"Reflections of a Labor Relations Practitioner"

You can never be too blunt. You need to be composed at all times. Remaining at the most “neutral” zone is the game, listening intently to both parties. Spark and ignite openness, model it every time you can. Think out of the box, try to look for the best solutions amenable to both parties.

You are the “ambassador of peace”. You are the “middleman.” “Gatekeeper” of a continuing communication and dialogue. You are the most trustworthy person in the room, integrity is simply a must.

You think before you act. You are deliberate in your words and actions. You avoid innuendos even as you speak. You carry that badge of "diplomat" in your shoulder. You create "truce" with the best of intents.

You are a "referee" and at the same time a "mentor" and a "coach". You don’t own the expertise but try to multiply it yourself. You are relentless and steadfast in capability-building for you can never "tow the line" alone. You need as much people rallying your cause. You dream and aspire of industrial peace day in and day out.

You are a "fire-fighter" by the day. But you reflect on what cause the "fire" at night and try to come up with measures on how to prevent them next time around, getting the "buy-in" of as many stakeholders as you can. You are slow to anger. Even if the walls are collapsing, you try to hold the fort.

Practicing labor and industrial relations at Coca-Cola is a truly challenging yet immensely fulfilling ride. It takes your skills and experience to the next level. You are able to create impact and influence. You are a “true partner” to both management and the labor, forging strategic partnerships across the organization. You spell impact and able to make a difference! Makes you look forward to what each new day brings...

 Allow me to end these reflections by sharing two beautiful quotes on "passion" from one of the best minds that truly created a "dent" in the universe...

“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do… Don’t settle"  -Steve Jobs (Commencement Address, Stanford University, June 12, 2005)

“People say you have to have a lot of passion for what you’re doing and it’s totally true. And the reason is because it’s so hard that if you don’t, any rational person would give up. It’s really hard. And you have to do it over a sustained period of time. So if you don’t love it, you’re going to give up. And that’s what happens to most people, actually. If you really look at the ones that ended up being “successful” in the eyes of the society and the ones that didn’t, oftentimes it’s the ones who were successful loved what they did, so they could persevere when it got really tough. And the ones that didn’t love it quit because they’re sane, right? Who would want to put up with this stuff if you don’t love it? So it’s a lot of hard work and it’s a lot of worrying constantly and if you don’t love it, you’re going to fail."  -Steve Jobs (D5 Conference: All things Digital, May 30, 2007) 

About the Author: 

Sheryll Azusano is a Human Resources and Labor Relations Professional with more than 20 years of experience with various multinational companies across different industries. She believes in positive engagement with employees and fostering good faith and positive labor relations in the organization. She is currently connected with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. as People Manager for Labor Relations.