Yesterday we had our first semi-annual branch command conference. Our company holds two annual meetings in order that we might get in touch with our branch managers. The purpose of this month’s conference was to set goals and to layout plans for the year. At the beginning of the meeting, I gave a talk on the 7 Characteristics of highly effective managers. Here are the points I gave: 1.) – They are good leaders Effective managers are good leaders. Leadership in one word is INFLUENCE. Good leadership is influencing others to achieve our mission and vision. Systems and structures are managed but people are led. Managers wield authority while leaders apply influence. Managers administer programs, leaders develop people. Managers formulate policy, leaders set example. Managers control, leaders empower. Highly effective managers are good leaders. 2.) They continuously maintain the balance in the organization I have always maintained that there are three basic divisions in an … [Read more...]
Business & economic forecast for 2008
As the year is about to start, let me indulge you with my own analysis of the business environment that will we will be experiencing particularly for those living in Southeast Asia and most particularly for us in the Philippines. This will also involve some economics as this will affect businesses as well. Let me just begin with the statement that no forecast is a perfect forecast, no matter how good a forecast or a forecaster is, there is no such thing as an absolute forecast. A forecast is only an aid to enable us to make good business decisions. We will start off with the happenings in the world largest economy, the United States of America. As we all know the United States of America is facing a serious economic dilemma due to its sub prime mortgage problems. This problem has translated into slower jobs growth, shortage of business credit, and a decrease in industrial production among other things. The problem is so serious problem that even the White house has lowered its … [Read more...]
2007 Business year-end-review
More than two years ago, sometime in September of 2005 I saved this article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer entitled “'5% growth or worse 'Forecast of economic 'collapse' in 2 to 3 years chills businessmen” I saved the article in my computer because I wanted to know if the future projections of the business environment in our country will come to pass. In this article, according to economic analyst Peter Wallace “There is a 60% to 70% chance the Philippine economy will experience "modest growth" as it struggles with rising global oil prices and internal political uncertainties” He continues that if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo fails to carry out tough fiscal reforms and change her leadership style, the country is "heading towards a recession" or prolonged economic slowdown. Now that two years has actually passed, businessmen can take a breather because the analysis of Peter Wallace did not seem to take place. We did not just experience modest growth, we experienced … [Read more...]
Slippers for Christmas ?
My wife’s enterprising office mate, Ms. Daisy C. Lor has sold her some slippers (Thongs) for Christmas presents. At P 100.00 this unique and inexpensive Christmas gift is certainly something worth giving on Christmas day. I certainly have high regards for people and for ideas which makes something special out of something ordinary. Ordinary slippers with designs were used and decorated with beads and other adornments in order to make it look nice. My wife has informed me that the entire family of her office mate is involved in the making and selling of the slippers. A very good idea to earn extra in Christmas, spend some family time together in making the slippers and exercising the creative juices in coming up with designs. Such entrepreneurial spirit is certainly worth emulating … [Read more...]
How rich people think . . . .
I just received this funny email forwarded message, this humorous story should probably give us a clue as to how rich people think: A rich Filipino millionaire walked into a bank in New York City one day and asked for the loan officer.He told the loan officer that he was going to Philippines for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000. The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan.Then the man handed over the keys to a new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. He produced the title and everything checked out The loan officer agreed to accept the car as collateral for the loan.The bank’s president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the guy for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral against a $5,000 loan.An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s underground garage and parked it there.Two weeks later, the guy returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest, which came to $15.41.The loan officer said, “Sir, … [Read more...]