile to my face.

It's Friday, people. Happy weekend.