“Hard Times Make a Boy Dream”

“Hard times make a boy dream”… the quote that is the most vivid in my mind from the speech of our Boss during the opening of our 50th Puregold store (Cubao)… This is the first time that the Boss spoke to the public, that is, just so to keep up with his promise (to speak on the 50th store)… Actually he made a promise thinking that 50 is a long shot. But he (we) did it after only 9 years since we started the expansion in 2001 for our 2nd store in Tayuman. I’m kinda proud, I was there (and still am) to help.

“Hard times make a boy dream”: The message actually is: “there is hope, just dream” but behind that “there should be perseverance and right choices.” I was moved by his speech (kahit halata kabado). I believe that inspite of his “flaws” and his “moods”, he is a simple man with great dreams and aspiration! He is a leader that inspire us to move and dream further for our next 50 stores! Hope I will still be around to hear his next speech that will happen again on the 100th store.

Gung-Ho “Post in Your Heart” message…

A message to me from one of my Supervisors who attended Gung-Ho… I know they were asked to write on a post-it for messages they want to say but can’t get around to say it…. (I was touched) Ma’am, Thank you for giving me a chance to join at Gung Ho! Seminar
I’ve learned a lot from Sir Jojo… regarding inspirations, thoughts and lessons
on how to become a better person….
Thank you for being the best manager/mentor with us…..
We are lucky for having you compared to others…..
Thank you that your are not selfish because of the knowledge you’ve shared with us…..
Thank you for the leadership you’ve shown to us…..
Thank you for being part of my life because of so many things
I’ve learned from you…..

from XXXX

I want to share also another one I receive today… (well I’m glad that in this time of my rather “depressed” moments, God is sending me “something” to remind me to smile and be thankful!)… Here’s another message from a departing staff….

Ma’am, Thank you po sa mga opportunities na binigay nyo po saken throughout my stay dito po sa company. Salamat po sa warm welcome at sa mga trainings/workshops facilitated by HO. Thank you din po sa inspiring messages, thoughts, trivias na send nyo po sa min na mga store auditors, malaking tulong po tlga sa min un.

Proud po ako na nging part po ako ng Audit family. Ung mga experience po at mga taong na-meet ko po as days passed, nagpapasalamat po ako dahil naging makulay at masaya po ung pgstay ko sa store..

Thank you very much po..

Busy Season!

A time in a year on its first quarter before April 15….
Time suddenly became short and insufficient…

But this is the best time:
to learn (again), to think and analyze,
to improvise and be creative…
to calibrate memory and not forget whose issue goes to what client…
to realize why every minute is precious…
to grow with friends and partners and knowing we can rely on each other…
to impart knowledge to staff and learn also in the process.. and…
to drink more coffee, skip dinner (and bath?),
to sleep (or try not to sleep) on chairs….
to keep oneself sane and calm… until the 15th!

At the end of much dreaded deadline (but also awaited because the agony and stress will end by that time!)…. nice to say….ahhh…what a relief!

Fail Forward

“When Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, he tried over 2000
experiments before he got it to work. A young reporter asked him how
it felt to fail so many times. He said, “I never failed once. I
invented the light bulb. It just happened to be a 2000-step process!”

Everybody fails, errs and makes mistakes. We’ve heard the saying “to err is human, to forgive is divine”, Alexander Pope wrote that 250 years. But apparently there are rules in “failing”:

Rule 1 = You will learn lessons
People think that failing takes you backward. But failure teaches us to be resilient, to do better and to change course and strategies if we must. Think of it as “2,000 steps-process”

Rule 2 = There are no mistakes — only lessons
Might as well have different perspective and mindset about failure. Look at it as a teacher, fine-tuning your success. This must be your motivation to do better and not to justify yourself for not trying anymore.

Rule 3 = A lesson is repeated until it is learned
Failure is not always against you. Like all other circumstances, it has to follow the universal law of averages. This law states that for so many tries you’ll get a successful result. But you’ll NEVER get the best shot, IF you’ll never take aim and shoot in the first place.

What’s the point…

That being subtle and courteous doesn’t pay off if you want to drive a point intensely.
However, putting raw emotions on written arguments also doesn’t pay-off.
But at the end of the day, summarizing it, being decent and professional is still the whole point.

…Just a piece of thought after an emotionally-drained moment at work.

T&I: The Longest Way is a Short-Cut

One of the most common obstacles to success is to cut corners. But short-cut never pays off in the long run. Let us try these valuable tips and insights:
1. Don’t give in to your mood or impulses, you need to change your approach to doing things.
2. Refrain from “fast-breaking,” because quality is sacrificed in the process.
3. Avoid cutting corners. It is really a sign of impatience and poor self-discipline.
4. Follow through… you can achieve a breakthrough.
5. Set up standard for yourself that require accountability.
6. Once you have standards in place, work according to them, not your moods.
7. Stay on track and keep focused. That will get you going in the right direction.
8. Self-discipline is a quality that is won through practice.

Remember, effort and time are wasted if you have to do things all over again
because you have not tried to do it right on the first time.

-From John C Maxwell’s “Failing Forward” and Katrina M’s Journal…..

Pic Note: “Accountability”

Demented Week!

We can’t have it all! We can’t be “lucky” all the time…:)
While last week was a “Colorful Week,” this week was a “Demented Week”…. well I am not complaining… Because I know “this too shall pass…”
Rather than enumerating what happened, I’ll just recap here my feelings and thoughts (good or bad–sensya na) and the lessons and insights I’ve learned out from it (and that’s the important part naman!)
People can be so mean just to make sure that they look good to the management.
Professionalism speaks many language and has many perspective
“you should be on top of the situation!” has suddenly become a tagline of people who actually are not on “top” but want to impress that they are! Huh!
siya na nga! “know-it-all” and “blamelessly perfect” people annoy me so much….
Remorse is not their trait….
two big words for the week: accountability and accounting…

Well, life must go on…
Inspite of it all, I am keeping my values and I am still “intact” and not “losing” myself.
My first instinct is to fight back, but restrained myself, if I’ll do that, I will just put myself to their “level,” and because that was not the right thing to do
for the sake of my people who are working hard for the projects, I just have to be more “loud” about it. Just blowing the horn here and there. I owe it to them!
just have to learn the lessons out of it and improve!
I still believe that the world still belong to few people who are WILLING to make their hands dirty! (click here)

I will not allow this week to be uneventful… I am still grateful for good graces and blessings that came my way this week!
Opportunity to give lectures to new staff
Have fun in our badminton night with friends and staff
Reading good books this week, of course including Bible…
A chance to attend Gung Ho seminar again, this time as a judge and had fun (again)
Am happy to give up a book “What so Amazing About Grace” to a wonderful person, Bro Jojo Baldo (I really wanted to give him “The Shack” by Paul WM Young, but can’t find one at National’s)
Getting ready for the teambuilding next week, me as a team captain for blue team…
And my week will be capped-off by a nice family outing tomorrow. yeheyy!!…

Demented!

But why should I be affected?!
I just have to steer away from this kind of people who sucks the good things out of me…
I will not be dragged to their level… as I will not allow it…
Demented as I am right now,
I will still resolve to continue to live in my values of what’s right and what’s good…

T&I: Stay the Course

To be “intentional” means working with purpose making every action count. Successful leaders are intentional. They know what they are doing and why they are doing it. To become more INTENTIONAL, do the following:
1. Have a purpose worth living for: “Some men have thousands of reasons why the cannot do what they want to, when all they need is ONE reason why they can”
2. Know your strengths and weaknesses: Playing to your strengths rekindles your passions and renews your energy.
3. Prioritize your responsibilities: Once you know the “why” of your life, it becomes much easier to figure out the “what” and “when”
4. Learn to say no: You can’t accomplish much without focus.If you try to do every good thing that comes your way, you won’t excel at what you were made to do.
5. Commit yourself to long-term achievement: Most victories in life are chieved through small incremental wins sustained over time.

– The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player by John Maxwell

T&I: Blessed For Success

Not everyone we influence will think the same way we do. We have to help them not only to believe that they can succeed, but also we have to show them that we want them to succeed…. So, how….

Expect it: People can sense the underlying attitude no matter what we say or do. Let them know you are expecting them to succeed.

Verbalize it: People need to hear it. Tell them to that you believe in them and want them to succeed. Become a positive prophet of their success.

Reinforce it: People need encouragement. Seeing that you care to know their progress will let them realize that is also important to you.

Pave the way: Give them opportunity to show their best. Give them challenge to harness their worth. Give the boost and helping hand.

Once people recognize and understand that you genuinely want them succeed and are committed to helping them, they will begin to believe that they can accomplish what you give to them.

These Are the Days….

My greatest appreciation to my staff and colleagues at Audit Department. Life and work wouldn’t have been so engaging, rewarding and “easy” without the enthusiasm, commitment, motivation of these people. I have learned a lot from this bunch and I hope that I was able to inspire them too. Our moments of working, planning, achieving and playing together deserves this video clip I made:

These are the Days, by Natalie Merchant.

Tips & Insights: It’s Not About Position… But Credibility…

Tips and Insights:

Our influence has less to do with our position or title than it does with the life we live. It’s not about POSITION, but production. It is not the education we get but the empowerment we give, that makes a DIFFERENCE to OTHERS.

The key word is CREDIBILITY. We gain credibility when our life matches our talk and when both add value to others.

How are you doing when it comes to credibility? To find out, answer the following vital questions….

Consistency: Are you the same person no matter who is with you?
Choices: Do you make decisions based on how they benefit you or others?
Credit: Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts when YOU succeed?
Character: Do you work harder at your image or your integrity?
Credibility: Have you recognized that credibility is a victory, not a gift?

- From Maxwell Bible

Tips & Insights: Good Ideas

I missed last week’s “tips and insights” for my staff, coz I’ve been carried away by the tragedy that struck not only Manila but also Indonesia and Somoa and the anticipation of another typhoon… (haaaaY!)
Anyway, I have here some few insights for them….

Are Your Good Ideas Being Acted On….

There are many benefits to being the “In-charge” or the “boss,” but one of the major drawbacks is that your subordinates may not always in synch with you. In an effort to seem agreeable, they may say “yes” when they are thinking “no.” Or they may naively assume that since you are “smart” enough to be the “boss,” so your ideas are always going to be good ones, and they just let you be the one to think….
Sure, your ideas were important in starting your project. But it was your tenacity that made it happen. Trust your experience, but acknowledge that some of the ideas you get now may need a little fine-tuning, and inputs and challenge from your team members.
Don’t let anyone tell you how “smart” you are and let you do the “job” all by yourself. Surround yourself with the best people and ENCOURAGE them to treat your ideas as you treat theirs — with enough respect to CHALLENGE them.
If your key people are not regularly challenging your ideas — if they tend to defer to you — take responsibility for having turned them into cheerleaders. Sit them down. Ask for their support in the future. Then discuss how the group could best evaluate new ideas.
…. Better yet, derive IDEAS from them and DO the fine-tuning together.

— From Michael Masterson’s Article and Katrina’s Journal

see also collection of tips and insights

Tips & Insights : Say No to Status Quo

Status quo is Latin for “the mess we’re in.”

Leaders see what is, but they also have the vision for what could be.
They are never content with things as they are.
To be leading, by definition, is to be in front, breaking new grounds, conquering new worlds, moving away from status quo.

Dissatisfaction with the status quo does not mean having negative attitude or grumbling.
It has to do with a willingness to be different.. to take the risks.
A person who refuses to risk change fails to grow.

Raymond Smith of the Bell Atlantic Corp once remarked: “Taking the safe road, doing you job, and not making any waves may not get you fired (right away, at least), but it is sure won’t do much for your career or your company over a long haul. Management is not dumb. We know that administrators are easy to find and cheap to keep. Leaders — risk takers– are in short supply. And ones with vision is pure gold.”

Risks seems dangerous to many people because they are comfortable with the old problems versus what it takes to come up with new solutions.

The difference is attitude.

–from John C. Maxwell’s collection

Tips & Insights: Lead… Make a Difference…

Colin Powell Leadership Insights:

1. Promote Clash of Ideas – Leaders has to give them the opportunity to speak their piece, without fear of retribution. “The day soldiers stop bringing you problems, is the day you stopped leading them.”
2. Don’t’ go looking for “NO” – you don’t know what you can get away with until you try. Don’t ask for permission, just do what needs to be done. Mediocre managers carried out orders and waited for a new one. While the best managers experimented with new techniques, tried out new things with their teams often without asking anyone’s permission, that is, without being irresponsible or insubordinate.
3. Challenge the Professionals – Keep looking below surface appearances. Don’t shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find.
4. Don’t Forget the Execution – A plan is only as powerful as the zeal to execute. There is little essence in laying out a battle plan unless you are prepared to pursue it with complete commitment. Execution matters.
5. Pay Attention to Details – If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you have to develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is the prevailing attitude.
6. Let Situation Dictate Strategy – Have the precise understanding of the situation at hand. Methods require flexibility and imagination, and the willingness to embrace change.
7. Trust those in the Trenches- The people in the field is closest to the problem, closest to the situation. Therefore that is where the real wisdom is.
8. Be optimistic – don’t let adverse facts stand in a way of a good decision. Never step on enthusiasm. Great leaders inspire a sense of hope and confidence, even under the most trying circumstances, and that is why they are needed so badly.

Guys, we need you… Lead and make a difference….

Show of Gratitude After All These Years!

Just received a very nice testimonial from my former staff, ARlene… and it made my day!…..
“She had taught me invaluable things in so much ways she couldn’t imagine. She is never a boss,always a mentor. She is a “cool” person to head an important dept in an organization.
I’d like to say sorry po sa mga sakit ng ulo na binigay ko sa inyo when i was still in your dept. i know im not easy to manage, especially my too assuming attitude, unmindful behaviour when spurting out words to and about colleagues.
For me, you’re the best Audit Manager! this morning i got a praise from the CFO, saying about impressive report i was able to produce on a high level.i partly owe it to you po.salamat sa mga mahahabang arrows inserting words at mga words in red font sa walang sawa nyong pag edit sa mga reports ko.”

Really nice to know that in my own little way, i can inspire people, that I am remembered as a leader and mentor. Other staff may not agree to this testimonial, but then what matters is that at least one person affirms my ideals!

Picture Story #10: Audit team! Building Team!

we had our teambuilding at fontana last weekend, complete with games, brainstorming, night-out, swimming, shopping, food and fun!
we really need this kind of unwinding activity!
but is it acquaintance party or what? anyway, after few moments, they were bonding already!
new breed of auditors were discovered!
new talents were uncovered!
really had a great time!

:) what a day

hired 5 new staff (making this day their unforgettable day, with me in it…)
free lunch just because i was invited to say a view in a project for just few minutes
had a dream about me riding in lrt train that went down to the river (near carriedo), i was so afraid of drowning. hours later, there was a true train crash at washington dc US ….
still working on the explanation letter (and my irritation is coming out)
starbucks with ruel and elvie, talking about how we go about the letter
still lots of unfinished reports
was able to reconcile my bank accounts (been delaying this for 2 weeks now)
gift of nice white dress for aliya from ninong ruel
nice ride with papi, good conversation
caught a big spider (everybody in the house is afraid of it)… Now, I have a “power” in my hand (hahaha!)
read a story to Lean about the “boy who fell asleep while waiting for his mom to read him a story…” hehehe
no art project yet (i fell asleep)

Good Times, Kind Deeds & Demented Moments

I will start keeping score of everyday’s good times, kind deeds and demented moments… I used to do this in a diary, but now that I have a blog, i will commit it here…
So, why? to make me aware how good life is, and how kind we can be if we will just make extra effort, or what good deeds people do to us and also to acknowledge what life teaches us during bad times and unexpected turns of events.
Life is so sweet, we should not take it for granted.
We are a better person than we thought.

So, for a start:
able to finish 2 audit reports and 1 policy proposal
a staff said to me “thank you for believing in me!” (abigail)
car pool with Ann (i saved on gas and have a nice chat with family)
new XOXO wallet from kuya (US)
cant bear the kakulitan of pipol in other bldg!
we are asked to explain (in writing) by the boss about a delayed project
i’m thinking of joining “biggest loser” (in weight) contest…
my favorite longganisa putok (i think i made up the name)
sungit to a staff
im still affected by the chicka going around the office
boardgame with lean (and the lesson about winning. losing and cheating)
bought new clips and comb for aliya
good time with papi..