Learning to Manage the Father's Business

Writing this article was harder than I (Grace) thought. How do I write about the countless lessons I have been learning from the Father since I last wrote about the company He led us to establish? Nonetheless, I shall try to share some of these nuggets of wisdom with you.

First, I am learning what it means to have God as my father. In a rare but wonderful occasion after my class on August 6 at the Asian Theological Seminary (ATS), God led me to the mini-altar in our chaplain’s office. Because of the storm that day, the power went out and I could only make out the silhouette of a cross in front of me through the flickering candlelight. But that set a powerful ambience that allowed the Spirit of God to move as I read Romans 8. I was assured of my place in my Father’s estate: His child, His heir, a co-heir with Christ, and a recipient of all His promises. This gave me the courage to keep going, to keep pursuing the vision which He has given for the company. I am a daughter learning from her father how to manage the family business.

Second, I am learning the value of collaborative learning and doing. Working with a team has never been easy for me. I work best alone. I work faster by myself. But God is clearly showing me that the best way to manage His business is to work with others. He brought to my care people who now form the team of trainers for Dousel Training & Consultancy. Dr. Joanne B. Aguila is a friend from my college Sunday school days in church. Now a medical doctor, she shares my passion of bringing biblical values into the workplace. Her expertise is occupational health and wellness, thus, she facilitates workshops on health and wellness and stress management. Fatima Villanueva was my classmate in graduate school. After a teaching stint in the USA she returned testifying that the Lord found her abroad. Away from family and friends, she opened her heart to Jesus. Now in the Philippines, she longs to be a minister to the marketplace. She is our business communications specialist. Beng Francisco was referred to me by my former Sunday school student. Beng is an industrial engineer by profession who has found a new passion in doing professional make up. She co-facilitates our professional image builder workshops. My dear husband, Mang, highlights the human side of our services by rendering his knowledge in counseling to our trainings when his schedule permits. Each member of the team is unique. Each has his/her own working style. Some work fast; others take their time. Some enjoy eating while cramming; others unintentionally skip meals. Some nearly crack under pressure. Some pressure the cracks. Since the team came together, I have been learning to honor their uniqueness and recognize their God-given gifts and talents. I am also learning to acknowledge their limitations and accept my own. I am a sister learning to love my siblings in God’s big family.

Third, I am learning to listen from those who have more wisdom and experience. Five months ago, I took up a course in Entrepreneurial and Organizational Leadership under Rex Resurreccion (a leading Christian entrepreneur and resource speaker). The week-long training led me to create a business plan for Dousel Training & Consultancy, which set the direction for the company. I also consulted good friends who are in the fields of business, law, banking and finance. They all imparted to me wisdom that they learned even from the school of hard knocks of enterprising. A friend who is a marketing and entrepreneurship professor in a local college and another friend who is a graduate of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) gave valuable inputs which would have cost me huge amounts of money if I had gone to business school! I learned the truth behind Proverbs 11:14 & 20:18: Where there is no guidance the people fall. But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Make plans by seeking advice. Now, the company has a mayor’s permit, a Bureau of Internal Revenue permit and a license to operate. I am an apprentice relying on wise business counsel that leads to victory.

Learning to manage the Father’s business is no easy task. It is not for the weak or the faint of heart. It is a privilege to be given this charge. It is a humbling situation. It is a learning place.