Career – Page 2

NOTES TO SELF ON HOW TO DO BETTER IN 2017

2016’s coming to an end. Though not without challenges, it must have brought you something that you’re thankful for. You may have gained work, new friendships, a special someone or a family. As you get ready for the coming year, it’s always good to think about the things you may want to do better in 2017.

Here’s my list, albeit not conclusive nor specific. I consider them my guidelines or my notes to self for 2017. I hardly keep in line with my resolutions as most people do. But if I just remember the why’s or it’s value for me, I tend to honor them more.

Sleep better.

And make this a priority. Staying up late and arguing you’ll just catch up on it can cause trouble in the long run. So when it’s time to turn in, do just that. Cultivate a sleeping habit. Dim the light. Play a mellow tune. Surround yourself with fluffy pillows. ~~Sleep with someone, if that makes it any better.~~ Say your prayers. Let the next hours be a pause after all the hours of frenzy movements. Respect this time that you get to do the best form of preparation for another day.

Eat better.

This goes beyond satisfying your hunger or eating healthy foods. These days when everything seemed to be on fast forward, eating has become a dine and dash activity. How about relishing the food a little more? Eat in a way that enriches you. Dine with a friend. Cook for other people. Try food from other places – it’ll always reveal something about yourself and that town’s culture. Eat slowly when you can. Share when you can. Respect this time that you get to take in physical blessing.

Work better.

Work all the time that you work. Set time to get ready for the things you’re going to do for the day. Let others know about your priorities so that when they interrupt, they’re certain about the time you can spare for them. You can always reorganize tasks as needed but you’ll only get to do this if you’ve got the preparation right. Also, work smart. What can you delegate? Are there tasks that you can automate? Which tools do you need to make your work smoother and easier? Please understand that work culture varies from company to company, country to country. Usually, you’re only paid for 8 hours. So, unless it’s necessary to go beyond that, don’t render overtime. Remember that you got to have a life after work, too.

Work all the time you work. — Prepare to do your work and stick to your priorities.

Communicate better.

Yes means yes, no means no. It’s not always easy to speak your mind, but still you gotta try. Write it down, gesture if you must, but you gotta make your point across and clearly. Listen, understand, respond. At work, present your ideas as follows: What?- So What? – Now What? So be brief, yet concise. It’s because one, people have short attention span and two, they got their own lives, too.

Think better.

Thoughts become things. It means that whatever you conjure in your mind can happen. So make it a habit to think positive thoughts and see to it that they outnumber negative ones. The ability to anticipate outcomes is good, but if you lean too much on the negative, you may not want to start anything at all. Be cautious of your optimism as well. Try pragmatic, but entertain the bizarre because it’s important that you be creative, too! So read. Ask questions. Pick the brain of experts. You may watch their interviews or pore over their essays. You may find TedTalk awesome, too!

Dream better.

I’m talking about conscious dreams, the ones with timelines, those dreams which you strive so hard for. Have you achieved them yet? If yes, good for you. Make them bigger. Or get ready to start on another dream. If you haven’t achieved them yet, try harder. After all, your dreams must be enormous. They must scare you, inspire you and move you. So, don’t settle for anything less. Keep striving. Ask for help. Share it with others. The Universe is always listening and its conspiring to make your dreams come true.

Laugh better.

I believe laughter is the sound that your heart makes when it overflows with gladness. It can also be your soul calling out for celebration. Laugh at yourself for it makes you grow. Laugh with others as it develops kinship. Expose yourself more to things that at least bring you smiles. Share these things to others when you can. Allow yourself the opportunity to show others how please you are at the moment.

Laughter at Mind Catalog — Make sure to laugh better and often.

There you have it! My list of what I want to do better in 2017. I thought of adding reminders in line with live better or love better. But all these, when observed faithfully may already lead to those. So, if you got any other notes to self that will make you do better in 2017, feel free to share and put them in the comments below.

Again, thanks for dropping by!

Mentors Preach: Lessons Practiced at Work… and Life

It’s said that if you want a great career, look for a boss, not a job. I’ve been blessed to have worked with brilliant mentors in recent years. Though none of them is perfect, all of them contributed to what I know now. I will only have my gratitude to offer them.

Here are some of those important lessons I learned from my mentors, both useful at work and in personal life:

Do one thing at a time.

This means you got to learn how to properly prioritize your tasks. Everyday is a cycle of work that’s left undone from yesterday and tasks assigned to us today. It’s not uncommon to hear some coworkers complain over workloads and new projects. Multitasking has also been a common practice. I feel blessed that I got to work with a boss who recognizes the value of time. He’s also one to meticulously screens the quality of work. When tasks stack up, he’ll often say, “Drop everything and work on the first item on your list. ‘Cause if you’re finally done with that, then you can stop thinking about it. And you can put your whole attention to the next item.”

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Do not fall in love easily.

“Sometimes, when we love something or someone, we’re content to let them be the way they are. It seems to us that they’re already perfect. But that’s loving blindly and that’s not helping them. Always challenge what you’re seeing right now. Identify what’s working. Ask what’s not working and how the change can be facilitated.” In effect, these statements best describe how branding/rebranding works. And to be working with such an excellent brand person is truly a great experience. These words ring true to our personal lives and a wide range of other industries as well.

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You can be good leader and a kind leader at the same time.

Though not in the exact words, Bob Davids said, “If you push people, deep inside, you wouldn’t know where they will go. But if you’ll show them how it’s done, then they’d follow you…And whenever you give power to your subordinates, that power comes back to you in the amount that’s always greater than what you’ve given away.” This sums up my experience with this particular mentor. She guided, encouraged and trusted me to do the things that I myself didn’t think I can do. Of course it wasn’t always perfect and there were times when I’ve been all over the place, but my mentor’s patience and generosity carried me through.

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Sincerity goes a long, long way.

When I thought people whose names are as good as VIP pass only exist in fiction, there’s actually this very cool guy who’s just that. Of course, it took him much time before he gained this advantage. He told me, “Initially people would only do business with you if they perceive you as the better deal, but that’s just the start. What you must do is to sustain that initial contact and continue to establish the relationship – be reliable, be trustworthy, genuine and concerned. It’s a tricky world out there and while you must do your job, you should also learn how to play it cool and enjoy yourself.” And yes, guys, he acts as he preaches.

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Dedication takes you places.

Most of our superiors have been in the company for at least three years. The amount of time that they’ve put into the job may be tracked, but the dedication that they’ve put in along those minutes is definitely immeasurable.

I’ve met a Manager who’s been with a 48-year old company for 32 years and another who chose to work during weekends to deliver reports on Monday.

I think people with this amount of dedication also has a great sense of accountability, not with just the output but with the people working under them. They are also usually the people who occupy the higher ranks. We always complain that we’re overworked or the tasks just keeps piling up. But not everyone in the higher rungs passes down the work, some of them shoulder the bulk of the load themselves. They may even have made greater sacrifices. These mentors taught me that I should be thoroughly responsible and dedicated to my tasks and that I can always give just a bit more to go the extra mile.

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You may also have other lessons from your mentors, feel free to share them in the comment section below!

How’s it like to be an HR Officer?

The Human Resource function is one the basic and necessary support departments of most companies today. This department may not bring in direct revenues, but they’re in-charge of hiring people who can. This is one of the great value-adding services that HR team contributes to the company. By taking in great people, they make great companies possible.

But what’s it really like to be an HR Officer?

To find out, I interviewed Andrea Fernandez, a good friend whose in-charge of the Manpower Section Planning of an industrial company here in the Philippines. She’s been in the industry for more than five years!

Perfect Escape

“I just wanted to avoid someone from my first course so I took up HR Development,” Andrea confessed. But that decision eventually led to a very fulfilling career when she realized that this field can bring out her full potential.

Her Beginnings

Andrea started as a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Staff. This position allowed her to learn so much about her field and career. “It’s also when I realized that I made the right decision because this job feels like it’s what I’m really supposed to do. Dealing with different kinds of people and personalities, talking to employees, and interviewing applicants… these and more made this job really interesting and enjoying for me.”

She added that it helped her personal development as well. Being a recruitment personnel, she’s the first person to represent the company to applicants. This role is very important and doing it well boosts her self-esteem.

Not Exactly Your 8 to 5 Job

8am to 5pm is just the time you have to render every day in the company. But the impact of HR duties goes well beyond that. Andrea lists her three most important duties:

1. Recruitment

This includes looking for possible employees of the company, to screening, interviewing and eventually hiring them. This involves coordinating with manpower agencies or job websites where you can place ads for job vacancies. It also means a lot of time spending with applicants, determining whether they’re the right fit for the company and the job.

2. Training and hiring the right people for the right position and developing their talent and skills to achieve the goals of the company.

Employee Orientation — Photo Credit: ScoRDS via photopin cc

New hires need orientation and training to do well in their jobs. HR personnel design and implement programs to equip them with information and skills that will help them and the company move towards their goals.

3. Employee Relation

This involves activities designed to take care of employee’s welfare and concerns while they are with the company. This includes organizing company events, employee recognition as well as conflict resolution.

Employee Relations — Photo Credit: roseannadana via photopin cc

Typical HR Scenarios

Since HR functions are highly varied and numerous, she has encountered so much in terms of dealing with her internal and external customers.

“We’re the grievance center of the company. There was this one time when an employee approached me and complained against one of my staffs,” Andrea began. She had a tough time back then. As an HR Officer, she had to be keen and fair in all aspects. So she had to show concern for her staff but she also has to consider the complaints. “Being neutral about the issue is somehow difficult but I needed to be firm.”
Then her company undergone a major management change. And as with all transitioning companies, it’s been difficult to adapt at first. “But my superiors seemed confident about the transition and so it became easier for me.”
Also, there came a time when she was requested to hire a lot of Engineers but she was not given an account for paid job ads. “I really needed to maximize my connections back then.”

As an HR Officer, she learned how to be firm, just and resourceful to deliver good performance.

Key Performance Indicator

But no matter how firm, just and resourceful you are, if you can’t bring in quality applicants and turn them to high quality employees, your department will not survive.

“[We] can’t live without our employees because they are the reason HR is always needed in every organization.”

KPI — Photo Credit: jairoagua via photopin cc

The Challenge: Moving Up

HR Department is commonly static. And unlike operations where attrition is fairly high, you can find HR personnel sticking out for five to ten years or more with their companies.

With Andrea, the challenge lies in assuming a larger responsibility. But it gave her opportunities to land a leadership role. Being the Section Head of the Manpower Planning Section, she has to handle subordinates. “I think it’s always a challenge to handle people in any way. It requires much effort to move everyone towards the company’s goal.”

The Rewards

Well, now that I think about it, it’s heavy on administration, organizing and planning – duties that are not really easy to do, day in, day out. But why did she keep at it?

“I’m able to influence or affect people and bridge the gap between the company’s and the employees’ needs as well,” Andrea stated.

“For me HR job is never-ending, every task is fulfilling, one of the most fulfilling task I’ve done is doing the company policies which requires the approval of the President. It’s very fulfilling to see that the employees are abiding the policies and procedures I’ve done to maintain the system and orderliness of the processes.”

See how much HR can influence the whole system? HR rules!

The Future of HR

With the ASEAN integration around the corner, Philippine companies make sure that they’re ready for it.

“HR’s future is a clear path of orderliness and standardization based in ASEAN countries’ policies. Technology will play a key role as well,” she stated.

I want a role in the HR Department!

If you truly feel that this is what you’re supposed to do, Andrea gives this parting thought, “Pursue and be passionate at it. You will only succeed in this industry if your heart is really in it.”

If you’re an HR Officer or wanted to be one, we hope you liked this post. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Or you can follow us to receive similar, informative content.

As always, thanks for dropping by!

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What’s it like to be a Store Manager?

I met Kris Herbert delos Reyes during my very short stint in a BPO company. We’re both management trainees.

Kris has long been a manager of different popular food and clothing stores in the country. He’s got an aggregate seven years of experience in store operations and leadership.

I’m really inspired by the man, because he’s not only smart, he’s very humble, too. And I got him to share his experience with us so that anybody there who wants a store management position one day may get to know what it’s like.

Dream or circumstance?

When asked if he really aspired for this position, he explained, “It was never my plan to be in store operations. I was a graduate of Psychology and I expected to be a part of the Human Resource industry. But the need for male HR employees is very low, so I decided to look for other options.”

Daily Duties

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As a store manager, you’ve got three major duties. According to Kris these are:

1. Overall supervision and managing of daily store operations.

This means you got to check on your goods or services, your employees, and reports. You also have to oversee customer relationship.

2. Make sure that standard procedures are being observe or implemented.

Every store communicates and reports to the company’s head office. The store receives instructions on displays, promos and updates with regards to the products, services or customer interaction. So, the manager needs to make sure that his store is compliant.

3. Make sure to hit your numbers.

In other words, if sales target for the month is a million, then your figures at the end of the month must be a million or more. If not, you got to present the reasons your store didn’t meet the target and propose actions on how to achieve it.

Upside, Downside

When asked what he liked most about the job, Kris says, “I get to influence other people and help them become more productive employees of the company.” He finds fulfillment whenever he sees his crew get promoted or deliver better results.

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But as manager, you got to be accountable for everything – every little thing in the store. And this is what Kris finds to be very challenging. He adds, “Anything that affects store performance reflects how efficient and effective you are as a manager.”

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So no matter if it’s the hours of operations, the weather or changing customer tastes, you got to know how to make it work.

One thing a store can’t survive without is…

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Teamwork. Everybody’s role is important. Some may argue that some people have easy or difficult task but, the thing is, each must perform at the best of his/her ability and assume responsibility. I always tell my crew, “Gawin nating madali ang trabaho ng isa’t isa.(Let’s make each other’s job easy [by doing our part].)”

“When you sell service, you sell a relationship.”

That’s what Kris’ Operations Manager (OM) used to say to them. He went on, “Competition will always be there. And you just can’t rely on brand to hit the target. It’s not really a priority to customers anymore. Customers go where they feel welcome, where there’s genuine concern for what they truly need. It may sound sappy, but customers really want service that comes from the heart.”

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So in this consumer driven market, Kris thinks that the trend will shift from being brand-centered to service-oriented.

I want to be a store manager!

If so, Kris has this advice for you:

Strong leadership skill is indispensable. You got to be highly analytic and logical. Most of all, you got to be a risk-taker. You should have the courage to speak for your crew and your store performance. Most of all, you got to be people-oriented. Treat your crew fairly and let them know that they are important.

The writer thinks that a store manager must also be an excellent juggler. So much to do, so much to think about but you got to keep your balance. 🙂

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So there ends our interview with Kris. Hope this gives you a glimpse on the career of a store manager.

If it so happen that you’re a store manager or aspiring to become one, let us know what you think about this post. Thanks for reading!

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What to Do After You Made a Mistake?

From a beginner’s point of view, mistakes are necessary evil for development and growth. It is usually by mistake that you learn what really needs to be done and what’s the smartest way of doing it. Mistakes are learning opportunities in disguise and how you deal with it can either make or break you.

Here are some tips on dealing with mistakes from Schragis and Frishman’s 10 Clowns Don’t Make a Circus. I also added some of my own thoughts:

1. When you did a mistake, find the time to calm down, cool off and think it over.

What exactly went wrong? — Photo Credit: Drift Words via photopin cc

In real life, this may not be easy to do. You got your deadline coming up and you’re left with so little time to correct your mistake or lessen it’s negative consequences. But always remember to take a breather and find time to clear your head. Go out of the office or have a water or coffee break. Use this time to think things over. Admit that you made a mistake, own up to it and then try to come up with solutions. Before you go back to your work, make sure you know exactly where the error lies. Ask yourself the following questions:

What exactly did I do wrong?
Is there anything that I could have done to prevent this mistake? If yes, then what is it?
If there’s no way of seeing this mistake coming, what should I do to prevent this from happening again?

2. Ask your boss or coworkers for feedback. As Schragis and Frishman said, “Make it clear that you’re open to constructive criticism.”

Listen. Be open to feedback. — Photo Credit: highersights via photopin cc

It’s not only the quality of our outputs that matters, it’s also about how you work. Whether you work alone or with a team, how you interact and take criticisms say much about you as a professional. Getting feedback from your superiors can really be helpful. You can ask:

What are the things that I need to improve on?
What do you suggest I do to avoid the same mistake?

3. Don’t be sorry. Be better.

Try one more time. — Photo Credit: Celestine Chua via photopin cc

Owning up to your mistake is one thing, but moving on from that sad place is another. It’s okay to feel a little sorry but you got to remember that this mistake is trying to teach you something so that you can be better. Whenever you’re struck down, come back stronger, smarter than before. Never apologize for something that you can’t possibly know and be thankful for the opportunity to learn.

What's biggest mistake ever? — Photo Credit: steffy. via photopin cc

Remember that mistakes can be a great source of experience and wisdom. But too much of the same mistake says much about your ability to learn. Learn from your old mistakes and keep them from happening again. Go out there and do your thing, but see to it that you make a different mistake next time.

How about you, how do you deal with your mistakes? Please tell us about it on the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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