Thursday, May 21, 2009

An open love letter to my OK! staff

Dear Lana, Sonny, Joanna, Elaine, Nikki, Kabbie, Jay and Astro Girl,

OK! magazine was one of the best performing titles in 2008. We exceeded all our targets except for circulation which has slightly dipped due to, I am sure, the global economic crisis. However, congratulations are in order, and I want to thank each and everyone of you for helping OK! be what it is today.
I also want to thank you for many other things that aren't tangible or measurable.

Thank you for your hard work despite the not-so-fabulous pay.

Thank you for coming in to work even on days you don't have to, for staying late, for keeping company those who have to stay late just to offer moral support--unlike other staff who, even when their editor-in-chief is looking for them, refuse to come to work.

Thank you for never missing your deadlines and for not sacrificing the quality of your work just so we can meet those deadlines. This tells me you are all dedicated, passionate, considerate, and proud of your own talents and abilities without having an ego about it--unlike some staff who think they're so good the entire magazine can wait for their work, thus delaying everything.

On that note, thank you for your passion. Your meticulous attention to detail--whether in spelling, grammar, fact-checking, layout, price points, budget, the perfect picture!--convinces me that I work with the very best people an editor can ever dream of--unlike some magazines who are plagued with lazy, stubborn and egotistical idiots. Sometimes when I can't summon the energy to go to work, I just remember how conscientious you all are and I am inspired.

Most of all, I want to thank you for your loyalty to me. I know I am not the easiest person to work with--my temper and my demands can't be wonderful. And yet you give me your best and you never squeal--unlike some sissies who always run to HR just because an editor called them a name and can't face and resolve conflict within the staff instead. I never hear any reports of backbiting from you guys; in fact, I know without a doubt you have my back. Thank you for your respect, even if I know sometimes I don't deserve it.

It isn't easy to lead, especially in these troubled economic times when much is demanded from me by my own superiors and then I am given less to work with. But because I have you, your passion and your unflinching loyalty, this job is a piece of cake. Thank you.


Live long and prosper, my friends.

6 comments:

  1. This is so sweet Ate France, I know exactly what you mean, especially with, "It isn't easy to lead, especially in these troubled economic times when much is demanded from me by my own superiors and then I am given less to work with. But because I have you, your passion and your unflinching loyalty, this job is a piece of cake. Thank you." I feel the same way towards my own team at work. :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awww what a great team you have. The success of one is the success of all. Everyone does his share of work and helps the other thus, success is achieved! Congrats to the success of OK! Magazine. =)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love to work for you,
    fancy an a Brit member on your staff ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are one sweet boss, Frances. I'm sure you've had your days too. But the fact that you give credit to whom it is due is really commendable, let alone this open letter. Other bosses are too old school that they don't think like you do. Feeling nila lalaki ang ulo pag pinuri ang mga subordinates.

    Diba, it's really telling the world how you appreciate them and I will be the most proud to be working for you, if I were in their shoes. The quality of work they give you, more often than not, reflects the impact of your leadership on them. Galing mo, my friend! :D

    Nga pala, I claimed another domain. Hehe. This time my name in it :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. oooh, i love the photos! pa-grab! :D haha! thank you again, frances. and it's true! you are one sweet boss! BTW, i've started blogging again. wish me luck! (sana ma-maintain ko! haha) my url is www.tralaland.wordpress.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Mich, ya, isn't it harder to lead now? But God is good =D

    ChinkyGirlMel, thanks! OK! is getting better and better because of my fab team!

    DaisyChain, a Brit in the staff will be brilliant!

    Jennie, oh! I have good bosses, too! They always tell me if I'm doing a good job--which encourages me and inspires me. So I just follow their example and it seems to also work on my team =D

    Elaine, linked you up! And thank you always for giving your 100% best!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for dropping by my blog! It really means a lot that you spare the time to read... and comment!