By Emmanuel L. Manaligod
Every organization has its own culture, values and principles which are fundamental in its reason for being and becoming a way of life of how one behaves, decides, and interacts with others internally and externally. In my mind, internal culture being intangible can be either be a bane or a boon.
Young leaders who have succeeded quickly sometimes forget that they do not know everything about every situation or know better than everyone else. They tend to become arrogant thinking of being omniscient and even condescending because they are leaders! Not realizing that leaders can either lead others to damnation or salvation.
For Armie Aileen Dela Cruz-Vidad, leading the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB) is something that she calls a mission. It started out with AGSBigay in 2021, when she volunteered for the Sta. Rosa campus, and at the same time, she helped the ORSEM Arise as a host.
The Student Council officers then noticed her and even Professor Ronald Malicdem, MBA who was at the time their Regis Representative admired her philosophy. During his term as the representative, he made it possible for leadership opportunities within the Regis program to blossom. So, when Armie was invited to run for the election, she obliged because she believes she can contribute to the growth and development of those who are part of the organization.
She was nominated as Auditor, and when she was sworn in, she took on various functions for the team & the community. Her experience as one of the leaders prompted her to get out of her shell and do more.
She believes it would be to keep the rationale getting on. Application of the principles and approaches help get the job done. Her assiduousness is appreciated and becomes one of her best traits even if this would not be a popular stand, but for Amie, giving dedicated service goes with a lot of sacrifices and indeed a tall order especially in dealing with others who do not agree with you. In the process, she learns that in order to achieve the common good, she needs to constantly be reminded that the positions entrusted to her and other leaders require an iron will.
“It is easier said than done and we can be technical in many ways. But we have learned that in leadership, EMPATHY is very important. How can we be effective if we do not try to understand how people feel, think, or do?” she recalled.
“I am most proud of AGSBroadcast and the collaboration project with my friends, MM Representative, Joyce Delos Reyes of the APEX Journal or the Student Bulletin. I am also very proud of the online events which I directed, because they are like talk shows or productions and the execution was seamless and engaging. I was also present in most of the sports club launches and initiatives like the Kaldagan 1 & 2.0, Padyak or cycling around the city, AGSBigay 2.0, and the APEX Brand, among others. These were creative concepts that were made possible by the whole team in the SC 2021-2022, of course”, she added.
Filtering The Iron Young Leader
In her workplace, Amie is a business owner. Her enterprise spins around a niche market and it requires the utmost attention. Her management and leadership style revolve around accountability and integrity. There is not much difference between her workplace and duty as one of the officers of the student council. She does not treat her people in the company as paid staff. They help her build the business through creativity, drive & teamwork which are not at all different when it comes to the Student Council.
Outside of AGSB, she is involved in several projects for her alma mater Dominican College. She’s the one who ushers, and their goal as a batch is to give back to their school and the San Juan City community. She is also a producer, writer, and director for Pusong Katoliko and has produced and broadcasted in the CALABARZON area via the FM band and stream homilies for Father Chito Dimaranan, SDB, Ph.D., Doctor of Theology.
The Enigma of Futuristic Mindset and an Inclusive Leader
She finds that there is no end in rendering service. It is more important than to be honored, because her victory and accomplishment in the Student Council are part of her service.
Most of the time, Armie looks at herself and asks, has she done enough? Did she do good enough? But, she thinks that it is less important when understanding the value of “NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND”. As an Enneagram 1, she believes that growth towards Enneagram 7 is a good indicator.
Keeping the equilibrium is a fun activity to keep up with. Armie goes back to her roots and respects her space and takes her time to be alone and read and do other activities. She loves to box, bike, lounge, and binge on pop culture. Most of all, she writes.
Living life to the fullest for her is accepting things she cannot change, just like in the prayer of St. Francis on Serenity Prayer.
“My message, give credit where credit is due and always be grateful for the people who helped you. Learn to breathe and step out of your comfort zone, and leave the messy kitchen when temperature rises’, she said
“Avoid throwing accusations at others and always be ready for facts. Most importantly, do not judge people just because no one is perfect. So, for leaders who are quick to judge, the view will always be on what side benefits them more. No one wants to work with a braggart and a brat. It is better to be appreciative of others and not resort to gossip”, she added.
For Armie, leadership is a privilege and an honor. Embracing the journey. Cry if needed, laugh the loudest, and celebrate every pain and success.
Study, observe, and learn to pivot.
“ARMIE” TO AN “ARMY” OF INSTITUTION
While it might be easier for young leaders like Armie and all those who are officers of the Student Council to challenge others, flipping the point of view on such critiques can be an important leadership exercise of reflection. Effective leaders keep an open mind, even when the mirror is clasped up by those who encounter them, brave enough to say no, and tell them things they need to hear, and not just want to hear.
The leadership style of each person may not always be acceptable to others. Different stroke for different folks is a great consideration. But ultimately, when the going gets tough, and the tough gets going, all that matters is to make a decision that is fair, well thought and prayerfully discerned based on truth, moral values and beneficial to all. This will happen if there is an environment of openness that encourages feedback and solutions to any concerns or issues confronted with. These open discussions reinforce your humility and evolve your teachable spirit like the humble achiever “ARMIE” who is also a real “ARMY” to the institution.
Culture may be vague, or abstract, but the leaders should set a good example and must not contradict themselves. They should walk their talk, because as the saying goes, “Words inspire, actions influence.” And for Armie, she makes sure that she walks her talk, which is an epitome of a good leader.