Team Work: Lessons from the Flight of Geese

A month delay in the data gathering of one advisee, as discussed in the previous post, has a domino effect on our overall schedule. Supposedly, the data gathered in December were scheduled for processing in January. Just the time another advisee filed her official leave from employment for data gathering. In this way, there would be focus in advising work.

However, due to previously cited voluntary involvement of a nun advisee, the two groups conducted data gathering simultaneously resulting to an overlap in the schedule of organization of data and processing. With the scrambled schedule, we were compelled to confront the pressures we wanted to avoid. More so, that another advisee was affected by the changes of schedule of the accreditation involving our own department.

Much as I wanted to keep my cool to ease the tension, there were times when I had to be realistic in assessing the situation. Especially, that I am still in the process of recuperating from critical illness which has dramatically changed my lifestyle.

While in the past, I could work effectively under pressures, I have learned to avoid such situation after my ailment. Previously, I loved doing homework; especially rush paper work until early morning. My mind had been conditioned to function well within that period. However, since my sickness, I have disciplined myself to sleep early with strict resolve not to bring home any school or office assignment. Conscious of health, I avoided any stressful activity that would trigger the recurrence of my illness. 

Faced with the dilemma vis-à-vis the aforementioned limitations, we braved the tough times with faith in God and team work. I encouraged them to share with one another the development of their work to challenge each other. Similarly, the under development to make each one aware that she is not alone in such situation. It is in this context that the lessons from the flying geese related to team work became relevant to both of us.

My first encounter with the flight of the geese concept was in 2004 when I participated in the Phil-Australia Short Term Course on Technology Training Program (PASTT) by Queensland University conducted in Makati City. Sponsored by the Caucus of Development (CODE) NGOs, the training was focused on Strategic Human Resource Management for NGOs. One of the resource persons presented a power point on the Fight of Geese and related the lessons to team work in the organization. Since then, I have been using the concept in my classes, trainings, seminars and other speaking engagements.

The flight of geese is summarized on this link. Five lessons can be gleaned from the story, as follows:

Foremost, sharing the same direction and working as a team get us to the destination quicker and easier. By helping ourselves, the accomplishment is greater.

Secondly, staying in tune and united beside those who are going in the same direction, the effort will be less. It will be easier and pleasing to reach the goals. Everyone will be inclined to accept and give help.

Thirdly, to share the leadership, there must be mutual respect all the times. Sharing involves even the hardest problem and tasks. It is also manifested in gathering of abilities, and combining our faculties, talents and resources.

The fourth lesson states: When there is courage and encouragement, the progress is greater. A timely word of encouragement always motivates, helps and strengthens. It produces the best benefits.

Finally, to stay beside each other no matter what the difference specially in times of difficulties and great challenges.

Applying the lessons in our experience made us overcome the difficulties. In the most critical times, they took over my classes so that I could work with their papers. Every one tried to encourage one another especially when some were tempted to give up. At one instance, when I reached my own limitation, our office secretary, Carol Kay, who is also an advisee reminded me of the good words of the Dean of the Graduate Studies for me. Her high regard and trust and confidence on me as far as writing and thesis advising is concerned served as impetus to stretch beyond my limits. In fact, I was able to conquer my fear when in two instances, I succeeded to stay overnight working on their paper to beat the deadline in the final stage. 

TEAM THAT WORKS. (L-R) Carol Kay Cortuna- Blando, the author,
 Araceli Tondo,  Sr. Aubrey Casimiro, and Kareen Jay Diesto,

Indeed, team work made us rise to meet challenges. We found ourselves tougher than the tough times we encountered.

Team Work

Yesterday’s 84th Commencement Exercises of  Central Philippine University marked the 10th year of the revival of  our Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program. It was in 2002 when we reactivated the program,  a couple of years after I finished my Master of Social Work from  the University of  the Philippines- Diliman. An adventurous attempt, considering the odds, with a  simple goal i.e. to have even just  one graduate. By this, we can  convince the  apathetic targets including those who shifted to other courses  that we mean business this time.

The goal was achieved   during  the University’s historic Centennial Year in 2005. Since then, we have produced 10 graduates including  this year’s biggest figure, so far. There are four of them who made it. But this is not the sole reason  that  makes the event very significant.  It is also because of the circumstances surrounding their graduation.

The author, flanked by Kareen Jay (L) and Carol Kay (R).
At extreme right is Carol's husband, Eleazar Blando

Of the four,  two are faculty of our Department of Social Work, CPU. They have been close to me being  my students during their undergraduate years;  colleagues when they joined the teaching force of the Department; partners in volunteerism and development endeavors.  As such, I have known their commitment and dedication in work.  In fact, their masteral studies was part of the Vision-Mission-Goal we formulated  during my stint as Department Head.  Unfortunately, when I left my position to serve as  director of the University Outreach Center, there was a lag  in their  studies. For whatever reasons,  their enthusiasm were seemingly quenched.

It was only when, by another circumstance,  I was appointed as officer-in-charge of the Department for  a year effective August last year that their studies were given a boost. Renewing  our relationship, we  committed to resume the interrupted partnership and  development agenda for the Department including their MSSW degree. Thereafter, I served as their thesis adviser  struggling with them  through thick and thin until they were conferred  with their hard earned degree yesterday.

The other two are personnel  of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.  The bonding we have may not be comparable to the previous ones. Yet, it is also interesting and equally significant.  Adverse circumstances did not hinder their desire to finish studies according to their schedule. Even my serious sickness and subsequent health limitation could not withstand their earnestness  to complete the course.

The photographer may not know it,
but her shots represent the process
we have experienced as a team.
From gloom to bright, happy graduates
 deserve their smiles.
 Photo below (L-R) Kareen Jay Diesto,
Sr. Aubrey Casimiro,
Araceli Tondo, the author,
and Carol Kay Cortuna- Blando  

I can  still recall instances when we held  reportorial sessions at home because of my limited mobility. We used  the University  gazebo because  I could not make it to  the 3rd floor of the building  where the office and classrooms of  Graduate School are located. There was even a time we had classes under the acacia tree  near the Department of Social Work office which used to be  an alternate venue for classes. However,  with the change of management,  I  no longer had  access to the department during weekends. Instead, I was at the mercy  of part time faculty with review classes at the adjacent room who were fortunate than I was at that time to have a duplicate  key.

But  tougher  times  were just waiting ahead. These happened  during their thesis writing stage. I was designated as thesis adviser for  them both. Aware of my health limitation, we tried to organize  their respective  schedule, with emphasis on  team work,  to avoid overlapping that would put unnecessary pressures on us both.  Despite this, however, unavoidable  circumstances  forced  us to  face the challenge we wanted to escape.

The  devastating flash floods in Cagayan de Oro, triggered  by Tropical Storm Sendong  scrapped   the scheduled December leave of Sr. Aubrey Casimiro, DC for data gathering and processing. The pressing need compelled her to volunteer there  for about a month. Such situation, however,  was just a spark of   tougher times encountered by other advisees that made our schedule scramble.  Like the storm, they brought dark clouds that could have marred the glimmer of hope to finish, had it not been for the team work we have established. A lesson from the flight of  geese we learned in our classes.

(To be continued)

"Resurrected" MSPM? Thanks to NETS!*

Pastor Mahilum, Seminary president, welcomes graduates
and guests to the NETS First  Commencement Exercises
held last year in  Sagay, Negros Occidental.

Congratulations to the Batch 2012 of the Negros TheologicalSeminary (NETS). Special mentioned to  Pastor Teofilo Boy Mahilum and Pastor Stephen Gallenero for being the pioneer graduates, as far as the Master of Socio Pastoral Ministries (MSPM) is concerned. With your graduation, the sustainability of MSPM program is already assured in Negros or even in Panay. More so, that the guest speaker in your 2^nd Commencement Exercises   is one of the pioneer faculty of the MSPM, Dr. Melvin M. Mangana. 

When we started the program in 2007, some downgraded  our voluntary effort while others already expressed skepticism of its sustainability, even before it is tested. Worse, there were those who consistently campaign against it when the program was well accepted by pastors, even to the extent of recruiting those already participating in the MSPM program to join the program they promote.

Some students  even experienced  “harassment” from  an on- and- off  personnel who intimated to monitor the program as it is suspected  to be used against the CPBC leadership. A ridiculous claim as the program was approved by the Board of Trustees of the referred institution. Of course,  the reactions mostly came from  people who have been conditioned to believe that  they are the  center if not the sole reservoirs  of  learning or power. Apart from them or their blessings, no other initiatives will ever prosper.

However, like the unknown kid in the Bible, whose small initiatives resulted  to the  feeding of  5,000+,  we were not disturbed by overwhelming discrepancies and limitations, even criticisms. Such voluntary spirit made a difference. Amidst reservations, if not downgrading of the modest offering, Jesus made use of what was available and another miracle happened.

Pioneer Batch of MSPM students

The MSPM stands as witness to the unprecedented unity in the Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) and Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) five years ago. It is one of the   two breakthroughs  undertaken when the  CPBC Unified Theological Education System(UNITES) was conceived, approved by the CPBC Board of Trustees and gradually implemented by the Theological Education and Ministerial Concerns Committee. Those were the days, my friends, we thought would never end, when theological institutions affiliated with the Convention  were so united to formulate a Standardized Curriculum.

A combination of Master of Social Work and Master of Ministry, the mission of the Master of Socio-Pastoral Ministries program is to prepare pastors for leadership roles in  church, church-related institutions  and community. Specifically, it is geared towards a healthy and balanced  pastoral leadership in church and community services. For we have a holistic mission and ministry  exemplified by  our Lord and Master  Teacher, Jesus, the Christ as he  put into action the avowed mission in Luke4:18-19.

Three years after  the program was implemented, it has produced  23  pioneering graduates from Panay and Negros, despite some attempts to sabotage the program . The Conferral Ceremony  was held  on May 1, 2010 at  Ajuy Christian Development Academy, Ajuy, Iloilo with the approval of the General  Secretary of the CPBC, Rev. Job Santiago, who served as speaker on said event. Pastor Stephen could have joined that Batch, but without his knowing it,  he opted to graduate in NETS together with Pastor Boy today.

MSPM program  is unique as it democratizes the center of  learning and power. The program  exemplifies a sharing, self-reliant , self sustaining and  empowering community. Faculty are volunteers.  Students in respective centers shoulder the transportation expenses  and accommodation. Classes are conducted in provincial centers  offered by  churches and institutions who subscribe to the idea.  Participating theological institutions conferred the degree to graduates.

Baptist Pastors united in prayer of thanksgiving for the learning opportunity through the MSPM
 during the Semestral Joint Session in North  Negros Baptist Bible College in 2008. 

As such, the program serves as good news  to  pastors who dream for an alternative continuing pastoral education, affordable but qualitative, without necessarily   leaving their pastorate and families. Its message to the whole CPBC constituents is clear. Nothing is impossible if we only share. Our pastors can earn masteral degrees if we pool our resources together.  The CPBC, with the help of our theological institutions and volunteer faculty – our pastors and lay leaders  can liberalize the educational opportunities and improve the plight of the pastors.

Prof. DZ P. Lariza together with the
Pioneer graduates of NETS

But  such beauty and uniqueness of the program  are not attractive to people who do not believe in empowerment and sharing of resources for the benefit of the many. Changes in leadership in our Convention and respective bible schools  have curtailed the development of the program. Politics and personal  interests  caused  some  to scamper for the opportunity to push for their respective agenda  when  in the leadership position.  Some opted to  put a new label to the same product.  With  my complex  health condition, the more the program was sidetracked.

However, as the saying of old contends “you cannot put a good  person or product down.” By God’s own timetable, NETS  was organized. Subsequently,  a new center of learning and empowerment has been established.  I am glad that the school administration included  in their course  offerings  the MSPM.   With this development, coupled with  the graduation of Pastor Boy and Pastor Stephen, today, we are assured  of the "resurrection" of the MSPM . Those who have started the program in Negros and in Panay  can  now earn their respective degrees in NETS.   Let us spread this good news ! God bless.

*Statement of Support, read by Prof. DZ Patriarca-Lariza on my behalf,  for the 2nd Commencement Exercises of the Negros Theological Seminary (NETS) in Escalante City on April 9, 2012 as requested by the  Seminary administration.