Uniquely Singapore

An exciting and fascinating nation, Singapore is indeed a proof that success has nothing to do with size. In fact, not having its own fresh water supply (since they’re getting most of their supply in Malaysia) doesn’t matter either.

I spoke before around 180 secretaries, administrative and personal assistants, and support staff during the 9th Annual Secretaries’ Summit 2011 on the subject, “Why Am I Working?”. I was the only Filipino who spoke at the event. I take some pride to represent the Philippines.

Just like other impressively successful nation, Singapore is amazingly always-in-a-hurry. Every second seems to be so important that one can’t afford to lose it. It cannot be just “a second.” It IS a second.

Having this scenario for me is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It becomes an advantage because seemingly, everyone works at par with the development. Working in a fast-growing economy requires speedy working people. It becomes a disadvantage when people forget that they, too, are human beings, who deserve rests.

The truth is it’s very hard to pause in a lightning speed economy. I can understand how difficult it can be for a secretary to do her job not because the nature of the job is difficult but because one simple mistake can actually mean disaster.

Setting appointments, doing follow ups, screening phone calls among many others are not that easy to do. it takes some incredible amount of patience and attention to details to do this.

While I was on stage, I mentioned about the job of a confidential secretary. I jokingly asked them what exactly does a confidential secretary do? Is she allowed to unveil her identity? And then people the audience laughed.

Really, a secretary’s job isn’t easy. Imagine being a gate-keeper. You should know every person who’s getting in and out of your boss’ private office. You should be able to screen these people and make sure your boss’ time isn’t spent in a worthless meeting or conversation.

After my talk, I was approached by two ladies. One, a 52-year-old and the other one a 26-year-old. The 52-year-old was thinking about getting another job. Are you kidding me? At that age, you’re still thinking of going somewhere else? Well, yes. And it’s because even if she lasted that long, she’s still part of the political nature of corporations.

My advice to her, pick another one if you’re no longer happy about what you do because we only have one life to live and nothing more.

The second one is dealing with the age issue. True, it’s hard to exert a sort of authority when you are young. Many people who aged with the company would really love to tell something bad about you. They may even try to discredit you or challenge your credibility.

My advice to her is that she should learn to manipulate things, learn more about vocabulary so she can communicate effectively and that she won’t fall in the trap of these old people. I also told her not to explain too much because she doesn’t owe anything to anyone. While someone recommended her, she must have something that made the recommendation possible.

Singapore will be part of those memorable speaking engagements I do all over Asia. It’s an experience I can never trade off with something else. I love the audience, and I love this country. I learn from them and really, we all had great fun and learning experience together.