Learn and Share
Learn and Share The Benchmarking activity for DBM - Advance Human Resources class came to a surprise – excitement over an informative and fun-filled trip but carrying some apprehensions over the expenses and safety for the whole duration of the Bangkok, Thailand tour. However, turning positive attributes and baggage into a more adventurous activity is the BEST and IDEAL alternative. The four (4) hours travel time from Manila to Bangkok, Thailand and vice versa (least to mention the waiting time prior to its flight) was negligible to notice vis-à-vis the knowledge gained and the companionship among classmates and newly found friends. Very intimidating and scholarly it may sound, Day 1 for our Professional Development Program on Best Practices in 21st Century Higher Education Management came to realize. It started with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Thanks again to Fr. Vir) praying for the group’s safety and our families, success of the benchmarking activity and openness of our hearts and minds. It was followed by two (2) interactive sessions on Human Resources Management and Strategic Human Resources Department and Organizational Development by practitioners namely, Dr. Sirilak Mesang (Senior Consultant / Personnel Management Association of Thailand) and Mrs. Teresita D. Suselo, respectively. Day 2 was also an exciting day to be immersed with the overwhelming University structures and facilities of Asian Institute of Technology and Thammasat University. Furthermore, it was also enriching to learn the BEST practices, achievements and culture of the latter University shared by the very professional Supreedee Rittironk, Ph.D (Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs). In summary, the 2-day formal sessions met its objectives and contributed to the bank of knowledge we have and surely will be beneficial as future consultants in Business and Management. Just like an adage “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, participants at night plunged with Thailand’s city-life, mode of transportation, food, people and some are yet to be discovered. Though limited time to explore and visit Thailand, it was sufficient to witness how they live with their selfless profession and to be exposed with the Bangkok “shopping experience”. Briefly, here’s my 10 learning experiences I had during the Bangkok, Thailand trip: 1. Start with Prayer Starting our bucket list of activities with a prayer contributed so much with the success of the benchmarking activity and by asking His Divine guidance in a place we are not familiar. 2. Cura Personalis Being educated in a Jesuit way, showing “Personal Care” among classmates and peers is greatly needed most especially if we travel in groups and in a foreign land. 3. Companionship Buddy system is a prerequisite in a foreign land. 4. Openness of Heart and Mind The benchmarking experience was a humbling experience to note. Regardless of the degree already earned, age and even rank in an organization where we belong, everyone pro-actively participated and learned so much in the field of Human Resources and Best Practices in Higher Education Management. 5. Dressing up appropriately At the beginning, we had adverse reactions of bringing Barong Tagalog in foreign land and wearing them in a benchmarking activity. However, it turned out differently by taking pride of wearing a Filipino uniform, as Dr. Supreedee would say it. 6. Supreedee’s 3Ps (Prompt, Professional, Proficient Communication) Nothing more to expound, BULLS EYE! 7. Sirilak’s Happy Work Place (Happy Body, Happy Heart, Happy Relax, Happy Brain, Happy Soul, Happy Money, Happy Family and Happy Society) This is something worth sharing and emulating. As future consultants, these eight (8) happy thoughts are worth advocating. 8. Teresita’s OD OCTAPACE (Openness, Collaboration, Trust, Authenticity, Proactivity, Autonomy, Confrontation and Experimentation) Organizational Development is something new and the session was very educational and worth revisiting. 9. Selfless profession As most travelers would say, Thailand trip won’t be complete without observing how locals do for a living. Young or old regardless of gender, locals do business by trading different goods, offering services and the least we expect that become normal to them is selling their souls and what’s is not acceptable to our values and culture. 10. Certificate of Completion The initial apprehension of having it as expensive trip became a worthwhile INVESTMENT.