I was invited to be a resource speaker of a small computer and cell phone company two days ago at Pier 39 Sagñay, Camarines Sur. The firm has 60+ employees manning several branches in the Bicol Region here in the Philippines. I was really amazed of the enthusiasm of the employees in participating in the lecture-discussion and the Role Playing that we had. I was not expecting that kind of reception for an organization whose majority of the personnel are high school graduate and a few who had one to two years college experience. The three-days activity is actually an annual event for the firm where the company pays all the expenses for all of the activities. I was able to interview the GM and he said that he regularly sponsors seminars and trainings for his personnel to ensure that his people acquire the necessary skills to be able to respond to the demands of their jobs.

In the Role Playing exercise, there were four teams that staged their plays based on the actual scenarios that they have experienced in the branches. Each team was able to role play each scenario with feeling and gusto. The scenarios were eyeopener to several of the new employees and a reminder to the old ones. Processing it, we were able to identify the barriers to team efforts and how to cope up with similar situations if it happen again to any of the branches. In fact, the company even awarded several citations (Best Team in Role Playing, Best Actor and Best Actress award).

I am so glad that there are small companies who are willing to shell out a portion of their income for the advancement of its people. In this company, the priority are the customers and its people.