School Experience

I had a chance to observe a school event as support to our colleagues and a glimpse on how school activities are done these days. Initially had to wake up early as I thought meeting time was 7:15. Fortunately for me it was filipino time thus I had a chance to eat breakfast. I was unaware that I violated the dress code by wearing the prescribed polo shirt with jeans until the team lead told me that maong is prohibited for us to wear during the event.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to read the email note yesterday afternoon not to wear maong and the news/reminder of not to wear maong did not reach me as I was swamped with meetings yesterday and got little time to check on emails. I wished the events team would have texted or at least have placed the dress code during their first invite (as that one I got to read well as I arrived on time!).

Out of respect, I willingly forced myself to change into slacks. Gladly, our house is near the office thus I was able to go back and change. I was about to bring my car to the school event but when we went back to the office at around 8ish, the van is still there since it got lost along the way thus we managed to ride with the team going to the school.

The public school that we went was a great place. Though there were a little glitches observed - it was a great event in total. The snacks served was quite yummy! I cannot remember who the caterer was. I commend the agency organizing the event. I also appreciated governor's magnificent people and oratorical skills.

Work in Times of Crisis

At times, work brings you challenges.. to make you stronger and better as a professional and as a person. Despite the challenges, I've always been thankful that I have a good paying job in times of crisis where redundancy, lay-offs, closing down of firms are common situations. 

I hear common gripes from others on how they are currently "overworked but underpaid". If only they realize how lucky they are compared to others who are still struggling to find a decent job to feed their family. I've been almost tempted to tell those who complain on their current state and compensation to go ahead and feel free to seek work outside the company but resisted myself to do so as I know it will be difficult to find a better paying job these days. 

Hope everyone would see the other side and appreciate their current job at the same time work hard for them to reap the benefits sooner or later than expected. 

AHA Moments

We had a day away to do maintenance check amongst the team members. New year, new team, new challenges..Had a great session with our core generating demand team today. Lots of AHA Moments emerged within the team which allowed us to understand each other fully. 

Teambuilding activities provided by Convergent Team our HR Consultant was so apt given our unique team dynamics. They showed great examples through videos, wonderful team exercises which in effect translated to positive reactions amongst team members. I was glad that the team members were so open, accepted and gave necessary feedback. I am confident that this will gradually translate on how we work and run the business as a team.

We are ready to face as one team the business challenges that will come our way. We are all set to make a difference sooner or later within the team, within the business unit, within the company and hopefully within the nation.

Learnings from Work

I've never been conscious about positions, salary compensation and compared myself relative to others. Despite having many encounters, it still came a shock to me how others put high importance on titles and how they place a high regard of themselves relative to others. I've always thought that everyone should be treated with the same respect as a person and not purely base it on positions and salary compensations.

Good performance never fails to be rewarded.. It might not come at times when you want or expected it to be but the company or others always have a better way of making it up to give what one truly deserves. 

Friends may they be in your workplace or somewhere else are there to strengthen you, to guide you.. They are also there to help you and teach a thing or two which can be valuable in life.

Great News at Work

How sweet it is to receive great unexpected news!I cannot contain my happiness when my boss announced the good news. 

I always marvel how God's hand work in our lives. Whenever we feel low, He always have His way of lifting us up. I've almost reached financial and career lowdown but I never stopped dreaming that someday, money will start pouring in and I will soon climb the senior management corporate ladder. 

It's been almost a month since I hoped and prayed for a promotion by next year to help augment our family income. I was relatively surprised and thankful that I got promoted earlier than expected. I thank our boss and the upper management who had us for exceptional promotion effective this month.

With higher position comes bigger responsibility. I am not afraid to fly and I know they will now grant me the opportunity to do so---- My wings are now ready and I am about to soar for my family, for myself and for the company I'm currently working with.

I look forward to spending more exciting years ahead. I wonder how I will look like when I receive my 40 years of service award in this company by 2040! 

Lessons Learned at Work

I had an unusual month at work. I look forward to better days... I've always chosen the less travelled path but I know in time my efforts will pay off. After eight years of working, I want to share with you my own random list of things learned at work: 

1. Always be a helping hand - in simple and complicated things. For you it may be nothing but for others it is a big thing. Be ready though as some may use you and some may abuse you. Take each situation as a preparatory to the next big thing to come at work or in life in general.
2. Politics is everywhere. It is present whatever position you are into. I've never been a fan of politics. Maybe that's why my growth is relatively slower than expected by others. I would rather do my best in the most sincere way possible even if decisions made will be quite unpopular or disliked by many.
3. If you've decided to stay longer and grow old in the company you are currently into, do not let someone take that away from you or alter your decision. Be strong enough and swallow few pride left. Try to stay away from that person in all ways that you can.
4. Don't lose hope. Always believe in the saying "there's a light at the end of the tunnel". Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down but never forget life's experiences and learnings along the way. Whatever worries you have at work, this too shall pass.
5. Be happy for others even if it means sacrificing your own happiness. There may be times that senior managers fail to see what you've done (or worst credit it to someone instead!). When this happens, give yourself an imaginary pat at the back.
6. Don't wait for the company or your boss to reward you for a great job done. Go ahead and treat yourself to a massage or buy that great pair of shoes you've always been eyeing for!
7. Be tenacious. It will help prepare you how to handle frustrations and hurdles in the future.
8. Some boss might fail to praise nor thank their coworkers. Never acquire this habit. Always appreciate everybody's worth. A simple thank you to colleagues inspires them to do more and hopefully would make you become a better leader someday. 
9. Share your glory. Give chance (a chance to be recognized) to others! Always remember, no man is an island  for every work you do, I'm sure others have helped you did a wonderful job. When your boss praise you for a great work done - be brave and generous enough to acknowledge in front of him who have helped you along the way. A true leader is never selfish enough to share his success!
10. Disagreements might come along the way. Choose your battles - small enough that you know you can win and big enough that matters. 
11. Champions and leaders are positioned not for others to serve them but for them to inspire others to do a fantastic job.
12. Trust your instinct - they are always right. In whatever situation you are in - be honest. This is relatively self-explanatory.

Although learned at work, lessons above largely helped me grow as a person.