Are you a part of the problem?

When you spot something that you dont like, how do you react to it?

Do you solve the situation or do you worsen it?

As the saying goes; "

"If you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem."

I have just seen two young managers create problems and make matters worse for their subordinates and suppliers. They spend a good deal of time looking for loopholes in what their subordinates and suppliers do and make a big deal out of it by shooting down the concerned parties.

Being managers, they are supposed to correct this problems to the benefit of their employers and everybody else. What they do is simply make their projects run more slowly and make life difficult for everybody.

I have seen this happen a few times. I can also see the possible career paths of those two. It's not rosy, I am telling you.

Watch Your Thoughts

In light of the major Twitter blunder committed by President Aquino's speechwriter during the state visit to Vietnam, may I humbly quote the following:

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character: it becomes your destiny.

Something similar was written by Mahatma Gandhi;

“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.”

Those who steal for me..

Will steal from me!

All bosses, never forget this.

Never even think of shortchanging your suppliers, contractors or anybody else. The people who does this for you, will do it to you.

And it will be a lot sooner than you think.

How are you in relation to your pay grade?

Do you aspire for a promotion? If yes, please evaluate thyself.

Whenever the boss asks you a question, do you answer correctly? Are you the type that says, “Ikaw sir!!?” Loosely translated, it means; “It’s up to you, sir!!!?” Or, “What do you think sir!?”

Or, are you the type that gives your straight thoughts and go further by offering suggestions?
Do you perform your job just like any other employee? Or, do you work harder than all others?

Here are my thoughts:

When bosses ask questions, their intention may be to truly seek for enlightenment, test their subordinates’ ability to solve problems or maybe, they are checking the quality of responses of their subordinates.

By answering; “Ikaw sir!?”, how did you think you performed? Were your responses, below, at par, or well above your pay grade?

-In your work as an ordinary employee, supervisor or executive, how do you perform?
-Are you the type who let things pass even without necessary clearances?
-Are you the type who stops the release of goods for the lack of clearances? Or,
-Are you the type who will block the release and report the failed attempt to your boss?
-Are you the type who simply look for problems or are you the type who help provide solutions?

My message, for now, is this:

Employees who shortchange their employers, work below their pay grade.
Employees who perform only in accordance with their job descriptions work according to their pay grades.

In the event of mass retrenchments, both employee types will undoubtedly be the first to be terminated. They are a dime a dozen if not, totally undesirable.

On the other hand, those who walk the extra mile, truthfully care about their company and serve more than what they are paid for are the real honest employees that deserve to be promoted and cared for. They are the ones that bosses will eventually recognize, be given responsibilities, promotions and that much valued raise.

Think not, below or in accordance with your pay grades. Always be above it!

These are the types that I look for whenever I look for people to promote.