It is just so sad to hear what happened to Kristel Tejada, a UP Manila student who committed suicide just because she cannot pay her tuition fees. She and her family appealed to the school's officials only to be turned down because it's the school's policy!
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Both me and my wife went school searching today for our eldest, Gia, who will be in grade school next year. My wife's first choice is Miriam College in Katipunan as she and most of her sisters and mom were graduates there. We previously wrote an appeal letter to the Grade School Principal for Gia to be considered for Grade 1. However the principal courteously explained that under the DECS Kto12 policies, my daughter is not yet qualified because she is 20 days younger/short than the required age of 5 years and 10 months. She suggested that we talk with the Pre-School Principal for her opinion. We went to the latter, and she had the same explanation and even showed us the DECS order about the age requirement.
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After Miriam, we went to St. Theresa's College in QC. We submitted the requirements and filled up some forms and it took only about 15 minutes and Gia is now scheduled for assessment for Grade 1 level this April! EASY!!!
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To my daughter, Gia, in case you will be famous someday, please give special thanks to Miriam. =)
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Why are some institutions or businesses are just too strict with company "policies and procedures?" Why are they "NOT OPEN" to listening to appeals and requests from their prospects, clients or the people they are suppose to serve? Don't they know that they are affecting lives here?
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One time, I went to the Banco De Oro (BDO) branch in Congressional Avenue to deposit and update my kids' bank accounts. In BDO, they instruct their clients to queue in two lines, one for "single transactions" and another for "multiple transactions". Seeing that the line for "multiple transactions" was too long, I went to the "single transactions" line. Although my transaction only took less than 5 minutes, the teller still reprimanded me and said that next time, I should go to the "multiple transactions" line. From then on, they lost a loyal customer because of the "masungit na teller." And for what, its all because of company policy and procedure!
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I can understand that policies and procedures are established by companies and institutions to help them achieve their overall objectives. However, will it be better if there is room for a little bit of "sensitivity" and "consideration" especially if you are dealing with people?
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Anyway, just because of company "policies and procedures", some people are just narrow-minded or just too scared to go beyond their call of duty. Maybe they are doing their company's a favor by just following rules to the letter. However, just bear in mind the consequences and impact you may have in people's lives.
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Lastly, which "epitaph" do you prefer? 1. Here lies a person who is dedicated and loyal to his company and who followed all policies and procedures without fail; or 2. Here lies a good person who always extends a helping hand and who truly listens and empathize with his customers. Your choice.
Hope this helps.
Ge
Gerald Cantor is a Financial Adviser of Pru Life UK (www.prulifeuk.com.ph), a Financial Planning Advocate of Personal Finance Advisers Philippines Corporation (www.personalfinance.ph), a Registered Financial Planner graduate (www.rfp.ph), a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Son of Lourdes (LSM), and a La Sallian (Animo La Salle!). Ge is proud to be an ex-OFW, a "career-shifter", an entrepreneur, a baller, and most importantly, a "proud" dad of Gia and Clarie. You may e-mail him at geccantor@hotmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/iPon.ph for more of his iPon tips.
