Definition Of Leadership
July 1, 2008
Definition of leadership has many aspects, yet it agrees that a leader is one whose magnetic personality galvanizes people for some cause. Not by words, but by their actions is the way great leaders influence their followers. They do what they preach. Their presence is enough to motivate people, as they act as a catalyst.
Leaders are born they are not made is often argued. Sufficient examples can be cited for both the arguments. Several leaders have shown extraordinary leadership capability in later parts of their life, as history has been a testimony too. No one can become a leader unless and until he is able to influence others. A leader is one who is able to create a lasting influence in the minds of the people, making them believe that whatever the leader is doing, it is for their benefit.
One definition of leadership categorizes a leader as ‘X’ leader if he has extraordinary personal leadership capabilities. The ‘X’ leaders have inner instinct to lead. They demonstrate their leadership ability by developing requisite skills and knowledge. They lead from the front and show utmost care for their followers. These leaders also do not hesitate in admitting mistakes and learning from it. They constantly keep on innovating themselves. They are open to new challenges and are ready to adopt unconventional approach to achieve their objectives. These leaders also have the ability to take big risks.
While defining leadership it is imperative to understand that a leader is one who is effectively able to communicate with his followers. One definition of leadership defines leaders as natural leaders. These natural leaders are called charismatic leaders. The charismatic leaders have the potential to bring radical changes in the society.
Leaders need to monitor the environment continuously. They cannot just act locally but instead they need to have a broader outlook. They should be very flexible and adaptable. A better leader is one who is able to foresee the future and take steps to deal with it. Leaders can be nurtured also. It is for the leader to groom the future leaders for their organization. Proper training, guidance and responsibility help an individual to emerge as a leader.
It is often argued that there is not any single definition of leadership. Every leader in the past exhibited some unique trait, which made them the hero of their followers. Consistency of purpose is necessary. A fickle minded leader confuses his followers and takes them nowhere. A leader should lead a life of discipline. He should act as a catalyst and should not jump to take credit for any success. Once it becomes evident that the leader is behind name, fame and money, he loses the credibility and trust of his followers. A leader should show utmost restraint and patience. During adversity, he should create a positive environment around himself, which will motivate his followers. A leader should not only be visionary but he should be practical also. He should be able to establish a chord with his followers.
Domestic Helpers from the Philippines: A New Breed of Superheroes
June 15, 2008
There is no question to the capacity of domestic helpers from the Philippines. They have earned both a source of living and the admiration of a lot of people around the world. Through their resilience, dedication to duty, and loyalty to their employers, they were able to give a better life to their families.
The pay for domestic helpers in other countries is much higher compared to the salary they would otherwise be receiving in their own country. In the Philippines, a domestic helper who is basically new in the field can earn as much as only $20.00 a month. Those with more experience can earn around $30.00 to roughly just $40.00 a month.
They were formerly known as DH - short cut for domestic helpers. Now, these domestic helpers from the Philippines, as initiated by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, are now called supermaids. Indeed, their new title fits their superhero-like prowess.Just like Super Man and other superheroes, these domestic helpers from the Philippines seem to showcase titan-like energy. They can do house chores before the sun rises and rest close or after the midnight. They are all around. They can be housekeepers, cooks, baby sitters, and care givers. Just name it, and a Filipina will never say no.
But what pushes a Filipina from leaving her country and working abroad? To think of leaving your country and serve strangers in other countries is martyrdom. To abandon your family and not seeing your children grow is very sad. But they have an option. Most domestic helpers from the Philippines are sole breadwinners of their families. And to stay working abroad ensures their family of stability, at least in financial terms.
In Great Britain, for instance, the rich and the famous, including royal families and wealthy businessmen are employing Filipina maids. Likewise, in France and Italy, the same holds true. In Greece, only families belonging to the middle-class and up can afford the pay rate of Filipina maids.
Indeed, to have a Filipina in a foreign household is a pride to an employee. In England, royalties, elites, and rich businessmen have Filipina servants. So as in Italy and France. In Greece, a family is considered well-to-do if they have a maid coming from the Philippines.
Another reason why Filipinas are preferred is their ability to communicate well in English. They are also fast learners with the language their employers speak. Unlike the Chinese, Mexicans, and Indians, they speak more fluent and understand their employer’s instruction better because they know their language.
In the United States and elsewhere, there is a seemingly huge demand for domestic helpers from the Philippines. Filipina maids have sterling records when it comes to their dedication and quality of work, and these records have remained unstained up to this very day.
Domestic Helper Insurance
June 15, 2008
Domestic helper insurance offers great assistance to everyone. Situations at home vary from one family to another and so does domestic helper insurance. Different companies have various packages of domestic helper insurance to choose from. So you have to determine which insurance package is right for you.
Domestic helper insurance offers different packages containing various policies. It is very important to carefully consider which package is right for you and your maids. And with all these fast emerging insurance companies, making a choice can be confusing. In this regard, the credibility of the insurance company matters a lot.
Buying domestic helper insurance from a reputable company is advisable. Reputable domestic helper insurance companies take closer look on the needs of the clients and know how to take care of them. They prepare policies that would create maximum benefits for both the domestic helpers and their employers.
Policies are the most important thing to look for in buying domestic helper insurance. The policies contain which items are covered by the domestic helper insurance. Attractive packages that suit everyone’s needs are available. Standard domestic helper insurance covers medical and hospitalization fee. Check which domestic helper insurance plan is right for you.
A basic domestic helper insurance plan covers medical expenses and hospitalization. While others include dental insurance, full protection plan can also be an option. In case of accident, full protection plan covers everything a domestic helper needs. From medical and hospitalization to dental expenses, additional assistance like repatriation expense, service allowance, etc. are included in the full protection package.
Domestic helper insurance also guarantees employers from fraud and theft. Even unauthorized use of Direct Dialing System are covered by some companies. Domestic helper insurance covers any loss of property and the like depending on the insurance policy. And not only that, the insurance company also takes care of the expenses the employer should have incurred in case the maids suffer from accidents and illnesses.
Domestic helper insurance is meant to secure professional dependency between the maids and the employer. The same way as they help each other on normal occasions, both their needs are taken care of by the domestic helper insurance company during difficult times. In buying domestic helper insurance, choose which policy is effective and right for you. The cost may vary depending on which package you prefer, so it is very necessary to balance the quality and affordability of the domestic helper insurance.
Lastly, the terms and conditions of buying a domestic helper insurance should be read carefully. Every detail of the agreement must be understood by all parties.
Filipino Maids: Philippines’ Pride
June 15, 2008
Whenever you go to Hong Kong, try to visit Statue Square. The place does not only offer a relaxing scenery, it also serves as a place where hundreds of Filipino maids flock there to meet, to chat, and to share their lives during their day offs.
Statue Square, Hong Kong is only one of a thousand places scattered across the globe where the smiles and cheers of Filipino helpers can be seen. It is indeed marvelous to know that domestic helpers from our country are so valued in foreign lands. At times, many have been thinking why Filipino helpers are so treasured in other countries.
Their exodus abroad may also be linked to their growing popularity, especially in terms of being hard working, dedicated and loyal. Among their other traits well-liked and desired of by their foreign employers are their being hospitable and honest.
Indeed, Filipino servants are able to do things maids from other countries can not afford to do. For example, only a maid from the Philippines can take on the job of cleaning the toilet bowls without complaining.
Filipino helpers, whether a college graduate or not, are observed to be naturally intelligent and resourceful. They can pick up instructions without further questions. They, too, work hard without supervision. The word workaholic is indeed, due to a Filipino. She’ll simply work and work and will only stop if said so by her boss. At times, they can also be feisty. They would even argue with their employer about a certain problem. They also know how to find a way and get out from every trial.
Filipinos are by and large known for their grasp of the English language. They are able to understand English far better than their other counterparts. They can also speak English more fluently. Thus, it is understandable why foreign employers would choose them over maids from other nations.
In the same way, their employers regard them as belonging to their family as well. For many women, this is one way of compensating their yearning for their own children and family members left at home. Because of this habit, it is quite common to see maids from abroad bringing with them albums upon albums of their employers.
Filipino maids in foreign lands are a pride of the Philippines. They give honor and prestige to their mother country because of their dedication and loyalty in the performance of their job abroad.
Alice Sy has extensive experience as domestic help head hunter. Make sure you visit the top domestic helper agency Hong Kong before hiring your live-in maid.
7 Ways in Finding a Domestic Helper in Hong Kong
June 15, 2008
There are several ways in finding a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Most of them are very practical because they can be part of your everyday activities, thus, you don’t have to exert extra effort in finding a domestic helper. While some ways require research and screening, especially the web-based ones which can take up much of your time. But whichever way you choose, there is no guarantee that you will find the right qualities of a domestic helper you are looking for. So it is better to use one or more of the following ways in finding a domestic helper.
Referral from friends and relatives is a common way to find domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Priorities are given to referrals simply because your friend or relative who referred the domestic helper to you somehow know the person. There are also cases in which your maid is the one referring her friends or relatives who might want to work as domestic helpers. This is also a good way to find domestic helpers. Generally referrals are reliable in terms of character and performance of domestic helpers to be hired, but there can never be a complete guarantee of the helpers’ character because each individual is different.
The mission of the traditional agencies comes in. Traditional agencies are responsible in looking for the right domestic helper you want. The employer sets the requirements for domestic helper while the agencies look for the perfect, or even closer, match. The agencies are doing the preliminary screening and evaluation after which they prepare the necessary documentation before the employer hires the domestic helper. This is a convenient way of looking for competent and qualified domestic helpers.
Some domestic helpers in Hong Kong advertise their availability via the domestic helper internet platform. One example of online domestic helper website in Hong Kong is www.1MaidHK.com which provides profiles and photos of domestic helpers making it easier for the employer to choose. A number of website offers advanced search function which makes it easier to match the qualifications of a domestic helper an employer is looking for based on the database available.
A forum is also a very helpful site available through the internet. Exchange of comprehensive information is done by employers and domestic helpers in the hope of finding what they are looking for.
On the other hand, a passive form of posting advertisements is through bulletin boards in public areas and establishments like in Park N’ Shop and Wellcome superstores. There are popular spots where domestic helpers regularly check for job postings, and some maids even form an organization for regular access of new job requirements.
If you prefer to hire a domestic helper with the same values and religion, then the church congregation is the best place to look for. Relating with the domestic helpers from the same organization easy and reliable because you get to casually interact regularly though the gatherings.
And lastly, if you are residing in a big residential estate, the domestic helpers normally come to your place offering their services. Therefore, it is very helpful to post your domestic help vacancy in your building’s bulletin board.
