2014 PLOC Field Notes

O - PL"O"C

Organization. Covers principles as Teamwork as displayed in the victory of the Greeks over the Trojans. The skill of achilles in man to man combat, the wit of Odysseus in the concept creation of the Trojan Horse strategy and the leadership skill of Agammemnun in managing a huge military force from various city states with different personalities. It took me time to realize the magnitude of this concept. To rest upon one soldier's or captain's shoulder the weight of victory is out of order for victory in Sun Tzu's treatise is the responsibility of the General and to obey is that of a soldier.

C - PLO"C"

Control. Having closely worked with a local businessman in Leganes, Iloilo, I have realized the implications of Control over and above the concept of Measurement which includes to Command. Accuracy in execution can only be achieved thru proper disposal of Command or control of the  human factor on day to day, hour by hour, minute by minute Command. Sun Tzu explains that Command is the capacity of a General for Sincerity, Humane, Wisdom, Courage and Strictness. A soldier or an employee or a salesman for that matter must have some sort of personal day to day connection with his commander; a personal allegiance, awe, respect and fear so that he will be able to conquer his personal doubts and allow the team's agenda to take control.

P - "P"LOC

Plan. Strategy. Aligned with SWOT and Porter's Five Analysis for sustainability. 'the victorious situation is a product of the skillful commander's creative imagination".

L - P"L"OC

Leadership. the most vivid description i had of leadership is a verse from Clausewitz's On War: " as the forces in one individual after another become prostrated and can no longer be excited and supported by an effort of his own will, the whole inertia of the mass gradually rests its weight on the will of the commander: by the spark on his breast, by the light of his spirit, by the spark of purposes, the light of hope must be kindled afresh in others". poetic and literally what leadership demands. Excellence. Accuracy in execution. Discipline and consistency. Speed in execution. Commitment. Audacity being the fist requirement. A self sustaining drive and ... courage to follow the light where ever it may lead. 

In my field experience, a most common operational gap that must be addressed by effective leadership is managing commitment. As a famous saying goes " individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work", commitment is an intangible factor is operation that must be quantified. Easily through punctuality, attendance, quality of work, presence of mind, participation in activities. Truly, effective leaders are excellent judges of character. The concept of E3 has brought the battle on a hour by hour, day by day basis contrary to traditional management when evaluation for a months target is evaluated on a bi monthly or weekly basis. To motivate our people and extract no less than 100% commitment in their heart and mind is the essence of leadership.