The Right Seat On The Right Bus

Having been exposed to the corporate world for a while, I have taken note of interesting match between jobs and people. Economic background, IMO, affects paradigm and job.

People who graduated from an A-list university and grew from a well off family tends to be good on property management (i.e. hotel, resort, shopping mall management) sales and marketing, and customer service management. The absence of financial need developed confidence in negotiations and limitless exposures on events. Likewise, living in an upscale environment have set the standard of elegance and understanding of superb service.

On the other hand, people who worked to support his studies, at the same time, and those who came from not so well off family tend to be good workers and good in people management. Understanding what it meant to be in need, these people can be happy with what they have (rather than having nothing), and tends to be more loyal to their jobs and company compare to their rich counterparts. These people, likewise, when given the opportunity to lead, can be good in managing people as they can easily sympathize and empathize with ordinary folks. They are also in the best position to inspire ordinary folks to gun for bigger things.

For purposes of this discussion, look at the Ayala properties and compare it with her rivals, the Robinson’s and SM Malls. While these shopping centers are all industry leaders, one can easily distinguish which one has better touch on “class and elegance”.

But because the successes of both Henry Sy Sr. and John Gokengwei Jr. are founded on hard work, i.e. rags to riches story, their lives has been the subject of study of aspiring entrepreneurs on the look for success model.

On another note, economic background has nothing to do with a person’s integrity. The A, B class is not more honest than the C, D class. Or vice-versa. I have met well off people who are as corrupt as ordinary folks. IMO, economic back ground should not be used as basis for evaluating the character of the person.

While social class is not be the sole basis on the hiring or non hiring of people, the paradigm and experiences they bring should be taken into consideration when matching people for a job. This will make the selection process value adding to both the organization and the person.

This observation is not the absolute truth but to add value, please share your thoughts on the issue.