Category: Leadership
Health and Wellness of a productive team
What factors affect employee Productivity?
What is employee productivity?
Today, we will be adding mini-lessons on the different aspects of running a business. We will be covering mini five-minute lessons on; starting a business, operating a business, leading a business, and marketing a business. From my experience as a consultant, these are the four areas of challenge in most companies.
Productivity is an important element in all companies. That is why we decided to start making mini-lessons on employee productivity. The reason why the lessons are short is because of retention. We don’t want to bombard you with too many things to remember that you end up remembering nothing. We also understand that you may not have the luxury of sitting down for a two-hour lesson.
Every time we share a lesson, we will make sure that it’s short and focuses on one sub-topic only.
Enjoy and please feel free to let us know if there are topics that you want us to simplify and share.
How are you solving problems?
It seemed like a typical Thursday as I got down from our unit to the basement parking. Ten minutes before going down, we always advise our driver Iyas that we are on the way.
Iyas met me in the basement three waiting area. We walked and got in our Starex almost at the same time. I settled myself in the passenger seat, and Iyas tried to start the car. After pressing the start button, nothing happened. He tried again. Once again, nothing.
I asked Iyas to turn on the headlights. Nothing happened. The car battery is dead. It was a good thing I did not have any meetings that morning. I called the Motolight service to have a replacement car battery delivered and installed.
While we waited, I asked Iyas why the car battery was fully drained; his first reply was he did not know. ‘I don’t know ’ is his default reply for everything. I checked my records, and the battery was less than a year old. It’s not likely that it does not store electricity properly.
I asked him to think harder. After five minutes, he said that he might have left the lights open. The night before was his brother’s birthday. He was in a hurry to catch up on the birthday gathering. He may have left the car lights open.
If we step back, we could have wrongly taken it for granted that the car battery had died. We could have just replaced it without thinking deeper about the actual cause.
The cause was not the car light draining the battery. The real root cause was my driver’s negligence. When we got to the root cause, I informed Iyas that the next time we needed to spend replacing the car battery due to his negligence, he would need to pay for half the cost of the car battery. Since that agreement, we have never had to replace a drained car battery due to negligence.
If we take a helicopter view of what transpired, you will notice the essential elements of a structured problem-solving technique.
1. Information gathering. I dug deeper beyond what ‘seemed’ to be the cause.
2. Define the problem. The problem, in this case, is that my driver was negligent.
3. Options. We could jump-start the car, but that might not be a sustained solution. Getting the battery checked and replaced was more of the proper long-term resolution. The preventive action was the agreement for Iyas to shoulder half the cost of a replacement battery.
4. Solution. Get the battery replaced, and Iyas to agree.
5. Post-event assessment. The incident never happened again.
Solving a problem should not be done in haste. A proper information gathering, problem definition, options identification, solution selection, and implementation helps resolve and prevent the recurrence of a problem.
Positioning in the Corporate Uniform industry
A KCU startup Journey entry.
I heard an exciting blog concept from Pat Flynn’s podcast. When he started blogging many moons ago, he decided to blog about his startup journey. He would share his wins and difficulties in starting his solopreneur business.
I thought that was an exciting concept. This blog will be following Pat’s lead. The timing is suitable for a service we are pivoting from my current employer. PMII is a professional sales and marketing service company with clients mainly from the Pharmaceutical industry. Since the client’s medical representatives need to distinguish themselves from their competitors when visiting doctors and hospitals, they come to work wearing their official corporate uniforms. These serve as a branding tool as well.
For the last 20 years, PMII has been providing the corporate uniform requirements of their clients. So it would not be too much of a surprise to create a “startup” business from it. So we named the company – Kuhana Corporate Uniform.
“Kuhana” is loosely translated as “Get already” or “Get now”. We use an umbrella word for the companies’ startups; Kuhana Amore, Kuhana Mum&Me, Kuhana Outdoor, Kuhana Corporate Goods, Kuhana Corporate Uniform. These are all tiny startups.
Two weeks ago, Kuhana Corporate Uniform or KCU was just on the back burner. However, when we reviewed the revenues of the startups last week, we noted that Kuhana Corporate Goods and Kuhana Uniform somehow has a steady flow of income. It’s not that big since we look at it as an added service to our existing clients. It’s provided primarily as goodwill.
Ann, the person in charge of KCU, and I noted that we needed to start from the start. First, we needed to create a business model and a marketing strategy. In simple terms, we needed to clearly define how the company would compete in which target industry.
Creating a clear business model is not as easy as it sounds. With the standard template we use, there are a few components that are difficult to define:
- A niche target market and client avatar.
- A truly unique value proposition. From experience, most founders claim that their product or service is unique even though they have dozens of similar competitors.
- “Unfair advantage” is also challenging to define. What does the company have that competitors cannot easily copy? Successful products, services, and even product features are rapidly duplicated in today’s business landscape.
We need to fill in other components to complete the business model.
It usually takes from a few days to weeks to truly complete the business model. When rushed, the content is sometimes weak and can easily be dismissed.
The next step is defining a clear marketing strategy. Some of the marketing strategy components will come from the business model.
For instance, when crafting a marketing slogan, it’s wise to mention the unique value proposition. What makes KCU different from the others? Why should clients reach out to KCU and not its competitors? The Corporate Uniform industry is matured and has been commoditized through the years. It would be challenging to develop a unique business model that should make it stand out in the market.
However, it’s not impossible. Part of the research would be to check on the leaders in the industry and identify their UVP. We need to figure out what’s unique about them and how they have survived for years in their industry.
This is entry 1 of the “KCU Startup journey.” Stay tuned. We plan to post the progress of the other startups.
Taking care of your employees results in caring for your customers
You cannot give what you do not have. Employees cannot care for their customers if they are not cared for.
Yesterday, my wife decided to treat me to dinner even though she was fasting. The event is like an eclipse. It seldom happens, and it’s even more seldom that it’s a complete Solar eclipse.
We were in Eastwood mall, and I did not want anything fancy, so we chose to eat at “D.” As we entered, we were greeted and walked to our table. There were no customers at the time, but for some reason, the server gave us a table near the end of a narrow hallway. It was far from where the servers stood.
We sat down and checked the digital menu. We downloaded the menu from a QR code displayed on the table. After choosing what to order, I turned around, and there was no server. I stood up and saw a server with her back turned from me.
I gently called her and sat down again. It took her a few minutes to come over, even though there was nobody else in the restaurant at the time. After taking our order, she asked me if I had a ‘B’ card. I had a digital version of my discount card on my phone as an app. I opened the app and clicked on the QR code of my membership. It showed my membership number. I assume that she would need to write this down to enter it in their POS.
Without hesitation or permission, server A just took my phone and walked to the POS to type in the membership number. I thought that wasn’t nice. However, considering that she may be having a bad day, I just kept watching to see if she did anything else with my phone. Like everyone else, we have confidential or personal information and photos on our phones.
When the food arrived, they were placed on our table. I called the same server; let’s call her server A. I asked server A for Tabasco and some tissue. Server A has been stoic or showed no emotions at all since we came. Not a smile, nothing.
Another server, server B, brought the hot sauce and tissue to our table. Server B had the same stoic look on her face. I’m not sure if she’s unhappy with her job or just tired. They had the same lifeless look. Not a very pleasant environment to be having a meal.
At the end of the meal, I asked for the bill. Sever B brought it over. She showed me the discount amount from my “B” card membership.
While opening up my gcash to pay, I asked server B what’s the name of the street across their restaurant. To my surprise, server B just quickly said she did not know. That was puzzling. She works in a restaurant and does not know the street across it. Maybe she was dropped to work by a private helicopter, so she did not have to see the street names.
I asked her to ask the manager standing near us at the time. As soon as she asked, the Manager just turned his back as if not hearing anything and just walked away. I did not make a big deal out of it. I needed the Information for the grab service I was booking.
This morning as I was processing what had happened in my mind, the quickest reaction would be to get upset with the employees. We experienced terrible customer service from a popular chain of restaurants. However, it’s not one-sided.
Of course, the employees can decide how they will treat their customers. We always have that decision regardless of what we are going through.
However, the more important question is how are they being treated by their company? How do their superiors manage them? How are they motivated and developed? How are they selected for their roles? All these play an important factor in customer service.
It’s not only the profits that stop at the leaders’ office. Accountability for their employees and customers is entirely theirs; that is what great leaders have.
Outstanding leadership takes accountability for their people and customers.
Are you taking accountability for your people and customers?
Super employees maintain a positive influence
The Chief HR officer (CHR) role in the company is a standalone function. The position does not have anyone directly reporting to her at the central or corporate level.
However, two HR managers are looking after the human resource operations of the three companies in the group. We also have a compensation and benefits function looking after the payroll of all employees.
Even though our CHR person does not have a direct line employee reporting to her, she still manages to get her assignments done. More so, if the work requires cooperation from other functions in the company. I was discerning her a few times as she took on new tasks.
She manages to get things done through others because she positively influences the people around her. It’s her influence on others. The following set of behaviors surfaces with her.
1. Humility. She is never rude or disrespectful when dealing with others.
2: Curious. She will ask questions about her assignment regardless of how it makes her look.
3. Inclusive. She makes sure that all relevant stakeholders are part of the discussion.
4. Helpful. When she notices someone struggling with an assignment, she is quick to lend a helping hand.
These are four simple behaviors I have noticed with our CHR that provide electricity for her magnet of influence in the company. She can get things done regardless of how big or small the challenge is.
How about you? How is your influence on your workmates? How strong is your influence in your organization?
Is there ever a reason to be rude?
How we behave in public shows people who we are deep inside.
It’s been a long time since I witnessed a public display of rudeness. The incident happened during a training program of a leadership team. The incoming President of an organization was in a breakout room discussing her proposed strategy to grow her chapter. She was sharing her Vision, Mission, and plans for 2022.
As Ms. President was sharing her plans, one of the chapter founders started shooting holes on Ms. Presidents’ plans. She did it in such a rude manner that the entire room was silent. She knew she was overstepping her role as a guest. She even acknowledged that she was overstepping. Ms. Founder has no leadership role. However, she was still invited by Ms. President as a sign of respect.
As I was about to speak, the time was over and we were sent back to the main room.
Disappointed with such terrible leadership behavior, I composed a message and posted it on the Leadership chat group. I expressed what I saw as the truth.
Hi, Let me share my two cents being relatively new in this organization. I wanted to share this at the workshop but did not have the chance. One essential element for our success is we set aside agendas and personalities. I can see it as a consultant.
We will never be able to move forward and succeed if we are not aligned. May we set aside agendas and be kind to one another. If we have differences, we can share them in private.
We build up each other. Only then can we succeed together as one. Apologies if I come as too vocal. If I can see it, others may see it and turn them off from renewing or joining our organization. Apologies if I offend anyone. For one, it turns me off—just my two cents. Let’s not tolerate rudeness. All the best everyone.
I have had my share of public displays of rudeness by leaders. Oftentimes, it’s justified for the good of everyone. A few times the preceding message was that these leaders only want to set up their people for success.
There is no place for rudeness in any organization. There is no justification for slamming someone in public. True leaders are kind. Kindness is a result of humility. Rudeness is the offspring of pride and arrogance.
Leaders, regardless of whether we are under pressure or not, let us not tolerate rudeness. It’s a barrier to physiological safety. Kindness goes a long way in building a successful organization. Even in providing private feedback, kind candor is better than rude criticism.
Be kind to others
How kindnesss changed my life.
I was sitting in front of my computer for an hour thinking about what to write. While I was staring at a blank screen, I got a message from a high-school classmate. That message gave me the seed to this article.
1985 was the year that changed my life. Jan 1985. two months before graduating from high school, my father left us. I did not know the reason then. Until the day he died a few years ago, I did not find out the reason. I would not want to ask my 75 year old mom about something that long been buried in memory.
A month after my dad leaves, my two brothers, mother, and I had to go separate ways to survive. My mom did not know how to apply for a job since she has been a housewife all her life. She went back to her parents home. My brothers and I started to look for work in our teen age years.
Primo, a classmate in Colegio San Agustin, where I attended school, asked me to go to the top floor of the Citibank building in Paseo de Roxas. He said that I should look for Atty Antonio V. Agcaoili. The senior partner of Agcaoili and Associates. Apparently, his dad works for the law firm. I took the bus the next day to the law firm.
I was asked to wait by a beautiful mestiza receptionist in the waiting area. I flipped through several old editions of Fortune magazines. After 30 minutes, I was led to the office of Atty Anva. The office smelled like cigarette smoke. It was a spacious office filled with picture frames.
Atty. Anva was a heavy smoker. My interview was just Atty Anva asking me what happened to my family. After a few minutes of sharing my personal story, he hires me. There was no job opening, but he hired me.
Atty. Anva then stepped our of his office for a few minutes. I can see him talking to his office manager. He comes back and says that I can photocopy documents for the eleven lawyers in the firm for the minimum wage of P1, 500 a month less government dues. On the side, I will also clean homes that they reposes on behalf of a Bank client. That will earn me an extra P100 for every home I clean with the company messengers and drivers.
The job may not be too glamorous or impressive. However, my photocopying job led me to other jobs, which landed me a computer programing job for FEBTC. The job in FEBTC landed me an IT Management job in Saudi Arabia. That IT Management job led me to other executive roles in the Bank with a career lasting 20 years. My last job was SVP for Strategy and Transformation before I decided to go back to the Philippines.
A few months after I came back, I went back to Atty Anva to thank him. I dropped by a wine store in Makati Avenue to get him a bottle of wine. It was his kindness that changed the course of my life. I was eagerly looking forward to seeing him again.
It was unfortunate that when I went up to his law firm, I found out he had passed away many years ago from lung cancer. His son sadly delivered the message.
However, his son said something interesting. When news of his dad’s passing away came out in the newspapers, hundreds of people dropped by their law firm to pay their respects to his dad. Hundreds of people, like me, were in gratitude to this remarkable man. Atty Anva touched the lives of hundreds of people even without the knowledge of his family.
What did we all have in common? What did Atty. Anva do that was so amazing? It was simple. He showed us a random act of kindness. He showed us the power of kindness. Kindness to a total stranger.
In today’s world, it’s easy to be sucked into selfishness. It’s effortless to cover your actions under the guise of a good cause. It is effortless to focus on our needs and ignore other people’s needs. It is effortless to justify our actions even if they are hurtful.
However, it was kindness that changed my life. It was kindness that changed the lives of hundreds of people touched by Atty. Anva.
Being kind to others is so powerful that it can change opinions and even lives. So, in this very challenging and sometimes painful pandemic, let us remember to be kind to one another.
Be kind no matter what.
Too many companies have untrained leaders that fail. 