Ma. Corazon Q. Guevarra
Leadership
MBA- Regis Clark
July 10, 2015
Reflection Paper No.1
What were your defining moments? What incidents or events taught you to be better/transformed you?
Everyone will definitely agree with me that all of us at some point in our lives have had defining moments. When do we call these incidents or events defining moments? These are the turning point in our lives when decision meets action. These are the circumstances that shape our mindset and thoughts towards reaching and fulfilling a certain level of emotional accomplishment. In short, these are what we call life-changing moments.
There were three events that have significantly changed my perspective and priorities in life, these are: when I became a mother; when I decided to separate from my husband two years ago; and lastly when I opted to end my 16-year tenure with Omni Aviation Corporation as Vice President.
1. Becoming a Mother
Before I had kids, I used to live my life for myself- carefree, irresponsible and self-centered, such as what clothes or shoes to wear, what bag to match with my outfit and the like. Motherhood has changed that totally. I was only 20 years old when I became a mother. Being young, however, has never been used as an excuse to appreciate the wonderful experience of motherhood. In fact, I should say, it is the most fulfilling accomplishment that a woman will ever have in her entire life- an incomparable experience and extremely rewarding career.
I was a full-time mother until I was about to turn 30. And although, there was a need for me to work to support a growing family, I made sure that I was hands-on in raising my children.
I did not expect that raising children would instantly alter my identity as a person. Motherhood had required me to drastically change my outlook about priorities and I was at the same time happily struggling to deal with my new responsibilities as a young parent. I began to understand that giving birth does not only mean delivering a baby but giving life to a new family.
2. Ending my 25-year marriage
After 25 years of not so-blissful life with my husband, I finally made up my mind of ending all the emotional, psychological and financial turmoil as well as the verbal abuse that I had to endure just to save our marriage. For the first time, I have been freed and relieved.
Coming up with this decision had been very tough for me. Several times, I tried to run away from my husband but leaving him had not been very easy. The turning point came after I prayed hard to God to enlighten and guide me in my decision. God is really good that He did not allow me to suffer any longer. He laid all the facts and realities, as well as the pros and cons for me to see and be able to come up with the right decision. God's wisdom has been my guide and I know I was taking the right path.
The deprivation of an idyllic marriage i.e. irresponsible and selfish husband has subconsciously driven me to work hard to provide for my children, thereby enhancing not only my leadership and management skills but my attitude and values as well. Thus, it is very inspiring to realize that my personal struggles in life have greatly contributed in my success
I used to worry about ill- effects or bad influence that my husband might contribute to the personality and character of my children and because of that, I did everything I could to oppose him by being a good person in my every aspect to serve as a guide and leader that my children can follow and imitate.
3. Leaving Omni Aviation after 16 years
I am proud to say that I am a good example of a leader who had started from humble beginnings. Literally, I have risen through the ranks i.e. starting up as an ordinary office secretary to General Manager and later on as Vice President of the premier flying school in the country.
Having spent 16 years of my life in a company that I have learned to love as my own, has never given me even an inkling of leaving it earlier than what I have planned. In fact, I used to have an absolute mindset that I would only leave Omni when I reach my retirement age.
My life in Omni had always been very exciting under the leadership of Capt. Ben Hur Gomez, founder and former President of Omni Aviation. The dynamic nature of aviation industry plus the excellent management style of Capt. Gomez motivated me to work harder. It had inspired me so much, knowing that I played a vital role in the company's journey towards being the premier flight school in the country and in the Southeast Asian region.
I have seen Omni rose from a two-airplane company to a 25-airplane flying school that had been producing best trained pilots in the country. I have always been proud to be a part of the success of the company which was then the best and most reputable among its competitors. And this is precisely the reason why I had always been gung-ho especially when feedback we heard from the clients were all positive.
Before the end of 2012, the exhilarating journey ended when Capt. Gomez and his fellow stockholders decided to sell the company. As the new management took over, everything was gradually changing and I started to see that my world was falling apart.
I began to pity myself as I felt worthless realizing that the new owners did not even recognize what I have done and contributed to the company. The newly-appointed president had subtly disregarded me by placing me "inside a box" so as not to interfere with his decisions. I could not exactly figure out the reason behind his unfair treatment to me.
Nevertheless, I decided to help and cooperate with him since I thought he needed someone like myself who has been with the company for over one and a half decade. I was pretty sure and convinced that it would make sense talking to him to express my desire to help him. I thought it was going to be fine, unfortunately it was not. No matter, how hard I tried to please and show him that I was true and sincere with my intentions, he would not give me the chance to prove it. He continued to ignore me- removing me from my position and assigning me to another position that was not directly connected with the operations.
Each single day had been very difficult for me to handle. It came to a point that I started to get affected emotionally. I would always cry when I prayed at night begging God to help me with what I was going through. For almost two years, I patiently waited for God's answer to my prayer. I thought there was completely no way out and impossible for me to leave Omni considering that there were no other options. I had been offered a job by another flying school but the starting salary was only one-third of what I was receiving from Omni.
Until one morning in November of last year, I received a call from my former boss, Capt. Gomez informing me that his General Manager in Island Aviation, Inc. resigned and he was desperately looking for a replacement. He said that one of his bosses suggested him to hire his key people in Omni and that was how he got the idea of offering the position to me.
I was dumbfounded when I heard the good news. I told myself, "Is this the answer to my prayers?"Then I prayed again for guidance on whether to accept the offer or not. On the advice of my sister who is a nun I accepted the offer as according to her, this was a clear manifestation that God has indeed answered my prayers. She even told me to learn to entrust everything to God and stop worrying about the consequences of my decision.
Now, I have been re-united with my former boss. Gone are the days of grief and suffering. I am now back to my old self- i.e. happy, excited and always looking forward to going to work.
Conclusion:
God is never remiss in attending to our needs. Sometimes it is hard to understand why God does not allow things to happen right away. An important lesson that I am learning each day is that God works things out in his own perfect timing. Trusting in God, I believe is the key to success and happiness in life. God is faithful, we just have trust Him.
Looking back and recalling all the bitter experiences in the past, I am now certain to say that I and my children have not only moved on but became better and happier individuals. I would agree with what the authors George, Bill, et al mentioned in their article about "Discovering your authentic leadership", that motivation comes from difficult experiences as they provide transformative and positive effects to an individual. And in my case the transformation for me and my children has been overwhelming.
Indeed God has been consistent with His promise of mercy. With hindsight, taking my MBA in Ateneo has been God's will. I feel elated to be part of an institution that is not only concerned in providing excellent education but inculcating Ignatian spirituality by being men for others.
As I take the leadership course, new learnings have been discovered along the way i.e. that all of my experiences- good or bad, resonate with my role as a leader. And because of this, I intend to develop in me and incorporate the four core values of leadership namely: self-awareness, ingenuity, love and heroism in my day-to-day interaction with other people not only in the place of work but in my own household and community as well.
Difficult situations and dreary experiences may either make us bitter or better persons. At the end of the day, the decision will still be up to us. One thing is certain though, I have decided to be a better person whatever the circumstances are. 4
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