Most managers (and white-collar workers) face barrages of requests, if not directives, just about every day. Executives and peers ask managers to do many things such as write reports, attend meetings, do feasibility studies, pay suppliers, or test new products. Many managers would find themselves busy responding to these requests. So much so that they’dContinue reading “Two Tactics That are Better than “No””
Category Archives: Aha!
Solving Problems, Cultivating Ideas Together
I worked for Procter & Gamble Philippines in the late 1980’s. I was a production manager who oversaw the food packing lines of the company. As production manager, I was invited at times to join the food brand team meetings led by marketing managers, who were responsible for their respective products’ success. P&G is famousContinue reading “Solving Problems, Cultivating Ideas Together”
Nothing Matters More Importantly than the Delivery
In the final scene of the 1975 movie, Three Days of the Condor, Deputy Director Higgins (played by the late Cliff Robertson) of the CIA tells Turner (played by Robert Redford) that when faced with shortages of basic necessities like oil and food, people won’t be asking but will be demanding there will be supply. Continue reading “Nothing Matters More Importantly than the Delivery”
Why We Need Engineers
I spent fifteen (15) minutes one morning pounding several pills into powder. The powdered pills are medicinal supplements for my pet cat, to fight against liver ailments. One of my cats tested for high SGPT, an enzyme when found high in a blood test, indicates problems with the liver. The vet prescribed the cat neededContinue reading “Why We Need Engineers”
The Value a Small Table Can Bring
I was in a bad mood that morning. The bank I always go was closed. The manager said the staff was sick with the coronavirus so I had to go to another branch further away. I didn’t like my time being wasted but I had no choice if I wanted to finish my transactions thatContinue reading “The Value a Small Table Can Bring”
Negotiating Needs Time
One important thing the expert hostage-negotiator, Chris Voss, teaches in his book, Never Split the Difference, is to exercise empathy with whom we negotiate with. Mr. Voss advises we listen intently, ask questions, and mirror what the other party says as the latter cites whatever demands he or she puts on the table. Easier saidContinue reading “Negotiating Needs Time”
Products & Services: What’s the Difference and How Do We Maximise Their Value?
What’s the difference between a product and a service? A product is an item of value that benefits a user. A service is an activity that leads to the benefits for those availing of it. Products are tangible, i.e., as in solid, liquid, gas, or energy, or as virtual (e.g. software, streaming videos, speeches,Continue reading “Products & Services: What’s the Difference and How Do We Maximise Their Value?”
Why Responsibilities are Important in Time Management
We don’t control our time. Every morning I wake up at 5am. It doesn’t matter what time I sleep. My eyes open at 5am. Sometimes I oversleep but that’s more of the exception than the rule. I wake up at 5am, Mondays to Sundays, and holidays. It’s rare I don’t. I wake up at 5amContinue reading “Why Responsibilities are Important in Time Management”
Five (5) Lessons from Frescoes
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”
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?”
Ellery's Essays 