The man in the mirror

Girl Abunda, host of ABiaS CBN show, would often ask his guests the corniest question in the world, that is ‘What do you see when you look at the mirror?’  I admit, I don’t watch ABiaS CBNs shows as a choice but in a sense, we really could not ignore the intensity of that question.

I called BB (for Black Berry because he’s dark skinned) earlier and I told him the feedback from the people he works with.  There are people who do not really like the way he interacts with them.  To them he’s arrogant.  He was very defensive when I told him that he sent me several emails explaining his side after we talked.  He also said that he does not care how other people’s impression in him and that they’re just envious of him.  He even said that if they’re really interested in his current position, they can have it, he does not care.

I told him that I don’t mean for him to be offended when I called him.  I just want him to realize that as a person, we really do not know how people see us.  In my case, I don’t know that I could be very arrogant, rude and sarcastic at times.  I don’t know that but that is how people view me.  That’s why I told BB to reflect and the best question he could ask himself is of course, ‘What will he tell to that man in the mirror?’

I told him that I’m a survivor.  I’ve learned it early on since growing up without my parents around is very difficult.  If I wasn’t tough, I wouldn’t survive.  In a way, being tough taught me how to be independent and to fend for myself.  That explains why I really do not want people to trample upon me and in any argument or fighting; I always win whether I’m right or wrong.  There was a point in my life that I was also like BB, very defensive and would not admit mistakes.  It would take a lot of time and maturity before we became mature.  In my case, the near death experience made me realized that I’m no superhuman.  If I’m unwell, I’m nothing and it was a life changing experience for me.  It made me stronger but softer at the same time.  I can now handle the meanest criticism without being bothered about it. 

BBs a friend and I want him to get along with the people he’s working with.  To stay and grow in a company, you have to learn how to get along with people.  I know that he has a future in his current role and if he’s matured enough, he’ll be able to achieve whatever he aims to achieve.  Kaya nga lang, I know that it’ll take a lot of counseling for him to grow up.  If he’ll just open his mind and learn to listen to my advice, he’s on his way to the ladder of success.

Is this a good way start the year?

There were numerous rumors regarding our insurance coverage for 2013 but there were just murmurs until everyone received the policy.  It was sent yesterday morning and yes, it was a bomb and it blasted.  Words were spread like wildfire, calls were made and exchanges of opinions took placed.  Oming of Strategy thought of drafting a petition which were sent all over the company.  Everyone signed except for those who wanted to protect their relationship with their direct superior who approved the insurance proposal for 2013.

In the new insurance coverage, employees have to subsidize 20%.  Gone are the days when we enjoyed full coverage.  This is the first time that our company made this decision and people were all surprised.  The sad thing is, not all employees in our company are well paid and can afford in subsidizing the insurance coverage.  The new insurance scheme came out as ‘COLD’ and ‘UNFEELING’ on the part of those who made the decision.  I know that cost were the main consideration why they came up with that decision. 

As an HR Professional, I believe that HR should have been consulted before the scheme was approved since their decision will affect the employees.  Consultations should have been made especially on the effects of their decision.  The decision to close down an insurance deal should never been delegated to people who counts NUMBERS and MONEY because we’re dealing with people.  People have feelings and emotions, NUMBERS and MONEY have none.  However, if that’s the decision of the decision maker, I will bow to their decision.

As an employee however, I think I have the right to know how they came up with the decision.  So, like the rest of the employees, I signed the petition.  Is this a good way to start the year?