To the Manager that I will become..

Hi there, self!

This is a list of learnings that I have picked-up from over 10 years of experience in the corporate world as an accountant, a senior, an assistant manager and soon to be manager through observation, feedback and first hand experience. This is not an exhaustive list and I might still update in the future.

• Listen to understand and not just to respond.
• The choice of words and how we deliver a message creates a lasting impact.
• Sometimes the things that you do not say matters as much as the things you call out and appreciate.
• Always keep your emotions in check. Not everyone has to know that you have a problem – be it personal or work-related.
• Always be careful in venting out. Sometimes it causes more harm than just a simple release of pent up frustrations. It may impact how others perceive people and eventually may degrade their morale.
• You will not always be the best at everything. Unlearn to learn. Be patient because mastery takes time.
• The Whys are as important as the Hows and Whats. Never just learn the technicalities but understand the reason behind it so you’ll never be lost if something unusual appears.
• Always trust your skills and capabilities. You are chosen for a reason.
• Not everyone will like you and it is fine. It is just the same way as you do not like everyone you meet. 🙂
• Focus on the goal. Excellence will speak for itself but it won’t hurt for you to know how to leverage and market yourself.
• Get to know your team and build relationships. Do not be just all about the process and work. You do not need to be the best of friends with everyone but it will help to have that rapport to establish trust.
• Know what your team wants to achieve collaboratively and individually. Help them to realize their potential and not just be confident to maintain the status quo.
• Learn to ask the right questions at the right time.
• When conflicts arise, keep your cool. Take yourself out of the picture and look at the situation in a different light.
• Be honest and learn to say ‘No’ or negotiate not just for your own but for the team as well. Do not just accept everything and let the team suffer in the end if it is indeed not feasible.

Blog Post #27 – Life after D-Day

Amazing how we can overcome challenges and be actually present in the day that we have been just looking forward a couple of weeks ago.

When I started to accomplish the requirements for my new job that I will be taking on a few days from now, sobrang iniisip ko if kaya ko kaya? I was overwhelmed with all the checklists and I was even wondering if matatapos ko lahat ng knowledge transfers and outstanding issues in time for my last day. But now it’s +1 from D-day, ang saya sa pakiramdam na nagawa ko naman lahat. May kaunting outstanding items pa pero I am very hopeful to close it until tomorrow.

It’s nice to end things on a positive note. Walang na-burn na bridges. Happy lang. This era is really one for the books. Will definitely write about some of my learnings in the corporate world as of today.

🙂

Blog Post #24 – Stagnant

Ever had the feeling that you are too comfortable and not going anywhere? It is like you know that you can do a lot more because of your potential but you would not want to be the first one to ask for more because you might not be able to handle the stress of a new task, process or event. Sabi nga nila, “Be careful of what you wish for.”. Hence, I am afraid to ask for more.

Everything seemed fine. I have the most raved about work-life balance.. but I am not given enough opportunities to shine. Maybe because I am one of the weakest link or maybe because they just couldn’t afford the additional time spent of me trying to process things and learning. They just want results, results and more results at a very short period of time.

Or maybe.. I just don’t want to do anything more that I will not be appreciated and valued. Maybe I am already good with being stagnant. Chill as a rock, waiting for the right timing to make a bold move.

Blog Post #23 – Rainy Days

Hi there! Hope you are doing well and full of energy.

It is a rainy day here today which makes me want to stay at home and just cozy up with my good old tablet, a blanket and a cup of coffee. But life has to move forward even if it is my favorite weather today. There are some errands that we need to do and people to visit because that’s what adulting is.

Have a cool day! 🙂