by Harry Tambuatco

MULTI-TASKING is a must for managers, especially when there are multiple
issues to address. One must be of sound mind and body to address all issues, giving priority not only for those of extreme emergency, but also, never reneging on any issue by saying “this is not a priority”.

The consequence of announcing that issues are of little priority can be detrimental to the country and its businesses. It also sounds condescending towards the community and may even have international implications.

Announcing that some issues are of low priority creates a mindset that equates low priority issues to issues that are of no concern. Why even bother to categorize and call these issues as “issues” when they are of little or no priority?

Crisis managers strive from one crisis to another. Everything is dealt with regardless. If there is inability to manage multiple gargantuan issues all happening at the same time concerning all facets of government down to the local levels, then we have a bigger priority issue – the issue of competence and of sound management.

Understandably there are no super humans but for leaders, of course there are! One needs to be above all humans if not close to the perfect man or woman.

The job of supreme leader entails dedication 24/7, with no holidays to boot, which makes me wonder why many wish to be the supreme leader what with sacrifices like these, unless of course there are super tips you and I are unaware of.

Taipans who are dedicated managers (and probably billionaires) are often described as workaholics.

This persistence to manage coupled with striving under stress and being alienated from family most of the time is needed to work for a goal – usually for economic supremacy and political influence or authority.

The difference between business taipans and political leaders is the former’s penchant to manage crisis one after the other, never reneging on stressful decisions that have to be made daily. Knowing profit and monies are the goals for Taipans, what exactly would be the goal for political leaders, say of a president? Should it be “love for country?”

Should we no longer prioritize intellectual property rights, we should tell the Americans, the Europeans, the Japanese, etc. that their products mean nothing in our markets so much so we promote counterfeit and pirated DVD’s, hand bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. In fact let us stop the registration of trade names and copyright and, if necessary, the intellectual property offices.

As for Ronnie Rickets with his enduring passion to snuff out these pirates, let us abolish the office since it is not worthy of any priority. It is obvious there are priority issues that need immediate attention and others that can be left unattended.

Or is there? To describe effective management is to leave no one behind; it means serving with passion everyone all at the same time, all of the time. Can you imagine a onductor whose orchestration and music arrangement is half baked, despite multiple instruments and musical arrangements that all need his scrutiny and priority?

Can you imagine an engineer who, while building a high rise, decides not to prioritize the pillars of its building and instead concentrates on the exterior design to win a contest for best design architecture? Can you imagine a president who does not prioritize intellectual property and categorizes it as low priority?

In life we have priorities, some that we make more important than others. If you’re a leader of a country with some 97 million strong population, plagued with natural and man-made disasters, economic woes, financial distress, an ignorant majority and more – nothing is of low priority.

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