When I was a young industrial engineer at the food production division of a multinational company, the accounting department asked me to find out why there was a large reported loss of refined coconut oil. They’re the ones we always look for when we need something. I went to the production manager and he toldContinue reading “Appreciating the Value of Veteran Employees”
Tag Archives: people
Three Questions Every New Manager Should Ask
Every new manager should always ask three (3) questions about an operation he or she will be in charge of: What does the book say should be happening? What do the people say should be happening? What is really happening? Chances are each answer would be totally different from the others. What does the bookContinue reading “Three Questions Every New Manager Should Ask”
What Organising Really Means
There are four (4) basic functions to management: planning, organising, directing, and controlling. We can picture what planning, directing, and controlling are. They’re kind of straightforward and self-explanatory. Organising, however, is not. When we “organise,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? We perhaps think of putting our stuff in order, like filing awayContinue reading “What Organising Really Means”
Owning versus Managing: What’s the Difference?
Do you own the business or do you manage the business?* A senior member of the board of trustees of a high-rise building walked into its administration office and asked the accountant there to order parts for a diesel generator set. The senior board member believed that the generator needed a minor repair and notContinue reading “Owning versus Managing: What’s the Difference?”
The Case of the Half-Cut Tree; How We View Accountability
There’s a tree across the street from where I live that looks like it’s half of what it should be. The tree’s trunk is rooted on an empty lot. Its leafy side hangs over a street intersection. The tree’s leafy branches press down on telephone & internet cables. Over the years, especially when the windContinue reading “The Case of the Half-Cut Tree; How We View Accountability”
Paying Attention versus Getting Attention
A columnist at a leading daily newspaper writes every week about ghosts, spirits, reincarnation, or in other words, supernatural stuff. He is obviously popular as he’s been writing for the newspaper for decades. He seems to be doing well as he’s consulted for some people and spoke at gatherings. I laugh at how people canContinue reading “Paying Attention versus Getting Attention”
Seen and Not Heard, Speak Only When Spoken To, Why It’s Good to Listen
In the old days (as late as the mid-20th century), many parents told their kids that children were meant to be “seen not heard” and that children can only “speak when spoken to.” This rule prevails among many families, never mind if it’s the 21st century and some people say we should be more liberalContinue reading “Seen and Not Heard, Speak Only When Spoken To, Why It’s Good to Listen”
Ellery's Essays 