The Sistine Chapel is a highlight for visitors at Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Located adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica, the relatively small chapel attracts thousands of tourists who wish to get a glance at its frescoes especially the ones painted by the renowned medieval artisan, Michelangelo, from the years 1508 to 1512. In aContinue reading “Five (5) Lessons from Frescoes”
Author Archives: Ellery
Is Honesty Really the Best Policy?
The boss was angry. She just had an argument with a board member. She then told me not to sign documents the board member forwarded me for my signature. But I had already signed the documents. When she asked if I did, I said, “no.” Meanwhile, I put away the documents in my desk drawer. Continue reading “Is Honesty Really the Best Policy?”
Six Reasons Why We Don’t Need A Purpose in Life
My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I’m happy. I can’t figure it out. What am I doing right? –Charles M. Schulz Do we need a purpose in life? Many so-called gurus would say yes. We need to have one in order to have a direction. A purpose givesContinue reading “Six Reasons Why We Don’t Need A Purpose in Life”
Delegating is a Subset of Teamwork
The following are some lines I’ve heard bosses tell their subordinates when the latter are feeding back about difficulties in their jobs: “Be creative.” “Just do it.” “Don’t give me problems.” “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” “I can count on you.” “That’s what I pay you for.” “That’s what I hired you toContinue reading “Delegating is a Subset of Teamwork”
Can’t Fight City Hall
Can’t fight city hall is an idiom for any futile effort against a large institution like government. If you’re just one among millions of citizens who has a complaint about a government law or regulation, chances are you’d be unsuccessful, if not dismissed at the start. Paying taxes and fees to the Philippine government isContinue reading “Can’t Fight City Hall”
The Death Industry’s Supply Chain
Dying is a complicated business. No one really plans for it in advance. For those who are charged with the affairs of the ones who pass away, there is always so much to do and limited time to do so. Funeral service providers have become more than just parlours where proprietors prepare the deceased forContinue reading “The Death Industry’s Supply Chain”
There’s Air Up There
The scuba dive instructor was teaching us first-time divers what to do if we run out of air underwater. He pointed his finger to the sky and said, “Go up! There’s plenty of air up there.” It does not deserve any thought. If we scuba divers run out of air underwater, we simply go upContinue reading “There’s Air Up There”
The First Step is Always the Hardest
We won’t regret it when we do.
Automated Queuing Systems Don’t Reduce Waiting Times
A large bank installed an automated queuing system at its branches. Clients were required to enter the details of their transactions on a terminal and receive a queuing number and then wait to be called by the teller via a display on a video screen. The system replaced the previous process of clients writing onContinue reading “Automated Queuing Systems Don’t Reduce Waiting Times”
Being Proactive Requires Reviewing Our Values
My boss asked me to finish a report by Monday morning. I was planning to submit it by Wednesday next week but my boss wanted it earlier. Because he asked me on Friday, I had to cancel my weekend plans. Some bosses pile on work on their employees. The bosses would believe there is goodContinue reading “Being Proactive Requires Reviewing Our Values”
Ellery's Essays 