Leadership in today’s dynamic business world is about more than just managing tasks—it’s about inspiring teams and embracing change. This NewSMaker by You feature highlights two transformative journeys through SM’s Supervisory Development Program (SDP) and Management Development Program (MDP).
PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES, August 15, 2024 – Mary Rose shares how the SDP equipped her with essential leadership skills, from fostering collaboration to mastering change management, transforming her into a more confident and resilient leader. Janine Kyra experience in the MDP emphasizes the importance of adaptability, striving for excellence with resilience, and maintaining a growth mindset, especially in challenging times. These stories exemplify how growth at SM goes beyond professional development, nurturing leaders who drive change and inspire others.
My SDP Journey by Mary Rose, Accounting Assistant – RASS
In the fast-paced world of business, leadership isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about inspiring others and creating a shared vision across the team. Entering the Supervisory Development Program, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, unsure of how to manage the demands of this six-month journey while balancing my workload. Looking back, it was a transformative experience that greatly impacted my personal and professional growth.
We kicked things off with an introduction to leadership. Initially, I viewed leadership as merely managing tasks and responsibilities. However, the session emphasized that anyone can be a leader, regardless of their position, by focusing on influence rather than authority. This course also highlighted the importance of aligning our actions with SM’s Shared Values, DELITE (Drive and Enthusiasm, Leadership, Integrity, Teamwork and Entrepreneurship), to become exemplary leaders who inspire and uplift others.
We engaged in numerous collaborative exercises that showed us how diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. This was particularly evident during our DMAIC project, a comprehensive exercise in process improvement, where we applied the principles of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. It was a hands-on experience that underscored the value of working together towards a common goal, leveraging each team member’s strengths to achieve outstanding results.
Equipped with these new skills, we then moved on to Change Management, a crucial skill given the rapid pace of change in our industry. Sometimes, dealing with change felt daunting and stressful, but we learned some strategies for managing resistance and communicating change effectively, which has made me more resilient and adaptable.
This training wasn’t just about preparing for a potential career advancement, it was about becoming a better, well-rounded individual. By fostering a leadership mindset, I hope to implement effective change management strategies and aim to contribute positively to RI Shared Services’ success. Growth isn’t easy and often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. But the rewards are immeasurable. If you’re given the opportunity, embrace it! Growth truly happens here at SM Retail.
Public speaking has always been a nerve-racking experience for me, but the practical tips and techniques learned during the program has helped me become a more confident and effective communicator. I can now present my ideas clearly and persuasively, which have been vital in our team meetings and project pitches.
My MDP Journey by Janine Kyra, Business Development Manager – Credit Division
“Always push for the best and have a growth mindset!”
That has been my mantra after over a decade of working and facing various challenges. In 2020, I joined SM as a Credit Manager responsible for managing bank promotions. The pandemic posed enormous and unprecedented challenges that tested the companies’ ability to sustain their businesses. I am grateful that I stayed in SM and witnessed its resilience and unwavering commitment.
Moving forward to 2024, I was given the opportunity to be part of SM’s Management Development Program (MDP). The program provided me with valuable new knowledge and enhanced my leadership skills. One of my key takeaways from MDP is the significance of embracing change as we face varying market conditions and customer demands. Inevitably, we should adapt to these shifting forces to stay competitive and avoid being left behind.
Participating in the MDP was both challenging and fulfilling. I had to manage my time effectively to complete my daily tasks, attend HR training, work on assignments, and present my project. Living out the SM DELITE Values, especially Drive and Enthusiasm, helped me deliver all the program’s requirements successfully. In addition to this, the guidance and immense support from our Heads kept me motivated to strive for excellence and not settle for mediocrity.
As the representative of our batch, I wish to inspire everyone to raise the bar and develop a resilient mindset as we face adversities in life. There may be failures along the way, but what matters most is how we learn from them and bounce back stronger. Looking at the bright side of things makes a big difference in how we deal with and overcome challenges.
So Much career opportunities await you here at SM Retail! Join us today.
