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MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE

Category: Productivity

  • Changes At Work | To Stay Or Not To Stay

    Changes At Work | To Stay Or Not To Stay

    The workplace is constantly changing, whether it’s due to new technologies, new competitors, new regulations, or new customer demands. As an employee, you may face changes in your work environment, such as restructuring, promotions, layoffs, hiring new people, and changes in responsibilities. These changes can be stressful and challenging, but they can also be opportunities for growth and improvement.

    In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of changes at work, the reasons why some employees may leave due to changes, and the advantages and disadvantages of staying or leaving. I’ll also share some tips and strategies for both employers and employees on how to deal with change at work effectively and positively. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how to survive and thrive in a changing workplace.

    What are the pros and cons of changes at work?

    Changes at work can have both positive and negative effects on employees, depending on how they are implemented and communicated, and how employees react and adapt to them. Here are some of the pros and cons of changes at work:

    Pros

    Changes at work can improve productivity and efficiency, by introducing new and better ways of doing things, such as using new software, streamlining outdated processes, or optimizing workflows.

    Changes at work can enhance creativity and innovation, by encouraging employees to think outside the box, try new things, and solve new problems, such as developing new products, services, or strategies.

    Changes at work can increase learning and development, by providing employees with new and diverse experiences, skills, and knowledge, such as working on different projects, teams, or roles.

    Changes at work can boost motivation and engagement, by giving employees a sense of challenge, achievement, and recognition, such as rewarding them for their performance, feedback, or contribution.

    Cons

    Changes at work can cause stress and anxiety, by creating uncertainty, ambiguity, and instability, such as not knowing what to expect, how to cope, or what the future holds.

    Changes at work can reduce trust and loyalty, by breaking the psychological contract, or the unwritten agreement, between employees and employers, such as changing the terms, conditions, or expectations of employment.

    Changes at work can lower morale and satisfaction, by disrupting the established culture, norms, and values, of the workplace, such as changing the mission, vision, or goals of the organization.

    Changes at work can increase turnover and absenteeism, by making employees feel unhappy, dissatisfied, or unappreciated, such as losing their sense of belonging, identity, or purpose.

    Why do some employees leave due to changes at work?

    Some employees may decide to leave their jobs due to changes at work, for various reasons, such as:

    • They feel that the changes are unfair, unreasonable, or unnecessary, and that they are not consulted, informed, or involved in the decision-making process.
    • They feel that the changes are incompatible with their personal or professional goals, values, or interests, and that they are not aligned with the vision or direction of the organization.
    • They feel that the changes are detrimental to their career development, growth, or progression, and that they are not given enough opportunities, support, or resources to succeed.
    • They feel that the changes are affecting their work-life balance, well-being, or health, and that they are not able to cope with the increased workload, pressure, or demands.

      What are the advantages and disadvantages of staying or leaving?

      Whether to stay or leave a job due to changes at work is a personal and complex decision, that depends on many factors, such as the nature, extent, and impact of the changes, the individual’s personality, preferences, and circumstances, and the availability and attractiveness of alternative options. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of staying or leaving:

      Staying

      Advantages

      Staying can demonstrate loyalty and commitment, by showing that you are willing to stick with the organization through thick and thin, and that you are a valuable and reliable employee.

      Staying can build resilience and adaptability, by showing that you are able to overcome challenges and difficulties, and that you are a flexible and versatile employee.

      Staying can create new opportunities and possibilities, by showing that you are open to learning and growing, and that you are a curious and ambitious employee.

      Staying can strengthen your network and relationships, by showing that you are supportive and collaborative, and that you are a friendly and sociable employee.

      Disadvantages

      Staying can limit your options and potential, by making you miss out on other opportunities and possibilities, and by making you complacent and stagnant.

      Staying can damage your reputation and credibility, by making you appear passive and submissive, and by making you lose respect and trust.

      Staying can harm your performance and productivity, by making you feel bored and frustrated, and by making you lose motivation and engagement.

      Staying can affect your health and happiness, by making you feel stressed and anxious, and by making you lose balance and well-being.

      Leaving

      Advantages

      Leaving can expand your horizons and perspectives, by exposing you to new and different environments, experiences, and challenges, and by making you more aware and knowledgeable.

      Leaving can enhance your skills and competencies, by allowing you to learn and develop new and diverse abilities, and by making you more qualified and capable.

      Leaving can advance your career and income, by enabling you to pursue your goals and aspirations, and by making you more successful and prosperous.

      Leaving can improve your quality of life and satisfaction, by enabling you to follow your passions and interests, and by making you more fulfilled and happy.

      Disadvantages

      Leaving can burn bridges and connections, by making you lose contact and support from your former colleagues, managers, and clients, and by making you appear disloyal and ungrateful.

      Leaving can create uncertainty and risk, by making you face unfamiliar and unpredictable situations, and by making you vulnerable and insecure.

      Leaving can require time and effort, by making you go through the process of searching, applying, and interviewing for new jobs, and by making you adjust and adapt to new workplaces.

      Leaving can cause regret and guilt, by making you wonder if you made the right decision, and by making you feel responsible for the consequences.

      How to deal with change at work effectively and positively?

      Whether you decide to stay or leave your job due to changes at work, you need to deal with them effectively and positively, to ensure your professional and personal success and well-being. Here are some tips and strategies for both employers and employees on how to deal with change at work:

      For employers

      Plan and prepare: Before implementing any changes, make sure you have a clear and realistic plan, that outlines the goals, benefits, costs, and risks of the changes, and how they will affect the organization and the employees.

      Communicate and consult: During the change process, make sure you communicate and consult with your employees, and keep them informed, involved, and engaged. Explain the reasons, expectations, and outcomes of the changes, and listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions.

      Support and train: After the change process, make sure you support and train your employees, and provide them with the necessary resources, guidance, and assistance. Recognize and reward their efforts, achievements, and contributions, and address any issues, problems, or conflicts.

      Evaluate and improve: Throughout the change process, make sure you evaluate and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the changes, and monitor their impact and results. Collect and analyze data, feedback, and testimonials, and make adjustments and improvements as needed.

      For employees

      Accept and embrace: Instead of resisting or denying the changes, try to accept and embrace them, and see them as opportunities and challenges, rather than threats and problems. Be open-minded and optimistic, and focus on the positive aspects and benefits of the changes.

      Learn and grow: Instead of fearing or avoiding the changes, try to learn and grow from them, and use them as occasions to develop new and diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences. Be curious and ambitious, and seek out new and different opportunities and possibilities.

      Collaborate and network: Instead of isolating or competing with others, try to collaborate and network with them, and use them as sources of support, advice, and inspiration. Be supportive and collaborative, and build and maintain strong and positive relationships with your colleagues, managers, and clients.

      Balance and prioritize: Instead of stressing or obsessing over the changes, try to balance and prioritize your work and life, and use them as ways to enhance your well-being and satisfaction. Be flexible and adaptable, and manage your time, energy, and resources effectively and efficiently.

      Summary

      Changes at work are inevitable and unavoidable, and they can have both positive and negative effects on employees and employers. Some employees may decide to leave their jobs due to changes at work, while others may decide to stay. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and both require effective and positive strategies to deal with change at work.

      Sources:

    • Laptop Crash | The Troubles of Working Remotely

      Laptop Crash | The Troubles of Working Remotely

      My laptop crashed. Nothing is accessible anymore. Not even a single file that I built for two years can be read. It is really a big nuisance.

      This happened after installing the Windows update. For sure, a lot have experienced this. After the update, the laptop froze or it became slow. For all the years I have used a Windows-based laptop, this never fails to happen. Either it crashes the laptop or makes it slow.

      In an office setting, this is not a problem. IT support will always be there. They are experts and have relevant exposure in the tech world that can always help you fix whatever IT problems you have. From simple as granting access to making your computer run smoothly again, they have the solution.

      In a remote work environment, where there is no physical office, the absence of IT support is a dilemma. So what are you going to do?

      Not anticipating the issue

      I was so confident that my laptop would run ever smoothly. For two years that I have been using it for my remote work, it has never failed me. The speed is always what I expect it to be. Smooth and will do what I want as quickly as I move the mouse, click, or type anything on the keyboard. It launches my files and applications within an acceptable time. I can go online on any site without any lag.

      This made me feel comfortable that made me forget the one thing I used to do 10 years ago – backing up my files.

      I never thought that the laptop would crash. For two years, it never did. After every Windows update, everything runs smoothly. My workflow is not affected. This also made me forget another thing – wear and tear.

      Looking for help

      When we are in an office setting and our computers are provided by our companies, IT support is expected. We expect them to fix our computers and replace them as necessary without any cost to us. They can even recover our lost files. Thus, it is never a problem. In fact, most rejoice because of the temporary stoppage of work and the burden of getting back online is with IT support and not ours. We just have to wait.

      But, in a remote work environment, it is the very opposite. There is no IT. We have to look for someone who could help. The burden is on us to get back up online. A faulty equipment will not be replaced by the company. We have to replace it out of our pockets. Or at least spend some money to get it fixed.

      We have to ask around to look for a reliable IT that could help fix the problem. I found one. But, his diagnosis resulted in the hard drive is not functioning anymore. It has to be replaced. This meant that I wouldn’t have my files anymore. I have to rebuild everything. Everything.

      Accepting it will happen

      Lesson learned. This type of situation will happen. There is no escaping it. It is inevitable. Laptops get old and will break down due to wear and tear. Outside of buying a new one, it is more important to ensure that our files can be recovered.

      I just remembered a person who called when I was a customer representative. She was crying because her laptop just went black and her thesis due the following day was saved on it. We tried troubleshooting but in the end, there is no other way but to replace her old laptop. Yeah, I did not learn from this.

      Accepting that this problem will occur made us take the necessary steps to get back on track as quickly as we could. The first thing, and the most important thing, is to back up the files to an external hard drive. We can back up to another one as a double fail-safe. Now, I do this every day. I built a short bat code so every time I click, all new and modified files will get saved on my external hard drive.

      Another thing is maybe build a fund for a replacement or repair. It costs money to replace a laptop, or at least have it repaired. And everything gets worn down. So, in a span of 5 years, it is good to replace our equipment, or at least to the point it is not working to the level we need.

      Summary

      Working from home or remotely is a good thing, at least for me. But, the absence of physical IT support and company accountability can be a real headache. Everything falls to the employee.

      We need to anticipate problems to arise. Backing up files and building a fund to buy a new one will ensure that if something happens, we can quickly get back on track and continue our work.

      By doing these, we are being responsible and ensuring that we provide the results of our work as expected by the people around us.

      Related Article: The Most Common Causes Of Laptop Crashes And How To Prevent Them

    • Working Long Hours | The Benefits From It

      Working Long Hours | The Benefits From It

      Working long hours without getting paid is a thing of the past. Company loyalty has diminished over the past years. The new generation of workers now are more focused on living a good life instead of spending time at work.

      There are advantages and disadvantages to this mentality towards work. It will be up to each individual what to consider relative to his personal goal. (I am using the pronoun for male as a general pronoun for everyone and this does not mean anything. Just to make it simple.)

      Advantages of working long hours

      Let’s get straight to the point. Here are the advantages of working long hours:

      More time to complete a task. Let us all admit it. Work will never stop. It will always come. Some would be easy and can be completed in five minutes and some will take hours, even days, to complete. When a deadline is looming, the 8 hours a day to work would not be enough. We’ll need more time. And where do we get it? We just put in more hours in a day. Instead of 8, we do 12 or even 16 hours just to complete it. This gives us more time to complete it and beat that deadline.

      Extending hours in the office (Don’t be confused. By “in the office” I also mean those working from home.) provides us the time we need to finish out deliverables. Instead of watching on our mobile phones, chatting with co-workers, or scrolling through social media, we can use those hours to work. A good use of time to complete a task.

      Exposure or presence at work. To be noticed at work, people need to feel your presence. The people who decide who gets promoted need to have a good impression of those who are supposed to be next in line. One of the ways to do this is by putting in more hours at work. The more hours you are working, the more presence and viability you create. Thus, people notices you over others.

      Being known by people who make decisions is a crucial step in climbing up the corporate ladder. Truthfully, it is not just about performance seen on a scorecard. The numbers help but the subjective input of people about you helps your case to be promoted. Extending long hours creates that familiarity of you. It makes other people remember you when the time comes for performance reviews and promotion decisions.

      Growth in skills and knowledge. The time you spend working enables you to learn more. With more hours, you get to fail a lot of times and learn from it. You get to hone your skills and apply them the next time creating a better output. This I would say is the best advantage you’ll ever get in working long hours. By spending more time, you get to experience more, and in effect, gain knowledge in the process through the best teacher, experience.

      Leveling up your skills and knowing more about the job you do can take you places. No one climbs up the corporate ladder with just a basic set of skills. (Of course, being a suck-up is a different story. There is no real and true worth in there.) No one can be a manager if one is still doing the same thing and knows the same thing when he started. A good grasp and more knowledge are required to be even considered as someone with potential. Thus, by spending more time honing your skills can be beneficial in the long-run.

      Disadvantages of working long hours

      We are all aware of this but for let’s just list it down for those who are just starting out their careers.

      Negative impact on health. Working long hours uses our minds and bodies more than it is capable of handling. This gives us stress that eventually gets to us. We get sick. We get very tired. We get overwhelmed and at some point, we just want to quit. By spending more hours, we overuse our biological makeup and it takes a toll.

      If you really want (or need) to work long hours, have regular breaks. A pause at every regular and consistent interval, like every hour for 15 or 30 minutes, will help the mind and body reset. The break gives the mind and body to recuperate. It is just like working out. To build muscles, rest every other day is recommended to give the muscles enough time to heal and repair the muscles that were destroyed during workout.

      More mistakes that result in rework. Just get it over with. That is the feeling we get when we are working for so long and are feeling tired. Especially when everyone is about to end their day, or the deadline is fast approaching, we want to get the work done as soon as possible. With us being tired, we get into a state where we want to just to finish it. This results in mistakes which eventually lead to rework, or at least a mediocre work.

      If you really need to spend more time at work, one thing to do to avoid mistakes is to do focus work. What usually happens when we work more than what is expected is that we are juggling multiple tasks at the same time, or simply put multi-tasking. If we use those extended hours for one task only and focus on it, we avoid mistakes and produce more than a mediocre results.

      Lost time for family, friends, and self. When we use our time for one thing, we can not use the same time for another. Spending more time at work just means we lose time with our family, friends, and ourselves. We may say that regardless of whether we work long hours, we still are able to attend special occasions, school events, and annual celebrations however, this does not help in the long run. Not to mention that most of us are on our phones answering emails and chats while we are supposed to use that time for non-work related activities.

      We may say that quality is more important than quantity. Okay. If that is the case then make sure you are present during the time you are spending with your loved ones. Put away that phone. Talk to them. Play with your kids. If you really need to work long hours, then focus on having quality time with them. Be present in mind and body. Don’t be elsewhere.

      Summary

      It is a choice. No one should say which one is better. It is a matter of what is more important for us and which one we put in more time. If we are really aiming to pursue and progress in our careers then working long hours would help (not the only way but definitely helps). If we are good with where we are in our careers and want to spend more (quantity not quality) time with our loved ones, then we use our time with them.

      We just need to keep that in mind. We all get lost in the hustle and bustle of work that we tend to forget other aspects of our lives. By keeping what is important to us at the center of our lives, we can use our time when it matters the most (for us).

    • Multiple Bosses | Who To Follow

      Multiple Bosses | Who To Follow

      Have you experienced reporting to, or at least, working for, multiple bosses? That one says one thing while the other says another and you do not know which one to follow? Or even both of them asking for something important, let alone urgent, and you don’t know which one to do first?

      Well, with the current trend in organizational structure of any business, this may be something that most of us have gone through. (Or, you may be going through right now and are lost at what to do).

      Evolution of organizational structure

      Before we dwell on the problem of reporting to too many bosses, let’s take a quick look at organizational structure and how it come to be.

      This is not a history lesson but rather to give you a quick understanding of why organizational structures are designed as such and differently between companies. The reason why we need to understand this is because whatever the structure is, it affects the chain of command one has to follow. In effect, it could become challenging and results to reporting to at least two bosses.

      Big organizations or companies deals with a lot of tasks. Departments are created to work on these such as financials, logistics, employees’ well-being, and operations. No one person can do everything and simultaneously run a smooth business. Therefore, departments are created that focus on these specific tasks to ensure nothing is missed.

      As the business grows, more departments or more hierarchies are created. More employees around are needed and more supervisors and managers are hired or promoted to oversee the work. Departments split into sub-departments to create a more dedicated focus on more subtasks.

      The organizational structure expands either vertically, horizontally, both, or even interconnected-type. You may be aware of the first two where one reports to one boss. The third one, interconnected or a network map, is a type wherein each person can be assigned to multiple departments, multiple bosses, and work on multiple projects at the same time. It shows how one person’s work is connected to someone else’s and who is ultimately responsible and accountable for the work.

      And this type of structure is what is subtly happening in the workplace right now.

      Multiple bosses

      In one of the companies I worked for, I was reporting directly to a boss that oversees my work and performance. We talk and coordinate on a daily basis, almost every hour, to tackle daily issues and ensure our work is done both mine and the rest of my team. Our daily interactions involves chats and calls, not to mention emails, which made tasks and projects move and progress as we want them to.

      While I am directly reporting to this person, I am also “dottedly” aligned to another person. With this other person, we work together to ensure other tasks are moving and hitting deadlines. Our interaction is not as much compared to the person I am directly reporting to. However, there would be times when the work they both endorsed to me was important and urgent, and sometimes conflicting. This is when things become confusing.

      It is easy to say that to solve this issue, one must prioritize and consider which work, or which boss, should be dealt with first before the other. That is easier said than done. In reality, even if you have this figured out, the nagging feeling will still be there that there is another work that you need to accomplish. In effect, you rush the work to get it out of your plate so you can deal with the other one. Or you start your day very early and put in more time than usual to get everything done thinking this will help you. But, tomorrow will still be the same.

      You would also think that prioritization is the key. That is true. Identifying which work or boss is more important could help you navigate a pile of tasks. It can be done. But, as a fair warning, the reality of the workplace is that prioritization is subjective. What you may think is a priority may not be the same for your bosses. Of course, they would always think that what they ask for takes precedence over anything else. They may agree with you but at the back of their mind, they will expect you to complete what they ask from you in the shortest possible time.

      Communicate clearly the work

      First and foremost, we all need to understand and accept this fact. There will always be cases when we need to report to multiple bosses. This is done because creating a new department for just one task is not financially viable, let alone efficient for the company. Thus, for this, dotted lines at created.

      Second, the work from each boss will only coincide because of timing and deadlines. This, if you would notice, happens every end or start of the month, quarterly or annually. There would be some urgent tasks that will also occur but, that does not happen every day. If that is the case, then it is a result of poor managerial skills and work management.

      Third, one of the ways to ensure that we can manage reporting to multiple bosses without getting stressed out is to communicate the work. Communicating means discussing with both of them the work you have for each other so they can help you prioritize when you are at a loss. Each of those bosses will have a different perspective than you. They could see the bigger picture considering they know something that you don’t. By discussing with them which one to prioritize and setting a clear deadline, you can better manage your work.

      Fourth, and I think we all fall prey to not doing, is sticking to your daily deliverables. This means working on each item regularly on a daily basis so it progresses one bit at a time. This follows the saying “You’ll never know when will life get you.” A regular day would always be simple so make sure that regular deliverables and long-term projects are touched on and worked on each and every day. So, when the time comes that urgent and priorities are at your door, you can manage it with fitness.

      Contradicting directions

      Well, it happens. One boss wants to do one thing while the other one wants to go in a different direction. This is not something new. I bet we all experience this. Fear sets in. We get confused about which one to follow. In the end, we just do what the higher-ranking boss told us and just explain later. Sometimes, we just do both to be sure we are covered. However, doing this creates unnecessary stress and duplicate work.

      As mentioned above, to resolve this, we must communicate. Speak about the situation to both bosses and get clear guidance. Tell them that the direction is contradicting and you only have time to do one, not both. It will be confusing in the beginning but it will help you in the long run. By doing so, you set boundaries that both bosses understand and eventually will manage the workload being given to you.

      Summary

      Having multiple bosses is not something new. With the modern structure of how companies are set up, there will always be that “dotted” line in where we report to someone else aside from the person we directly report to.

      Establishing good communication between the two fosters a good relationship and creates a balance between multiple works. By making them understand, we are able to prioritize and put our focus on what matters the most.

    • Hybrid Work | Separate Stress At Home

      Hybrid Work | Separate Stress At Home

      Hybrid work is a type of work setup where one can work at certain amount of days or hours in the office, at home or anywhere.

      I recently met up with my former colleagues at work. We had worked between 2-3 years together in our field – Workforce Management. More than a decade had passed since we parted and gone our separate ways chasing our own dreams. Along the way, we all learned a lot and had progressed very significantly in our careers.

      One of my them became a VP for a division in his company. I will not say where he works or what his projects are. The fact that I do not fully understand it makes me reluctant to discuss it. Aside from that, well, there might be some company secret that I could not divulge.

      Anyway, during the course of our conversation, he mentioned that his work setup is hybrid. He works in the office three times a week while the remaining two days are done at home. He setup a small office in their house to get away from any noise and distractions. He also said that he has a place sort of zen where he goes to chill and destress.

      But, this is when it confused me. On the days he works at home, he said that for major and heavy meetings, he stays in his home office. For the light ones, he goes to his place of zen or have the meeting while eating.

      This I totally disagree. I had said my piece to him.

      Hybrid Work May Not Be Effective

      Hybrid work is a work setup that provides one to work either in the office, at home, or anywhere for a certain amount of days or hours. This is done with following a line of thinking that meeting people personally or face-to-face helps form and solidify relationships. Thus, it is also encouraged by many businesses and companies to foster good working relationship and boost productivity and effectiveness.

      However, this setup does not apply to all.

      One of the former colleagues I met up with said he gets more work done when he is in the office. I asked him why is that the case given that there a lot of people in the office that would go to him, get his attention, and distract him. He said that there are more distractions at home than in the office. In the office, there are very few people since they are on hybrid so they do not see each other at the same time or day. At home, his family is there constantly moving and speaking. This is not to mention that access to things like TV and food takes his attention too. In effect, he is more distracted at home and he is not able to complete what he needed to.

      This is a typical setup here in the Philippines. Since most of us live with our immediate families (parents and siblings or even extended family) our household is usually busy. With our close family ties culture, our homes are a bustling noise and love of people we care about. This is good for anyone, but not for work.

      Therefore, some prefer to work in the office to get away from the distractions at home. With the now sometimes half-empty offices, there is less noise and bustle which creates a better environment for focus work.

      Hybrid work didn’t work for me.

      Working from home

      It is said that to work effectively at home, a separation of workplace and others things should be created. One can create a home office in an empty or unused room or even just an area in the house where no one, or at least minimal, can disturb you. Here in the Philippines where most remote work is done at night because we are the center of the BPO industry, working from home at night while everybody sleeps already creates that separation.

      For my former colleague who mixes up his work with his zen place, while he said it works for him, it does not for everyone. I told him to stop doing that because the brain needs time to reset and make new connections (neuroplasticity). If he continues to do the same thing regardless of the location in the house or the intensity of the work, the brain is still bombarded by the same amount of stress. This is never good.

      What can be done, and this is what I do, is to really separate work. If it is time to take a break, take it and do something else. I take regular breaks and use that time to smoke, have coffee, and watch something on Netflix. By the time the break is over, new ideas are forming in my head that make me dive into the work immediately and do it.

      When I was doing hybrid work, whenever I went to the office, I felt it was a waste of my time. The idea behind going to the office is to meet people face-to-face. Surprisingly, since we have different schedules for going to the office, most of the people I work with are at home. So, work is still done online that can be done at home instead of the office. Even if we are all in the office, most of us are facing our laptops, back to each other, and still talking in chatrooms. I guess that is Gen Z culture.

      Make Hybrid Work For You

      The other colleague I met up with structured his scheduled days in the office when he knew there were a lot of things to accomplish. That makes him focus more and finish it. The other one stays at home so he doesn’t spend much time commuting and instead, uses that time to get more work done.

      I, on the other hand, went to the office whenever bosses were there. To me, it is just presence. As long as they regularly see me on site, that is enough for me. Anyway, our work is all remote so regardless of where I was, the work still progressed and completed.

      Hybrid work can work and it all depends on the person. How can one utilize it to his advantage and be more productive is up to him. It should not be treated as something that works for everyone. It is, just like any other, a flexible solution to the changing demand of the workplace

    • Why Execution Matters More Than Strategy

      Why Execution Matters More Than Strategy

      Why Execution Matters More Than Strategy

      An idea, plan, or strategy is only as good as its execution. Without actual actions, it is nothing but words that do not realize its full potential and effect on the world.

      We often hear about the importance of having a good strategy, whether it is for business, sports, or personal goals. A strategy is a blueprint for success, a roadmap that guides us from where we are to where we want to be. But how often do we hear about the importance of executing, the actual process of implementing the strategy and making it happen?

      It is not only about carrying out a plan, but also about the attention to detail and the ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. It involves the coordination of resources, the management of time, and the perseverance to overcome obstacles.

      A successful execution requires not only the initial action but also the continuous monitoring and adjustment along the way. It is the relentless pursuit of excellence and the commitment to seeing a vision through to its fruition. Without it, even the most brilliant strategy remains dormant, devoid of the transformative power that can only be unleashed through decisive and purposeful action.

      The Benefits of Execution

      Execution tests your assumptions. A strategy is based on assumptions about the situation, the resources, the competitors, and the customers. But assumptions can be wrong, and the only way to find out is to execute the strategy and see what happens. It allows you to validate or invalidate your assumptions, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

        Execution builds your credibility. A strategy is a promise to yourself and others about what you intend to do. But a promise is only as good as your ability to keep it. It shows that you are serious about your strategy, and that you can deliver on your promise. This builds your trust and reputation, and earns you respect and recognition.

        Execution creates feedback. A strategy is a hypothesis about what will work best. But a hypothesis needs to be tested and evaluated. This provides you with feedback about the effectiveness of your strategy, and the impact of your actions. It helps you measure your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and learn from your successes and failures.

          Execution generates momentum. A strategy is a direction for your future. But a direction is only useful if you move towards it. This is the force that propels you forward, and creates a positive cycle of action and results. Execution helps you overcome inertia, overcome obstacles, and overcome challenges. It gives you energy, motivation, and confidence.

            The Challenges of Execution

            It demands clarity. A strategy is a plan for what to do. But a plan is only effective if it is clear and specific. It requires you to translate your strategy into concrete and actionable steps, and to communicate them clearly to yourself and others. Execution challenges you to define your goals, prioritize your tasks, and allocate your resources.

              It requires consistency. A strategy is a commitment to your vision. But a commitment is only meaningful if it is sustained and followed through. Execution demands you to stick to your strategy, and to execute it consistently and reliably. It tests your focus, persistence, and resilience.

              It involves collaboration. A strategy is a guide for your team. But a team is only productive if it is coordinated and aligned. Execution necessitates you to work with others, and to execute your strategy as a collective and coherent unit. It challenges your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

                It entails adaptation. A strategy is a response to your environment. But your environment is dynamic and unpredictable. Execution obliges you to adapt your strategy, and to execute it flexibly and creatively. It tests your agility, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

                  The Tips for Execution

                  Execution is a skill that can be learned and improved. Here are some tips that can help you enhance your execution:

                  Set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals are clear, realistic, and trackable. They help you focus your execution, monitor your performance, and evaluate your results.

                    Break down your strategy into smaller and simpler steps. Breaking down your strategy into smaller and simpler steps makes it easier to execute. It helps you reduce complexity, increase efficiency, and avoid overwhelm.

                    Create a schedule and a checklist. A schedule and a checklist are tools that help you organize your execution. They help you plan your time, sequence your tasks, and track your progress.

                    Delegate and outsource. Delegating and outsourcing are strategies that help you optimize your execution. They help you leverage your strengths, utilize your resources, and focus on your core activities.

                      Review and reflect. Reviewing and reflecting are practices that help you improve your execution. They help you collect feedback, analyze data, and learn from experience.

                        Conclusion

                        Execution is indeed the crucial step that transforms the abstract into the tangible, the vision into the reality. Without execution, even the most visionary and well-crafted strategy remains a mere concept, unable to yield any tangible results. It is the concrete action, the deliberate steps taken towards the implementation of a strategy, that ultimately determine its success or failure.

                        Consequently, the weight of emphasis on execution should not be underestimated. In every aspect of life, be it personal or professional, the ability to effectively execute plans and strategies is an invaluable skill that sets the path for accomplishment. It demands discipline, adaptability, and perseverance, and it is the backbone of any successful endeavor. Therefore, it is essential to not only envision and strategize, but to also devote utmost attention to the execution phase, ensuring that it is carried out with excellence and precision.

                        Sources:

                      • Why Your Hard Work and Sacrifice Won’t Save Your Job

                        Why Your Hard Work and Sacrifice Won’t Save Your Job

                        Why Your Hard Work and Sacrifice Won’t Save Your Job

                        You’ve probably heard the advice that if you want to succeed in your career, you need to work hard, make sacrifices, and contribute to your company’s goals. You may have followed this advice and put in long hours, skipped vacations, and taken on extra responsibilities. You may have hoped that by doing so, you would secure your job and earn recognition, rewards, and promotions.

                        But what if I told you that your hard work and sacrifice may not matter at all when it comes to your job stability? What if I told you that you could still lose your job despite your best efforts and achievements? What if I told you that the factors that determine your job stability are largely beyond your control?

                        In this blog post, I will explain why your hard work and sacrifice won’t save your job, and what you can do instead to protect your career and income in the changing world of work.

                        The Myth of Job Stability

                        Job stability is the measure of how secure a job is in a company or industry or whether it has the potential to remain a viable position for the foreseeable future¹. Many people assume that job stability depends on their individual performance and loyalty to their employer. They believe that if they work hard and sacrifice for their company, they will be rewarded with job security and stability.

                        However, this is a myth that has been shattered by the complex interplay of globalization, technological and demographic changes that are transforming the world of work². These changes are creating new opportunities but also challenges for many workers across the OECD². They are affecting the demand and supply of skills, the nature and quality of jobs, and the distribution of income and well-being².

                        Some of the trends that are undermining job stability are:

                        • The rise of automation and artificial intelligence, which are replacing or augmenting human tasks and creating new skills requirements².
                        • The growth of the gig economy and non-standard forms of employment, which are increasing flexibility but also uncertainty and insecurity for workers².
                        • The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted economic activity and accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work models³.
                        • The effects of climate change and environmental policies, which are creating new challenges and opportunities for green jobs and transitions².

                        These trends are affecting different industries, occupations, and workers in different ways. Some jobs are becoming more stable, while others are becoming less stable or disappearing altogether. Some workers are benefiting from new opportunities, while others are struggling to adapt or facing exclusion. Some workers are experiencing more autonomy and satisfaction, while others are facing more stress and pressure.

                        According to the OECD, job stability has declined in many countries over the past 25 years, especially for young workers with less than tertiary education². These workers have experienced a pronounced decline in fortunes across a large number of countries². They have faced higher risks of unemployment, under-employment, low pay, and poor working conditions².

                        Moreover, job stability is not only a matter of duration, but also of regularity. Many workers are facing under-employment, which is the extent to which they would like to work more hours than they currently do². Under-employment has increased in several countries, especially in the service sector, low-skill occupations, and atypical forms of employment². Under-employment can have negative consequences for workers’ income, well-being, and career prospects².

                        What You Can Do to Protect Your Career and Income

                        If your hard work and sacrifice won’t save your job, what can you do to protect your career and income in the changing world of work? Here are some suggestions:

                        Invest in your skills and lifelong learning. The skills that are in demand today may not be the same as the skills that will be in demand tomorrow. You need to keep your skills updated and relevant to the changing needs of the labor market. You can do this by taking advantage of online courses, certifications, and training programs that can help you learn new skills or improve your existing ones. You can also seek feedback, mentoring, and coaching from your peers, managers, or experts in your field. You can also explore new interests and hobbies that can broaden your horizons and spark your creativity.

                        Build your network and personal brand. Your network and personal brand are your most valuable assets in the world of work. They can help you find new opportunities, access information, and get referrals and recommendations. You can build your network and personal brand by connecting with people who share your interests, values, and goals. You can use social media, online platforms, and events to showcase your skills, achievements, and personality. You can also offer your help, advice, and support to others who may need it. You can also join professional associations, communities, and groups that can enrich your knowledge and network.

                        Diversify your income sources and savings. Relying on a single source of income can be risky in a volatile and uncertain world. You may want to diversify your income sources and savings to reduce your dependence on your employer and increase your financial security. You can do this by creating multiple streams of income, such as freelancing, consulting, or starting a side hustle. You can also save and invest your money wisely, such as in an emergency fund, a retirement plan, or a diversified portfolio. You can also reduce your expenses and debt, and live within your means.

                        Be flexible and adaptable. The world of work is changing rapidly and unpredictably. You need to be flexible and adaptable to cope with the changes and challenges that may arise. You can do this by being open to new opportunities, experiences, and perspectives. You can also be proactive and curious, and seek to learn from your successes and failures. You can also be resilient and optimistic, and focus on the things that you can control and influence.

                        Summary

                        In this blog post, I explained why your hard work and sacrifice won’t save your job, and what you can do instead to protect your career and income in the changing world of work. I discussed the trends that are undermining job stability, such as automation, the gig economy, the Covid-19 pandemic, and climate change. I also suggested some actions that you can take to improve your skills, network, personal brand, income, and savings. I also emphasized the importance of being flexible and adaptable in the face of change and uncertainty.

                        If you found this blog post helpful, please share it with your friends, family, and colleagues who may benefit from it. You can also subscribe to my newsletter to get more tips and insights on how to become better than you yesterday. And if you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more!

                        Sources:

                      • Dissent | Go against the crowd

                        Dissent | Go against the crowd

                        We often follow the crowd. We do what is popular. We join the group. This is true at work too. We are influenced by what others say and make our ideas based on what our co-workers say, and what our managers say. But it is good to think differently. To disagree. To be the opposite. To be the other voice. Doing this will help us see dangers and avoid them, or make them smaller, compared to doing what everyone else does. This can lead to big failures without a different view on things. Let me share why dissent is important for creating new things, being creative, and thinking well. And that we should accept and welcome it in our work and society.

                        Dissent and Innovation

                        Dissent is an essential component of a healthy society, as it promotes critical thinking and challenges the status quo. When individuals express dissent, they are voicing their refusal to conform to a common idea, rule, or way of doing things. These dissenters play a vital role in prompting discussions, asking thought-provoking questions, and presenting alternative solutions.

                        It is true that dissenters are often perceived as troublemakers, rebels, or nonconformists who disrupt the peace and unity of the group. However, it is important to recognize that dissenters also serve as catalysts for change, progress, and improvement. By introducing new perspectives, information, and ideas, dissenters compel the group to reevaluate their understanding and decision-making processes. They shed light on underlying issues, biases, and deficiencies that may be hindering the group’s effectiveness and efficiency.

                        Furthermore, the presence of dissenters fosters a culture of curiosity and creativity, compelling the group to reconsider their perspectives and rationale, ultimately contributing to a more robust and resilient collective mindset. Therefore, embracing dissent can lead to enhanced problem-solving, innovation, and a deeper understanding of complex issues within the group or society as a whole.

                        One of the good things about dissent is that it helps create new things, like new or better products, services, processes, or methods. Creating new things is very important for any organization, especially in a competitive and changing world. Creating new things needs different thinking, which is the skill to make many, different, and new ideas.

                        Dissenters are often the source of different thinking, as they go against the usual, try the unknown, and play with the unusual. Dissenters can inspire and motivate others, who may add to their ideas or make their own. Dissenters can also give helpful feedback and comments, which can make the ideas of others better. Furthermore, the presence of dissenting voices can lead to constructive debates and discussions, ultimately leading to innovative solutions. It creates a culture of open-mindedness and diversity of thought, encouraging individuals to challenge existing norms and explore unconventional approaches. This culture fosters a dynamic environment that is conducive to experimentation and adaptation, enhancing the organization’s ability to respond to changing market conditions and emerging challenges.

                        Dissent and Creativity

                        Another aspect of the impact of dissent on creativity is its ability to foster innovation. When diverse viewpoints clash, new ideas are born, and these new ideas have the potential to drive progress in both personal and professional realms. In addition, dissent encourages individuals to challenge the status quo and think outside the box, leading to the development of unconventional yet effective solutions to complex problems.

                        Furthermore, dissent can spark a spirit of curiosity and exploration among individuals, inspiring them to delve deeper into unconventional ideas and concepts. As such, dissent not only promotes flexible thinking but also encourages continuous learning and intellectual growth, contributing to a culture of innovation and forward-thinking within society.

                        Dissent and Critical Thinking

                        A third good thing about dissent is that it supports critical thinking, which is the skill to check, judge, and connect information in a clear and fair way. Critical thinking is very important for learning and using knowledge, skills, and values. Critical thinking needs humble thinking, which is the willingness to admit our limits, mistakes, and biases, and to look for the truth no matter what we like or think.

                        Dissenters are often the source of humble thinking, as they test the quality, reliability, and meaning of the information, arguments, and evidence given by others. Dissent encourages people to engage in constructive debates, leading to a better understanding of various perspectives and creating an environment where differing opinions are valued.

                        Moreover, through dissent, individuals are motivated to delve deeper into complex issues, questioning the status quo and seeking innovative solutions. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of ideas and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and introspection. Thus, dissent not only promotes critical thinking but also cultivates a spirit of open-minded inquiry and intellectual growth.

                        Conclusion

                        Dissent is a fundamental aspect of any group, organization, or society, serving as a catalyst for progress and innovation. Embracing dissenting opinions can lead to the exploration of new ideas, the stimulation of creativity, and the cultivation of critical thinking skills, all of which are essential for advancing and improving the status quo. By encouraging dissent, we allow for the consideration of diverse viewpoints and the avoidance of groupthink, where conformity stifles individual expression and alternative perspectives are overlooked. In essence, dissent fuels evolution and adaptation, playing a pivotal role in the continual development and refinement of our collective endeavors.

                        Groupthink can lead to bad decisions, silly actions, and terrible outcomes. So, we should not be scared of dissent, but rather like and welcome it. We should respect and thank the dissenters, who are not our foes, but our friends. We should listen to and learn from the dissenters, who are not our critics, but our teachers. We should work with and help the dissenters, who are not our competitors, but our partners. Embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging open discussions can enhance creativity and foster innovation within a team or organization. By valuing dissenting opinions, we can enrich our understanding and make more informed choices, ultimately leading to better results. It’s important to create an environment where individuals feel empowered to express their alternative viewpoints, as this can lead to more comprehensive decision-making and sustainable solutions.

                      • Generative AI | Boon or Bane?

                        Generative AI | Boon or Bane?

                        How Generative AI Can Help You Create New Things

                        Generative AI is a new kind of technology that can make new things, like words, pictures, sounds, or codes. It can help you with many tasks and areas that need creativity, innovation, or personalization. For example, you can use it to write articles, make images, or write codes for different purposes. But generative AI also has some good and bad sides, chances and risks, gains and costs.

                        What Is Generative AI and How Does It Work?

                        Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content or data from nothing, such as text, images, audio, or code. It works by using smart models, like neural networks, to learn from a lot of data and make new data that looks like the original data. For example, a model can learn from many pictures of faces and make new pictures of faces that look real but are not real people. Or, it can learn from many words and sentences and make new text that makes sense but is not copied from anywhere. These models can also learn from different kinds of data and make new things that mix them, like making a picture from words or making words for a picture.

                        What Are the Good Things About Generative AI?

                        Generative AI has many benefits and uses for different things and areas. Some of the good things about having and using it are:

                        • It can make us more creative and productive by giving us new ideas, tips, or solutions that we may not think of or have time to make.
                        • It can make the things that it makes better and more varied, as it can learn from a lot of data and make new things that are different and fit what we want or need.
                        • It can save us money and time by making things faster and easier, as it can do the work for us and make high-quality things in seconds or minutes.
                        • It can make the things that it makes more personal, as it can change the things to suit the people who use or see them, based on what they like, need, or want.
                        • It can make new ways of expressing, talking, or having fun, as it can make things that are fun, interesting, or exciting, like virtual reality, augmented reality, or video games.

                        What Are the Bad Things?

                        But generative AI also has some problems and risks that we need to be careful of and fix. Some of the bad things about having and using it are:

                        • It can cause problems with ethics, laws, or society, like privacy, safety, or truth, as it can make things that are fake, wrong, or bad, like deepfakes, spam, or lies, and it can be hard to know where, how, or why the things were made.
                        • It can make us biased, unfair, or unequal, as it can learn from data that is not complete, correct, or balanced, and make things that show or make worse the biases, stereotypes, or prejudices in the data, like gender, race, or class.
                        • It can make us less in control, free, or responsible, as it can decide or do things that affect us or others, without us knowing, helping, or agreeing, and it can be unclear who is to blame or answer for the things that it makes or does.
                        • It can make us depend, lazy, or lonely, as it can replace or do better than our skills, abilities, or jobs, and make us use or trust the things that it makes more than our own thinking, making, or knowing, or make us feel less valued, needed, or connected.

                        How Will Generative AI Change the Jobs and Lives of People?

                        We do not know for sure how this will change our jobs and lives, as it can have both good and bad effects, depending on what, where, and how it is used. On one hand, generative AI can take away some of the jobs that we have now that are boring, easy, or low-skill, like typing, making content, or talking to customers, and make them not needed or wanted. On the other hand, it can make new jobs that are new, hard, or high-skill, like analyzing data, choosing content, or engaging customers, and make new chances or needs. Also, generative AI can change or help some of the jobs that we have now that are friendly, changing, or mixed, like teaching, caring, or entertaining, and make them better, faster, or more fun.

                        We cannot compare generative AI and the time when machines replaced people who made things by hand exactly, as there are big differences and details between them. But we can use it as a way to learn and get ready for the changes and challenges that generative AI may bring to our jobs and society. Like the time when machines replaced people who made things by hand, generative AI may make some of the workers or things not needed or wanted, but it may also make or improve some of the new workers or things. So, the important thing is to use this technology in a good way, not to be afraid or against it.

                        How Can We Use Generative AI in a Good Way?

                        Some of the ways that we can use generative AI in a good way are:

                        • We can learn and get new skills, knowledge, or abilities that are useful or good for the jobs or things that generative AI may make or change, like knowing data, using technology, or feeling emotions.
                        • We can work and cooperate with generative AI, not fight or disagree with it, and use what it is good at, like speed, accuracy, or size, while making up for what it is bad at, like ethics, situation, or feelings.
                        • We can try and make new things with generative AI, not just follow or limit it, and find new possibilities, uses, or areas that generative AI may help or make possible, like art, music, or education.
                        • We can control and watch generative AI, not forget or leave it, and make clear and fair rules, standards, or guides that say how to make, use, or check generative AI, like openness, answerability, or quality.

                        Conclusion

                        Generative AI is a powerful and helpful technology that can make new things, like words, pictures, sounds, or codes. It can help us with many tasks and areas that need creativity, innovation, or personalization. But it also has its own good and bad sides, chances and risks, gains and costs. So, we need to be smart and careful, critical and responsible, curious and creative, when we use or see generative AI, and use it well, while avoiding the problems of it. Generative AI is not a danger or a replacement, but a friend or a helper, for us to reach our goals and dreams, and to make our lives and society better.

                      • Oubaitori | Running at our own pace

                        Oubaitori | Running at our own pace

                        Ouibaitori (pronounced as oh-buy-toe-ree) is a Japanese idiom that is based on four trees – Cherry, Plum, Peach, and Apricot. I don’t know much about trees but the idiom simply means we all grow and bloom at our own pace. In the workplace, this could mean that oubaitori is running at our own pace.

                        I can’t remember where I first read this word. All I can remember is I did searched its meaning. “We all grow and bloom at our own pace.” In a world where we run, in a world where we think we have to beat everyone first, in a world where we want to become first, this idiom can put everything in perspective.

                        Different starting point

                        When I was starting my career, I had an opportunity to get to know a person who opened my eyes to the world of investments. This person had about Php 100k (about $1,800 by this time) in investment. I was told that time that to start an investment in stocks, that is the amount of money that I need. During those time, I do not have that kind of money. I was living paycheck to paycheck. I was supporting my wife and son. We barely had enough to finance our day-to-day expenses. But the desire to invest and get rich, of course, was implanted in head during that time.

                        That person and I were on the same level at work. We have the same title. The workload of our jobs are the same. We are paid the same. We have the same family size. So, how come that person is able to have an investment while I am struggling. Well, our stories are different. Our backgrounds and family history are different. A wealthy family and a poor family. The starting point was different.

                        We always wonder how come others are able to achieve something while we don’t. We ask ourselves why they seem to be lucky, affluent than us, and are better in life. Well, sometimes it is not about what we have done. It is about the starting point. Some grew up with wealthy family while some with poor family. There is a difference between where we started and therefore, some will reach their goals earlier than us. Others will still be running the race thinking they are left behind.

                        Opportunities and roadblocks

                        When I became a manager, I had been interviewing candidates for open positions. I had the privilege to talk to people and get to know their stories. In these interviews, one candidate said, “My friends had advanced in their careers. I am still doing the same thing that I am doing two years ago while they are now managers. I want to move up just like them.” Well, it is good that this candidate has some goals to pursue but comparing this person’s achievement with those friends is not the way to do it.

                        I had the same situation. The people I started working with during the start of my career rose up to the ranks of vice presidents while I still a manager. The highest position I had was a director but that was just a short stint. Those people who have higher positions than I were given opportunities. They did very well. Relationships was built. Trust was given to them. Potential was there. Thus, the position were given to them. I, on the other hand, was given the opportunity too, however, I did not open those doors with full intent. I had my own roadblocks that stopped me from pushing forward that I did not think of overcoming. This, coupled with enjoying what I thought was the meaning of life, made me walk and stop.

                        I can not say what the candidate had gone through and was left behind by those friends. But for me, I know that we get left behind because we focused on different things. My attention was attuned to other things that does not help me achieve what I want to achieve. This made me stuck where I was and had not reached where my colleagues are now.

                        Not at the same time

                        It doesn’t matter if others had reached the finish line first. We think we should have been there first, or at least reached the end with them. No. That does not matter. What matters is we get to the finish line. And, not everyone’s finish line, but our own finish line. When we compare where we are with others, we just feel depressed. Come to think of it. They don’t care where you are. Everyone has their own problems. They will just keep running for their own. If we try to go after them, then we might be running towards something that we do not care about.

                        Our starting point are different. I, for one, started with poverty. I remember when I was kid days that we do not have anything to eat beside rice, salt, and cooking oil. The friends that I have now, or the people that I worked with, never had that experience. Their stories when they were kids are different than what I have.

                        The opportunities laid out to me where different. The situation is different. My former colleagues stayed with the same company for years while I moved to about 5 different companies in a span of about 20 years. My challenges were different. The competition were different. Work demand changes across different companies. And the people I worked with varied with their own personal agendas.

                        Grow and bloom differently

                        But still, I ran the race. Now, I could say I am happy where I am. It is different from my friends. Some are working abroad. Some holds higher position. Others are earning more money than I. That is not what I have. But this is my race. My own race. I have what I need.

                        Let’s all remember that we should not compare what others have to what we have. We all must remember that we are all different from each other. Our starting point, our abilities, and the opportunities laid out in front of us are not the same with others. We run our own race. Our speed and pace is different from one another. We have our own finish line. We grow and bloom differently.