The Power of Teamwork

“Our most important asset does not have a price. They are not for sale. They go home every night. They do not show up on the balance sheet. They are priceless. Our most important assets are our employees, we are here, because of you!" - Jeff Lim, CEO of Island Pacific Chains of Supermarkets

Jeff was trying to compose his inspirational speech while waiting for his employees to arrive. He was among the first to get to the event, making sure that everything was going smoothly. 

Then, he went to the guests’ table to make sure we were okay, sharing that he did not know what to say. “Just speak from your heart , and everything will be fine," said one of the guests. 

Jeff went to a quiet corner to scribble some notes, then whispered to his wife, Krista, who was dressed fashionably in black textured leggings and a tent black dress.  

That was how I got introduced to the newly married couple, Jeff Lim and Krista Ranillo. All night long, they sat next to each other, whispering words to one another. He constantly kissed her, and she reciprocated with hugs, as they took photo ops with the employees. When Krista jokingly attempted to take a sip from a glass of wine, Jeff grabbed it, set it aside and whispered something to her ear. I could imagine him saying, “ No wine for our baby." Of course, Krista was only being her playful self and wasn't planning to even drink a drop of alcohol. But she enjoyed the protective gesture, nonetheless. She was giddy, expecting a boy -- her first. The expectant mom is due to deliver the baby on April-May 2011. 

I told Krista I read her essay that was featured in Monet Lu’s column and I was touched by how she revered her dad, Matt Ranillo. “ You must be so well – loved!" That came from the heart, seeing how she was so comfortable in her own skin, with so much love to give to folks.

The menu was a balanced spread of good food: sisig, chicken with pineapple, eggplant salad (my personal favorite), inihaw, chop suey and pancit with Goldilocks mocha cake. I saw an employee fill up a paper plate with four servings of cake! They must know the cake is delicious, light with a delicate mocha taste.  

However, light and delicate was not the theme of the night -- it was robust, alive, funny and vibrant!

A post on Charina Carrera's Facebook caught my eye. She shared that Island Pacific’s employees were rehearsing to make sure they win the performance competition, dubbed a mini "Showtime." Three judges were chosen randomly: Amy Almirol, who donated the $500 prize money; Department of Tourism Consul Ann Cuevas, who served (and is still serving) under three Philippine presidents  -- Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Noynoy Aquino III ); and of course, myself. We had no idea we would be asked to judge these performances.

I was impressed that IPDI, the head office employees, were the second best performers -- a great example of good leadership.  But, the Panorama City branch was the most energetic of all teams. Before we could give our scores, they kept shouting, “ ten, ten, ten!"  

Of course, as judges we resisted their lobbying, but their performance was, indeed, a convincing ten out of ten. They had prepared their costumes well, had the highest energy level, they worked as a team where no one was left behind and they carried us forward with their synchronized, energetic performances, ala Showtime!  

My remarks on the best number: Bonggang-bongga!, Bigay hilig. High team energy, Match na match ang dancing pairs, Nakakaaliw, and aside from the group’s talents, individual talents reminded us of Arnel Pineda and Beyonce’s prowess.

In teamwork, when an organization gets to a level where they enjoy each other’s company, synergy is generated that takes the organization to its highest operational levels.  

Jeff shared three things: "Nothing is impossible; All is possible when we work together; and All things are possible with God. Let’s make 2011 the best year possible!”