Confidence is a choice

Many people think that the only way to be confident is to be successful.  While it is easier to believe in your abilities when you have proven success, it is not the only way to feel a sense of confidence. Confidence is a choice. It comes from choosing to focus on your strengths and knowing that you are good.  It comes from choosing to be positive with yourself.  It comes from focusing on what you need to do rather than uncontrollable, situational factors. My friend Christeen Lewis always tells me, "Focus on what you can control."   Confidence comes when you're not worrying about being the best, but focusing on being your best.  But how can I start, how will I do my best?

True source of Confidence

Most importantly, confidence comes from the Lord your God who created you, gave you the skills, knowledge and strengths.  As a consumer, are you not choosing the product based on the brand or who the maker is?  When you buy from a tested brand, you are confident that it's good quality.  What more about our Creator, we are wonderfully made. If you believe that the same God who gave you the confidence before, will do the same today, what else could go wrong?  I remember my old motto,  "I will do my best and God will do the rest".  We hold on to His promise in Proverbs 3:6 - In everything you do, put God first and He will crown your efforts with success. 

How can I create confidence?

 

The first step in creating confidence is Preparation.  In sports, champions are not created overnight. If you fully engage physically and mentally in practice, you will feel more prepared in competing.  Focused practices allow you to trust that you did everything you could to enable yourself to perform your best.  Even if in my mind, I know what I'm going to say for a meeting I'm facilitating or a training to deliver, I still prepare a cheat sheet, and practice many times  -in front of a mirror, in front of my kids, or record myself in a video or audio recorder to see how I can build more confidence and improve on the delivery. Do you think that the Hollywood actors or even your favorite stars can execute perfectly what the scripts say in one reading or sitting? Practice makes perfect and build confidence.


Second, it is important to Act Confidently.  Our mind reacts to what our body does.  If your head is down, your muscles are tense or your shoulders are hunched, your mind will sense your self-doubt.  So always make sure that your body language and your communication with yourself and others portrays confidence. Even when you don't feel confident, act confidently.

Finally, realize you don't need other people to tell you that you are good. Back to the athletes example, many of them wait for their coaches to tell them that they are good in order to believe in themselves.  You may want others to tell you that you are good, but it's not something you need.  Believe in yourself and believe in the One who created you and destined you to be great.  Set your mind that you have that confidence within.  Whatever your mind conceives, the body achieves.

Choose to be confident.  You have a reason to be.

Training the kids to be responsible (plus Change Management Tips)

 

This summer was challenging for us because I was not able to register the kids to their swimming lessons, so their day to day activities were not that full.  Sharyn went home to get married and since I was their adult supervisor during this time,  I used that opportunity to apply what I think is best to prepare them for the future - learn the household chores early and be responsible.




Because I worked in an environment where people needs to be trained right in order for them to successfully accomplish the tasks,  I have lived and breathed the principles of learning and what a waste if I will not apply them in my own household.


This summer we implemented a schedule for washing the dishes distributing the tasks and letting the kids take turns.  This was also a team building activity as each one need to look after what the other person is doing. So far, summer ended and there are zero broken glasses or plates from these activities.


The only permanent thing is CHANGE.




If there is one thing that I need to learn by heart that will always be required by everyone regardless of age, location, situation or stage in our life, that is CHANGE.  Since I am privileged to learn some principles in school and experienced hands-on implementation of change for continuous improvement (ISO and computer systems),  I want to share some tips to help with managing or even adapting to change.  Below is the change curve and it is interesting to find out the different phases (colored) we go through until we accept it.  The stages are what the change implementors provide in each phase. 

1. Stage 1 - Open your mind and your heart and close your mouth. When we are faced with a sudden different situation, we need to stop complaining or being angry or blame others and try to understand what's coming.  This is the time to contemplate and reflect on why this might be happening.  But do not analyze too much.  It's not only about you. We need to avoid questions like "what have I done wrong?" or "Is it me?"  There is a reason apart from you why there is change.  Maybe it's time to ask God for wisdom and let Him guide you through the process. Begin with the end in mind. Envision the future by thinking about you in the new set up. 


2. Stage 1 and 2 - Learn about the change and its benefits.  One thing we Change Implementors do is to provide information about the change. "What is the change? Why and What's In It for me?" are the questions you need to ask yourself or whoever is proposing the change before you start complaining or being negative about it.  A good change implementor has to provide the explanation on the benefits of the change in order for it to be successfully implemented. 


3. Stage 3 and 4 - Just Do it.  Training and hands-on experience is the best way to learn and to discover the benefits. You actually doing it is better than someone telling you that you will experience this and that. It's easier to adapt to change once you get your hands on the new gadget, or new app, or perform a new task.


Do you remember the time when computers first came or the ATM or mobile phones?  I am from the Gen X crowd and I knew a lot of Baby Boomers didn't want to even try these new electronic discoveries. Lots of new models, technologies were invented decades after they were first discovered and I am still amazed about the rapid change that came with it.  Those who adapted to it not only became the first persons to experience it but they also participated in improving the technologies.  Who would have imagined that a phone will have a camera and a music player at the time the first mobile phone was created? The changes you saw in the gadgets were from the clamour and "what if" questions of those who actually used the phone.  Now those who said they were better off with a wired, landline phone  because of radiation waited for it to fail but later watched at how the technologies evolved.  I see these grandmas and granddads now asking the younger generations to show them how to install an app in their new phone.


The thing is, whether you like it or not, whether you will adapt to it or not, Change is here and you cannot prevent it.  An inspirational frame hanging on my office wall when I was still in the Philippines says "CHANGE - if you cannot ride the wave of change you will find yourself beneath it. "


Now going back to my children and their doing the household chores - they are going to be in that stage anyway when they go to university, or get married or be on their own.  I believe that the parent's greatest gift they can give to their children is to teach them how to live by not only showing them but also letting them experience the true essence of life.  Life is not always easy and they are not entitled.  Even the bible said, you will work in order for you to eat.  As early as now I want to show them that it will not be easy, the change will come and go but we need to prepare them, to be tough, to be adaptable and learn from it all. 


I have seen, experience and can honestly testify that those who adapt to change easily have more potential to become successful than those who resist to change.


P.S.  I was a proud mom when I showed Kyle how to order on his own and he came back with the right change and with the right product from Wendy's.  I asked how was the experience and he said it was easy.  Well, other helicopter moms will not dare let their kids do that.

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My Molson Burton UK Adventure - UK Trip Day 2-4

After travelling for almost 3 hours from London, I finally reached my destination.  The Taxi driver toured me around Burton On Trent before I checked in the hotel. I had an appointment for a tour around the Brewery at 3:00 pm and I was late. I still went to see my contact person and after some interview with the Quality staff about document control, OWD and other issues, I was so excited to go inside and around one of the oldest breweries of Molson. 

As expected, I found the brewery very clean and world-class looking and the people all aware of the rules (i.e. PPE). I took pictures for our own brewery to see as inspiration.  Learning about its history and how it transformed to what it is today, I was amazed.

I ended day 2 with dinner at a fancy restaurant - The Dial. Because this week is going to be a string of drinking sprees,  I had champagne on my first night here.

I was excited and nervous at the same time to meet my counterparts in Europe and Canada.  On breakfast time the next day, I met them one by one.  I felt like I'm in a beauty pageant, they are all equally beautiful and smart people and I found myself fitting in.

Day 3 - Today was a get-to-know-each-other day and we had workshop on influencing.  I am so proud of myself that I conquered my fears and broke down the walls.  I easily made friends that on dinner time and the tour (Yes, I went to another tour with them), it was like we've known each other for a long time. we had dinner at The Dial again.  I was so ashamed to face the waitresses because I forgot to give tip the previous night.  The night was awesome. I enjoyed the chatting and the beer.

Day 4 - It was presentation day.  I knew the content of the material but because I thought that National would report for all Canada, I didn't bother preparing, I was told yesterday and I thought I forgot about it while drinking but it dawned on me that it was happening.

So consider this the swimsuit, formal wear and question and answer portion of the pageant rolled into one. Good thing I didn't speak first or last.  I spoke in the middle and I had ideas on how to enliven the presentation.  When they were talking about how beautiful and gorgeous their countries were, I also felt proud that I am from the beautiful nation called Canada. So I took the opportunity to tell them about how the country is not only beautiful with its natural resources but also with its people.  With the diverse population and culture making up Toronto (I am one of the immigrants who moved to Canada) and also we are all people-oriented, it was but timely to say that Toronto boasts of its people from wide variety of cultures. It really felt like how Pia Wurtzbach of the Ms. Universe fame nailed the QA. hahaha. I was glad it went well. I admit speaking in front of an audience is not my forte but I think I was able to relay the message.

Today was the beer champion day and we had lots of beer to taste and match with food.  We were treated like kings and queens at another fancy restaurant by the river and before we started, we took lots of "selfies" in a picturesque setting.  This was one of my most favorite nights because this is where we really shared and connected.  Those I was seated next to were amazing, we shared and talked about government, religion, places, people (kinds of and Molson people whom we knew) and everything under the sun without qualms. I really felt that I belong to a family. Our pictures show how amazing this night was (and how great our beers are).  I intentionally made the photos look small because I didn't want to share my colleagues faces, I didn't ask their permission.

 

 

 

 

    

5S - a lean management tool

Now that you know the different types of wastes, one of the ways to eliminate waste is by doing 5S. The first place to start streamlining the value stream is in the work area. 5S is a powerful approach to improve the work area through organization, arrangement and cleanliness. I introduced this to my kids a long time ago and it is timely to do it again now that they will have to do most of the tasks and not only being shown how it is being done.


This weekend was a perfect opportunity to apply this concept to my kid's clothes to eliminate motion and time wastes. When I asked my kids if they still remember the different "s", I only heard them say 2 (Sort and Shine).  Today, I asked them to sort their clothes so we can get rid of the small and unwanted and give to someone else. One of them found this life hacks video and applied the new way of storing the clothes in their drawers - by rolling and showing it like this:

Aloysius being an OCD like me, even arranged his shirts with a pattern - plain to stripes, light colored to dark (see above).  I told them that these steps of arranging is the SET IN ORDER phase of 5S.  Alexus followed suit and arranged his clothes too. He has a different pattern too - drawer for school, for home and for sports.




The following are the 5S:


1. SORT - removing the irrelevant or unwanted things in the area
2. SET IN ORDER - a place for everything and everything in its place
3. SHINE - Sanitize or clean
4. STANDARIZE - Is everything doing things the same way?
5. SUSTAIN - is it only for a time being? or continuous?


As always, it was exciting to teach my kids these concepts because I know they will benefit from it.  But I don't want to give too much information so I stopped at 2 S at this point.  We will have more opportunities in the future.


For now, Mommy is happy with the spring cleaning and our version of 5S.

TIMWOOD P. (Types of Wastes)

The different types of Wastes are:

TRANSPORT

INVENTORY

MOTION

WAITING

OVERPROCESSING

OVERPRODUCTION

DEFECTS

PEOPLE'S TALENTS

This is the continuation of my Lean Six Sigma concepts sharing.  I shared this again with my children and I was so happy when I heard them say "Okay Mom, so when we are going to the basement, we need to bring the stuff or figure out the things we need to bring upstairs to save motion and time.

I also took that chance to tell them that we need to let go of the stuff we don't need like clothes, toys, other supplies because we don't want to stock on inventory. They can now start to plan on the clothes that they will hand down to the younger brother or to give away. Hopefully, my next post will be about that.

SIPOC and other Lean Six Sigma concepts

I am now taking a new course at University of Toronto.  It's called Lean Six Sigma (a continuous improvement methodology) and I'm glad I took it.   Just by looking at the course title, I first had second thoughts about taking it because it's not a common course and the Six Sigma part seemed scary - come to think of it - what are the first five? LOL.


Because I breathed and lived the ISO Management Systems (9001, 14001 and OSHAS) that I helped implement (and get certified), I didn't have problems learning the course because this type of learning are one of my favorites.  The concepts are the same but more which is I really like - I'm craving for more.  Like how I implement these concepts to our household - (yes we have 5S and other checklists, work instructions, KPIs, audit, etc. LOL), I am now excited to share to my children the Lean Six Sigma tools I'm learning.


WHAT IS LEAN SIX SIGMA?
As our first assignment, we were asked to come up with an elevated speech about Lean Six Sigma.  Here is what I submitted:


Any organization (or family like ours haha) will benefit the Lean Six Sigma methodology because of the following:

•A Lean Six Sigma effort starts with understanding "value" through the eyes of the customer (or my children and myself). Anything that does not add value is waste. And variation from the target or ideal state is a potential source of added cost.  Lean Six Sigma efforts tackle both waste and variation with a focus on our customers and their needs.

•With this philosophy,  costs are reduced, productivity is raised and customer satisfaction is enhanced.

•Six Sigma leads to improvements in efficiency by ensuring we are “doing things right.”

•Lean focuses on doing the right things by eliminating waste.  Six Sigma helps us do things right by reducing variation. Together, Lean and Six Sigma become a powerful business improvement continuum focused on ensuring that the right things are done right.

"We will be successful in this endeavor of exceeding the customer expectations if we imbibe the methodology, speak the same language  and continuously improve on our processes.  The culture of excellence will produce positive outcomes."  

SIPOC - this is similar to the Input - Process - Output (IPO) concept I learned in my Computer Science degree but this included the Supplier and Customer.  The idea is to map out the relevant steps in producing a product or service.  They can be broken down to ideally 6-7 major processes. and each one can be a sub-process in itself.  Of course, I wouldn't let that day I learned SIPOC pass without asking my children to create one.  The picture above is my 7-yr old son's SIPOC on how to bake a cake. Look at the last customer of the cake - You (meaning me - the mom).


PROCESS FLOW MAPS - SWIMLANE (Handoffs) - the identified process blocks in SIPOC are now mapped out based on the  Responsible person/role/machine.  The handoffs are indicated with arrows when the process moves from one lane to another.


WISHFUL THINKING - DUTERTE -> LEAN?
Because the Lean Six Sigma is really about value, doing things right and giving what customers need, anything else that does not satisfy these is waste.  I will have another post the different types of wastes but I want to mention here that something led me into thinking about Lean Six Sigma and the Philippine Government.  While I am studying all these concepts, I am wishing that there is a leader or "presidentiable" who would have this vision or plan to implement this in the government.  Imagine all the different types of SIPOCs, VOCs, Process Mapping,  WASTES and Variation that the current scenario possess.  I hope that happens that the new President who is serious in cleaning up the "system" would implement this.  I am willing to provide my service as a concerned Filipino at heart and a very eager Lean Six Sigma practitioner.  Is Duterte up to this kind of implementation after cleaning up crime, drug syndicates and other NON-VALUE elements in my beloved country? 


LEAN, QUALITY, EXCELLENCE - "musts" not only for change but for development and continuous improvement to soar high.  It can be done, nothing is impossible with God.

Back to school again

I'm in my second term for the certificate course I am taking at U of T - that is University of Toronto to those who are not familiar. It was exciting when I first set foot at the university and met my classmates, most of them are working professionals like me. I was apprehensive at first but then just like the first few days in my job, it went fine.  My first course was too theoretical and the project we did was too technical, it was too draining because it coincided with my year-end frantic activities.  But just like in my past career and personal issues, God was there and helped me cope.

Many things have changed from the way I studied before which is 25 years ago, or maybe the methods are totally different here in Canada and with a continuing education course. Here are some of them: Textbooks and reading them are mandatory.  Good thing, I love to read although it's also a different feeling reading a novel.  Writing an exam is also another story. The questions are more situational and tricky and is done by multiple choice. The class participation is really helpful as you get a chance to learn about other companies and industries. The orientation of the classroom is conducive to discussion. Just like in the movies, the students are sitting in an elevated theatre -style seating. The instructor pulls up a white screen and the lesson was presented using a PowerPoint.  We were also given an access to the university portal and all communication is done there. The lessons are also available in the portal's Blackboard where the student can access the course materials. Everything was okay and high-tech. If it were not for my team who didn't coordinate very well, I could have liked it. But since I'm not paying for my studies, the extra knowledge and exposure is really a plus for me.

This term, my team is amazing, everybody is engaged and we liked each other too. I don't have problems connecting and communicating.  I look forward working with my team and ace the project.

Hopefully, after completing this, I will be able to start the next course  - Lean Six Sigma.

Adding value to others by adding value to self

Two years ago, we had a team building exercise that focused on our "colours" or personalities.  The seminar is called "colours insights" and it was very good. I thought I know myself that well but after the exercise I learned more about my colours and how others perceived me.  One of the major characteristics of my dominant colour which is "Blue" is that I'm detail-oriented. I like details, I also like to write and plan. I like to continuously improve and learn, receptive of feedback and use that to improve. I will get bored with repetitive tasks and it's true. I'm glad that what I'm doing now is not that repetitive and exposed me to different people, handle difficult ones and helped bring out the "Red" in me which I lack.

The second dominant colour is "green". This is the "I Care" colour. These traits tend to focus on the emotional side of me.  It always look at how I'm feeling instead of being objective. This has both the positive and negative effect.

So that's me, my personality, the traits I have based on how God created me to be. Maybe there's more. Remember we are created in God's workmanship.  When God talked to Moses to lead His people, Moses said he can't even talk straight, how can he do that? There is nothing impossible with God.  Our colours can change depending on how you want to develop. If you need more "Red" - the GO-getter, then you have to brush up on leadership skills, if you want to have more "Yellow" - the encourager then you need to speak up more, engage in interesting conversations, listen and talk, not only listen or be a wallflower.  Our colours will increase or decrease depending on how we put our energies to it.

It takes something to be somewhere. We need to invest in time and effort to be wherever you want to be.  Like what I said, if you need to talk more, express yourself not only in writing but in speaking to crowds, you need practice. Start with how you answer a question, it can be more than a yes or no, or in asking a question, use an open ended type so that the one you are speaking to will not reply with a nod but he too will keep the conversation going. If you both ask or reply with a yes or no, the talking will eventually die. The conversation will end in an awkward situation.

Attend a class, volunteer. The more people you are exposed to, the greater chances of you having to talk to more than your family members or close friends.  Not only will you learn more in a particular subject, your network of acquaintances will also expand.  Doors and windows of opportunities arise.

Learning (and reading) has lots of advantages, it widens your vocabulary which you can use in conversing. You become interested in new things, you will become more interesting to others making you more comfortable because you know about something and will be confident to contribute.

I was just recently promoted as Training Specialist and these are some of my observations from those I've dealt with regards to training and improving one's self.  First, those who are resistant to change will not progress.  These are the proud, complacent, the know-it-all, the closed minded people.  Second, those who are humble, open-minded, knowledge-seeking and change-embracing individuals will have a long way to go upwards.  I said upwards because they will continue to learn, to excel and perfect their craft and they move to the next level.  These people are not afraid to take risks, not afraid to fail because they believe that even if they fail, there will be another chance for them to correct and improve.

So where does a value-added individual comes in? First what does VALUE mean, it could mean low value or high value, like quality, lo or hi-quality.  What do we usually buy? The high quality because we know that it lasts longer or has more to it than the regular.  High quality means high value, remember what Louis Vuitton and Hermes are known for?  High value! But because of their high-quality, the consumers bank on that, they consider it an investment. 

Add value to your self - be that humble, open-minded, knowledge-seeking and change-embracing individual. Learn a new craft, find out how to improve the way you work, attend classes, read a new book, learn a new language and join enriching activities.  Along the way, you will find yourself sharing what you learned and your deeds mean something to another. Before you know it, you as an individual makes a great impact to your workplace or community by giving something of value because you are overflowing with it.

Don't waste your time with just something, invest in more valuable habits, it will add value to you and to those around you.

Managing your time wisely

One of the principles of lean management is value stream mapping. It is used to analyze and design the flow of information and materials to create a product until it reaches the customer.  In it are the steps, delays and information required to deliver the product. Delays cause losses and time is one major element.  In our actual work and day to day activities, there are many reasons that prevent us from achieving our goals or good product or service.  We are not aware of it, but the most lost is time.      Here are some of the time-wasters that I have identified and will try to avoid in order for me to be more efficient:

1.  Emails - set up your email with keywords that will automatically go to folders that you can read later on.  Important emails can also be determined or flagged.  Organizing the email is an important factor in prioritizing the actions and in achieving your goals.

2. Phone calls - view the caller ID first before answering the phone, if it's really important, they will leave a message. You can review them later on.

3. Meetings - although I know I cannot avoid this, if my presence in the meeting is only as support and not the head then I can bring my laptop and do some 'work'. It is also called multitasking.

4. People - I know I may sound anti-social here, but unnecessary talking to people in the hallways, in the lunch room and after meetings and not during break is a time-waster.  There is a time for everything and it is not considered productive time when longer breaks and gossiping are happening.

Keep control of your day by breaking it into three kinds of blocks:

Strategic Blocks - uninterrupted work time
Buffer Blocks - unplanned or lower-value tasks, time to read important emails and make phone calls.
Breakout Blocks - free time to refresh and unload stress, use this time to read emails of low priority

Be focused.  Don't get distracted.

MUST HAVE skills to a successful career

You may be wondering why there are schools charging high tuition and matriculation fees in the Philippines. Popularity? No! Proven track record? Maybe.

According to my friends from these schools, this is because these institutions cultivate and develop the needed skills of an individual to become successful not only in his chosen career but also generally in life.  My friends didn't divulge these things but I have seen and experienced working with successful people and I learned a lot from them.  I wanted to share this so that parents and children alike will start working towards developing these skills as early as now even without going to these schools. For those aspiring new graduates who are finding a niche in the corporate world, these are some of the skills that an employer is looking for in the candidate.

1.  Critical Thinking - this is the ability of the person to process information right and fast (so alam nyo na ibig sabihin pag SLOW?) Critical thinkers are able to see where the gaps are, determine the problem and provide ways to solve it.  He is also able to find answers to what if situations. I just noticed in my son's math homework, they are always asked to look for the equation in a problem before they solve it.  If the problem is understood in another way the answer is already wrong. Comprehension is important.  If you have learned math in a straight forward manner for example: 512 x 4876,  try to solve word problems and develop the habit of  finding the equation yourself before solving it. For little children, try to ask them questions that cannot be answered by yes or no. Let them explain why they chose that answer. Explore more on the book he read by asking your little one how it relates to him.

2. Leadership - those whose temperaments are Sanguine and Choleric will not find it hard to "lead".  But its not impossible for the Melancholic and Phlegmatics to lead in the future if they at least participated or gave support to the leaders in a school organization or joined extra curricular activities. The experience will help them build the confidence to lead later. If you are a student now, don't just focus on the academics, the extras will come in handy and will help you achieve more. Remember, this will teach you how to manage time and prioritize things.  A skill that you will need to master and you will use for the rest of your life. The more projects or teams you handled, the more opportunities for you to climb the corporate ladder later faster. Now if you didn't know what the four temperaments are and which one fit yours, you better research on this and learn how to maximize your strengths and work on the weakness.  A good reader becomes a good leader because he knows how to store and use information to his advantage. Sabi ng Journalism teacher ko, para daw makabuo ako ng magandang article para mailagay sa school paper, kailangan magbasa ng magbasa. Knowledge is power.

3. Communication - what do you think happens to a person with the above skills but without the communication skills?  Learn to develop this very important skill because even if you are the most intelligent person in your school and you can't even express yourself, there's no way you can show the first 2 skills.  As early as a preschooler, have your child recite poems in front of siblings and parents. If you are in the school age,  participate in activities where you will be asked to talk a lot, volunteer to speak in the group's behalf for a project, or do the presentation. The more exposure you have in talking to different kinds of people, the more confident you become. Expressing yourself will become a natural chore. Second, learn how to listen and be sensitive of how others receive your message. If  there is a need to stop to get their attention, do it. Be aware of body movements, facial expression and other non-verbal reaction.  Don't just talk about something, choose your words, make the report meaningful and noteworthy. Think of it this way, "what is the impact of this. How will it add value to them?" People will draw near to you if what you say will benefit them.  Learn how to write too. Watch out for wrong grammar, use of punctuation and special characters. Font size and style matter, when you are composing an email even sending a private Facebook message, check spelling before sending. Make it a habit to write right. What you say in print will tell a lot about you.

4. Initiative - another skill that is lacking in most employees nowadays is this one. Initiative is going the extra mile in order to reach the target.  It is not only completing the project but making an effort to make the project stand out. In short, "kinareer" (not mediocre or pwede na but excellent). It is doing something without being told. It is being cognizant of the next step and planning of doing it before the current task is not yet completed.  Thinking ahead and adapting to change, engaging in something that is unknown yet essential for the job. A classic example of this is when the teacher asks for volunteers for a community project. The ordinary student will look away or not pay attention, but the success-bound student will raise the hand and do the task. Why?  Because he is SIPSIP? No but because he wants to add to his already long list of "experience" that will equip him for his future.
I urge the readers of my blog to help spread this. The tips I shared here are beneficial in training our children towards excellence. With early training and developing the habit of mastering these skills, success is inevitable.

Career Updates

I missed my team's planning session for this year and after my sick leave I received more workload than usual. Suddenly, all of them wanted their documentation to be in our system, maybe trying to squeeze in 2011 projects while they can to add merits to their achievements. I had a one-on-one with my boss and I was pleased with the results, it's actually expected because I know that I always meet the targets because I keep track of my performance/scorecard. I'm thankful that even if there were some negative vibes from co-workers (di talaga nawawala ang inggitan at siraan khit dito), I was able to perform and achieve my goals.

This year is going to be more time to be spent on the production floor, and learning about the business. What I look forward to is the interaction and exposure to more people from different levels - production operators, team leaders , line managers, directors, 3rd party contractors. Sometimes, I feel that I have not used my social skills because I was always in front of the computer.

Today, we had a Town Hall meeting and it was a nice experience, being informed of what the corporate plans for the year are and meeting more people. I think the number of people I know increased from last year and I had more time to talk and socialize with them today...also more Pinoys as well. Nakakamiss kayang mag-Tagalog, hahaha. Ang sarap magchismisan in your own dialect, hahaha. Anyway, we were dismissed early because we didn't have power at the Brewery so off I went to Sherway Gardens Mall to give in to my shopaholic cravings. It feels good to be browsing the stores in a mall like in the Philippines unlike most areas here where the stores have their own buildings and you are mostly outside, driving or walking from one store to another. Nakakamiss ang SM, ATC, Festival Mall at ang mga favorites ko na Glorietta at Shangri-la Malls. I wonder where Ani would treat my sister Wendy for lunch today.

I bought some girly things to reward myself on the outcome of my career, sana mataas din ang sales namin, to enjoy more big perks.

What motivates you?

It's this time of the year when the corporate bigwigs start to roll out their plans and goals for the employees to follow in creating their own. Usually there is a target to meet or exceed. When that happens (exceeding the target), there is an incentive or bonus. That strategy is an effective way to motivate people in order to achieve the corporate goal. So my question now is - applying that strategy in your own life, what would be your goal for the year and what motivates you?

I learned that our life is like a pie where every slice represent an aspect and it should be distributed if not equally, in balanced proportion. Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Social, or Mental are what makes our pie and if we do not spend some of our time, effort or money in one of these makes our life less than perfect.

Like in the previous years, my goals always include plans to improve my SPESM life. That means joining a new ministry in church, enrolling in a physical activity, reconnecting and be with friends, learning a new skill, saving for the house or a trip etc. In all these aspects, you have role models and characters that you look up to. Some of them inspires and motivates you to keep you going and achieve your goals. Others make their goals their motivation too. Seeing that poster of a beach is a motivating factor to save for that trip in the Philippines to enjoy a Boracay or Palawan holiday or buying that Delsey luggage to make it to the first base of your travel goals.

Whatever your goal is, set it within eye level --> make it visible to the eye so you will always think about it and everything follows to work at achieving it. "Whatever your mind conceives, your body achieves."

50 Most Engaged Workplaces in Canada

I’m so proud and happy. My employer belongs to the I Love Rewards 50 Most Engaged Workplaces for 2010. The awards criteria include the most desirable traits an employee might look for in a company. Here are the 8 elements:
1. LEADERSHIP
2. COMMUNICATION
3. CULTURE
4. REWARDS AND RECOGNITION
5. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH
6. ACCOUNTABILITY AND PERFORMANCE
7. VISION AND VALUES
8. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Although I haven’t seen and felt all of these personally, the communication part is true. I’m doing the company newsletter in the interim now and it’s a challenging work. Having to meet with the management team and get to know all the relevant information and presenting them in a way that will be easy to comprehend by the plant employees. I just realized how I really wanted to become a writer. I hope we can finally release them today so I can move on and start the next issue. Anyway, I just want to share how fulfilling my career has turned out so far. Thank God!

Back to the Corporate World

I can't believe that my first week at work has passed. Because I signed a confidentiality agreement, I cannot disclose my employer or anything related to my work here. I would say that I've been blessed, my colleagues and superiors were supportive and gave me a warm welcome. I was given a welcome kit containing promotional materials which old employees didn't get. The only downside is my travel time, it's a total 12 hours that I am not here at home so you could just imagine how tiring it is to commute. But I don't complain, I'm just worried that I may not have quality time with my kids but I know that that will change when we move near my workplace. My first few days were spent attending orientation, trainings and meetings which I missed with my old employer. It feels good to be back, time to make my neurons work, learn, grow and move up...I'm glad I'm up to the challenge of going back to the corporate world. Beer, anyone?

Interview Tips: Things to say in an interview

Finally, after 5 interviews (1 for each month since January) and turning down 1 job offer last March, I landed a position with an offer that is hard to resist. I will start working in the largest brewery in North America on June 7 and I hope to live up to my employer's expectations. I want to share these tips I used in my interviews with the hiring manager, the Manufacturing Manager and the Brewery Director that helped to distinguish me from the other applicants.

It would have been much more difficult to get a foot in the door with such a great company, much more get a job fit to my skills and training but God is so good, I'm so grateful to God and my references who helped me in this job searching process. It's about time I let others experience the worthwhile interviews I had and I hope you'll learn from these tips too:

7 things you should say in an interview
by Mark Riddix, Investopedia.com

Today's job market is as competitive as ever. You need to be able to effectively communicate you skill set so that you will give yourself the best competitive advantage to secure employment. During the interview process, you want to highlight as many of your strengths as possible. An easy way to do this is by slipping a few simple phrases into your next job interview. Here are seven things you should say in an interview.

1. I am very familiar with what your company does.
Letting a prospective employer know that you are familiar with what a company does shows that you have a legitimate interest in the business and are not just wasting their time. Do your homework before arriving for an interview. Check out the company website for information about products and services. Search for the latest transactions and pertinent business news.

Be sure to let the interviewer know that you are familiar with the newest company acquisition or the latest product that was just developed. Explain how your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the employer.

2. I am flexible.
Work environments are always changing. Prospective employers are looking for candidates that are open to change and can adapt at a moment's notice. In today's fast paced business world, employees must have the ability to multi-task.

Stating that you are adaptable lets an employer know that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. This may mean working additional hours or taking on additional job duties in a crunch. Show your potential employer that you are equipped to deal with any crisis situation that may arise.

3. I am energetic and have a positive attitude.
Employers are looking for candidates with optimism and a "can-do" attitude. Attitudes are contagious and have a direct affect on company morale. Let the optimist in you shine during the interview process.

Be sure to always speak positively about past employers. Negative comments and sarcastic statements about past employers and co-workers will make you look petty. If you bad mouth your past company, employers are liable to believe that you will do the same thing to them.

4. I have a great deal of experience.
This is your chance to shine. Highlight any previous job duties that relate directly to your new job. If it is a management position, state every time that you were responsible for the supervision, training and development of other employees. Discuss your motivational techniques and specific examples of how you increased productivity. Feel free to list any training classes or seminars that you have attended.

5. I am a team player.
Do you remember when you were young and your teacher wanted to know if you could work well with others? Well the job market is no different! Companies are looking for employees that are cooperative and get along well with other employees. Mentioning that you are a team player lets your prospective employer know that you can flourish in group situations. Employers are looking for workers that can be productive with limited supervision and have the ability to work well with others.

6. I am seeking to become an expert in my field.
Employers love applicants that are increasing their knowledge base to make themselves the best employees possible. Stating that you are aiming to become an expert causes employers to view you as an asset and not a liability. You are a resource that other employees can learn from.

This is also a subtle way of illustrating that you have an attitude of excellence. You are aiming to be the best at what you do! This will let employers know that you are not just a fly-by-night employee, but in it for the long run.

7. I am highly motivated.
A motivated employee is a productive employee. Talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees that they can count upon.

The Bottom Line
Remember that a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Be sure to slip in the right phrases to give you the best chance possible of securing that cushy corner office on the ninth floor.

Earth Day today!

I went to another job interview yesterday. When asked, "what do you know about this xxx company?" (will not divulge yet until I get the job, hopefully this is the one),I replied - "One of the reasons I applied here is because of this company being involved with the community. I am looking forward to working with an organization with social responsibility. Having been a part of an Environmental Management System (EMS) project, it's a plus factor to have a chance to do that again. To take part in preserving the environment." I've read on the internet that this xxx company is involved with different programs leading to the preservation of nature and it would be rewarding to participate too. Well, each one of us can help in our own ways. Use the 3Rs (Re-use, Reduce, Recycle), conserve water, segregate wastes (your used batteries, busted lamps, old electronics should be disposed properly) and use the bins properly, turn off lights when not in use, although I admit I sometimes forget this. I hope that we all contribute in this endeavor. It's for our children and our children's children. Happy Earth Day!

Wouldn't it be nice to see parks like this with clean environment, full grown trees that emit fresh air? --a glimpse of High Park and Cherry Blossoms, I hope we can see them up close this weekend:

My KPM Results

Since I became a stay-at-home mom here in Canada, I thought I will forget my ISO lingo. I admit I have been an advocate of the ISO systems (QMS, ISMS and EMS) in my work and without noticing it, I have applied the principles of these systems in our day-to-day activities. I would consider the achievements of my children as my KPM (Key Performance Metrics) where I played significant roles in helping them get their own targets. I'm proud to present my KPMs: My first born's cursive handwriting and his answers in multiplication practice sheets although he skipped some of them because the exercise is timed. Notice that he wrote his name in no lined paper.

Would you believe that Aloysius learned to eat on his own when he was 6 years old, Kyle when he was 3? Back in the Philippines they were spoon-fed by yayas and that went on and just stopped when we didn't have a yaya. Well, sometimes the grandparents helped them. When we arrived here, they were already told that no one will spoon-feed them so they have to learn how to eat by themselves. With Lex, I didn't have a hard time because he sees his older brothers. He just observes how they use the spoon and fork and when he learned how to climb the chair, I just saw him finishing Kyle's food when he went to pee. At first, he used the fork with his left hand and also uses the fork in putting food into his mouth. He was a little stubborn but I showed him how to do it and it was not long before he mastered it. Sometimes, when he can't get the food in his spoon, he just picks them up with his fingers and put into his mouth. The video was the very first time I gave him his own plate, spoon and fork and look how he enjoys it. Lito and I are always amazed at how fast he learned this skill and a sure way to exceed my target, hahaha. I hope he learns how to potty without sweat too.

Win the Interview, Win the Job (Effective Job Searching tips)

Finally, I have been given a job offer after getting 3 interviews from different organizations (IT Company, Government and Private Nuclear company) here in Canada. However, after careful consideration, I decided not to accept the job offer and wait for other irons in the fire.

I have been reading a book called Win the Interview, Win the job and it helped me get a job offer. I felt the need to share some pointers because it will be helpful for those who are seeking employment. Effective interviewing is based upon a strong job search foundation of self-assessment, skills identification, objective setting, research, resume and letter writing and networking. I know most of the new immigrants need to have a job as soon as they landed and most likely they turn to any available job there is in the market. But with careful planning and right preparation, anyone can get the job their competency fits in and succeed in their chosen career in the long-term.

Prior to developing interview skills and actually going to a job interview, you should assess your strengths as well as explore career information relating to jobs, career, organizations. Only then you will be prepared to develop and focus specific job search on jobs and careers that is right for you. As what I have been doing, I go after high quality employment by looking for jobs that directly relate to my strengths. These strengths consists of interests, motivations, skills and accomplishments. Ideally, we should seek jobs that we do well and enjoy doing. Everything else follows.

An important goal in any job interview should be to obtain useful information. You will be more at ease and perform better in any interview situation if you focus on what interview is all about - an exchange of useful information between the interviewer and the interviewee. You gain information about the job and present yourself, in the most positive way possible. While the interviewer is trying to determine whether to hire you, you should be determining if the job is a good fit for you. It should lessen the fear and apprehension by taking control of the interview situation. Like many skilled job hunters are doing today, I learned how to manage the interview to my advantage. I also learned when to accept or reject job offers. By being selective, I know I will get the job that is right for me and lead to positive career experience.

Choosing between family and career

This is one of the most difficult decisions that a married woman has to make. I've been sending out resumes since December last year and one of my prospects responded. I got an opportunity for the type of job that my skill set fits. I was interviewed over the phone then the next day I was invited to come to the office for the personal interview with the hiring manager. I was more excited than nervous, you know being invited for interview for the first time since we got here in Toronto five months ago. I did a little research on the company, it's an IT solutions company with offices all over Canada and more importantly, it's also an ISO certified company both in QMS and ITIL. During the interview, I learned about the job and the conditions that came with it. On my way home, I remember the scene before I left early in the morning. My second son Kyle, who just woke up and after seeing me all dressed up asked where am I going and I replied "to the office". He came towards me and without saying a word embraced me. He cried silently as if telling me not to leave him. Tears started to dwell in my eyes when I said "I'll be back soon." He said, "Mommy, don't go." I left with a heavy heart and remembering Kyle's face, it dawned on me that it's not worth it to leave my kids for that job. I guess I'm not that ready yet. This is what happens when you are bonded with your kids for a while, you never wanted to leave. I guess when the right time (or job) comes, I will return to the corporate world but not in the very near future.

Tips in developing a career

The terms job and career are often used interchangeably, but there are real differences between the two. A job is usually a means to an end - you have bills to pay, so you need a job to make money. A career on the other hand, is something longer term that you build throughout your life, something you are passionate about. I remember one interviewee during my corporate life when he said that "I want a job that will make me stay and work at it even without compensation." He meant career alright but how do you develop a career. Here are some tips I learned from my my previous bosses, I hope it works for me soon:

1. Networking is the easiest way to find a career. Networking with professionals is the best way to find new leads in the industry of your choice. Fellow professionals can provide you with advice on how to best navigate your career and achieve your goals. Don't be afraid to ask them how they got started and what steps they took to get where they are.

2. Use your resume as your advertising medium. Your resume is speaking on your behalf and quickly needs to highlight your experience and skills. First impressions are critical, whether face-to-face or in a resume, so know what your brand is selling. Failure to sell your resume and brand will typically be a deciding factor as to whether you get an interview.

3. Know your strengths and start your career from them. Make a detailed career assessment to determine where you are now, what skills you have to offer and the areas you should focus your career sights on.

Goodluck on our career-hunting.