Nelly Favis-Villafuerte Someone once said that “it is those who endure the stinging words and actions of others and who press on, again and again taking a running charge at their goals, who will score accomplishments. Those who give up when they feel the sting of a rebuff, a rejection, an insult, or a rebuke are those who will never realize their full potential for achievement.” Every exporter, every businessman and everyone for that matter should heed this advice. There are people around us who enjoy taunting others, ridiculing them, criticizing them and treating others as failures with no talent whatsoever. What is tragic is that there are also people (including exporters and other businessmen) who get demoralized when they hear these words of discouragement. They give up, they quit, and they lose whatever confidence they have of themselves. We cannot change this situation. This is reality. But we can change our attitude. We can ignore words of discouragement and pursue our goals in life. Despite the fact that a young bull being tested for bullfighting is pricked by picador with a lance many times, it continues to charge its target that is holding a waving cape, ignoring the sting of the lance. This story of the bravery of a young bull being trained for bullfighting gave rise to the so-called “picador test.” We should deal with the ‘stings’ in life like a brave young bull. We should not let these stings discourage us. In business we meet people who boost about their accomplishments and have the nasty habit of criticizing anyone. These are also the people whose management style turns off their office staff and their friends. Why? Simply because since they think they are the best – they just issue orders left and right without even consulting those who are affected by their orders without giving their subordinates a chance to comment or give their side. No wonder there are many people both in the private and in the government sectors who are under stress and cannot give their best because of the management style of the head. Because the leader of the organization does not relate, does not consult, and does not appreciate the talents of the people working for him. Finally, let me share this saying on leadership. “People don’t want to be managed, organized, stereotyped, tagged, or filed. That’s what you do with things in an office. People are dynamic and must be led through love and relationship.” Have a joyful day! (For comments/reactions please send to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: [email protected]).