Search Results

In Cooee Inc., we always make it a point to go back to our Why – to have the opportunity to be a part of another’s transformation – one person, one community, one business at a time. Walk the Cooee Way Q1 2022 Winners I am beyond blessed and humbled to be named WALK THE COOEE WAY WINNER for Q1. Having a title is always a great moment especially for me. This is my first time to be awarded or to have a title. At first, I am hesitant to accept that I won this title as I thought “WALK THE COOEE WAY”, means you lived the Cooee values perfectly. I realized; this is not because I have lived the values perfectly, but this is because I am slowly learning how to. Little by little, I learn the Cooee values and without me knowing that I am already living that way. I do really love the concept of someone is nominating you and writing narratives about you because it just shows that someone appreciated you. Someone sees changes and transformation in you. And for me, the greatest award is the appreciation of the people. I believe that every one of us can be part of every one’s transformation by being authentic – staying true to our own value and ourselves. By being empathetic, to continue listening without judgment and with curiosity. To continue putting ourselves in each other’s shoes. And, by believing in potential, not only on our self but also in others. I am grateful that I am part of paving the way for transformation. Spotted on Strength April 2022 Winners Become: Spotted on Strength The Conversation on Being Human (COBH) program has greatly reminded us to always become mindful through our daily routines and with our conversation with others. To exercise my focus, I have built a few habits over time and those include – prayer and thanksgiving to start the day and sometimes, wrapping it up with words of appreciation to our colleagues by sharing narratives of the people we want to thank for on that day or that week in the “Spotted on Strength (SOS)” space. I am sharing this commitment to others in the hope that everyone will also ‘feel good’ the way that I do every time we share these kind words to our dear colleagues. This space is a great venue to show our gratitude, love, and kindness to whomever and wherever. Charisse Pacres – April 2022, Most Number of Strengths Spotted House Cup Q1 2022 Winner House Status: Cooee House Cup Competition Winner Quarter 1 of 2022 I would like to express my gratitude to Cooee for having this brilliant idea- “HOUSE CUP”, A platform to connect and to work as a team outside work-related matters. I’m just proud of them nailing the title as the HOUSE CUP winner for Q1, of course we have faced challenges during the whole quarter, and most of that was the schedule to some of the members, because there are times we called “Busy day” and “End of month” we are always the least when it comes to the attendance points but, as I believe that there's always beauty in everything, this one counts and the thing is that they make sure to at least contribute to things they can and/or make up on the other time so that the team will not function as there was missing part. Every little contribution counts. That’s how we work as a team. I’m just grateful that from this experience I learned how to be more responsible as team Lead and I became more empathetic to people in the workplace. And I just want to share this quotation from Bonnie Blair, “Winning doesn’t always mean being first, Winning means you are doing better than you’ve ever done before.” Mary Grace Lopez- House Status Headmistress, April 2022

There’s that time of the year that we dread, that we wish we could push back as long as we can, in a feeble attempt to avoid getting hit by reality that our health isn’t 100% as clean cut as we thought. Yes, I’m talking about the annual Physical Exam. Since most of us are working remotely, the option to choose a health facility closest to us was a nice gesture from management. The steps to make an appointment were clearly stated in the messages sent. I initially had to check if I needed any other requirement aside from the HMO card. I was informed that I needed an endorsement – a matter that the HR team promptly worked on. Once I emailed the letter to the facility, I was given the option to choose a day to come down for the tests. With my fecalysis sample wrapped securely, I went down at the earliest time possible. The initial step involved filling up some paper work that technically required me to pick-up the test results personally. Since I am a member of that special “over 35” club, I was also informed that I had to do an additional ECG and pap smear. The process was pretty straightforward. After submitting samples to the lab, I proceeded to have my ECG in another floor. After that, I was technically done for the day. The pap smear sample had to be collected at the OB-GYNE’s clinic, so I scheduled that for another day. That’s it. Simple as that. The stress that has built up since learning of the APE – gone in 2 hours. Now all I have to do is wait for the results, and hope that I get at least a better bill of health this year.

Strength spotting is defined as “the act of recognizing and identifying the strengths that a person may possess, through a process of naturalistic observation in day-day settings, or through more formal assessment approaches” (Linley, 2008). We seldom hear praises at the workplace, or even at home, because it is human nature to be more attuned to behaviors we perceive as ‘threats’ to our physical and psychological safety. This is because of our brain’s negativity bias which makes each of us hardwired to focus on the things that have gone wrong or could go wrong and the consequences when they do. In Cooee, we recognise our biased nature and look to pair this awareness with the practice of appreciating others through ‘Spotted on Strength’. This monthly recognition, launched in February, invites employees to recognize a colleague who expressed a character strength. It aims to encourage the practice of our Self-Reflective Titles (SRT), uncover the character strengths that shaped our SRTs and, in the process, spark meaning and purpose in our everyday Cooee experiences.

Before the pandemic I was a person who is afraid of committing mistakes, afraid of trying new tasks and things on my own, afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m dependent to Ms. JP who‘s my go-to-person whenever I have questions and needs help. But after 8 months of working from home, I left with no choice but to work mostly by myself since Ms. JP needed to focus on her new role and to guide and assist our other teammates. Needless to say that I was clueless when I started, and it felt very surreal knowing that I needed to start from scratch all over again. I also began work at a time where there were just 2 people in the team - Mei and myself. We both had to navigate and divide our time between the platform, the hiring process, and the content the tutors gave. It was a humbling experience, but at the same time an empowering one. Humbling because I had to learn everything in lightning speed, empowering because it made me realize that our capabilities as humans are limitless for as long as we are willing to learn. A couple of months into the job, we gained our own team. And they were immediately thrust into the overwhelming numbers of QCs that we had missed out on. I know from experience that the tasks given to them were perhaps more than what they expected. And the work output we required of them was staggering at times. We've had days where we would give each other a pat at the back for finishing things. But we've had more setbacks to date - and that's putting it mildly. I have been demanding at times, getting each one to fulfill a task, and giving them more just so we could meet the demands. And they braved on with no complaints, no side comments. They happily embraced whatever was given them, and showed to me time and time again what they are made of. So it was truly humbling, and a lot sweeter, when I learned of the things they had to say about me. It inspired me to work harder and be better in what I do. But the biggest take-away I have gotten from this is that small things matter. A quick call, a short message of encouragement, all these matter in making work easier. MJ, Patrick, Maria, have not only made it more fun to show up at work every day, they've also pushed us to improve on ourselves simply by showing us their dedication to the job, their eagerness to accept new roles, and their concern for each other's well being. So this nomination wasn't for me alone. It was for us - our party of 5, our dream team. It was a testament of how we reflect each other in our work, and in our dealings with each other. As the pandemic restrictions have eased in most of the places and new normal life begins, my COBH coaching journey also begins. I believe this COBH coaching journey of mine will be beneficial - will empower and will support me and my coachee. My struggles and challenges are now stories that are proudly shared with my coachee and colleagues. Those nightmares that have turned into rainbow and sunshine are being told believing someone will be empowered and victorious just like me. Sometimes I’m still the kind of person that I used to be – afraid and has self-doubt. But I can say now, I am the person who walks into my fears, guided by the values, the character strengths and vision, and mission that I have earned from COOEE - to believe in my potential, to be Authentic, and to be Empathetic.

With a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management of Financial Institution, I started my career in the BPO industry. I worked for a Financial Services Company as a process owner. My responsibilities include ensuring deliverables are submitted on time, management meetings and speaking with company directors. Not to mention coordination, problem solving, process improvements, and risk management which were also part of the daily grind. I was able to unlock my strengths and explore what I really want to achieve as I rose to the ranks during this period. A few years ago, an opportunity came knocking at the door. Knowing that I will be working with my former bosses Kris and Pia, I decided to join Cooee, Inc. It was a small group back then as I remember delightfully introducing myself to everyone. I am proud to say that we have grown tremendously despite of the global pandemic. As someone with work experience, I was confident that I would be able to perform my tasks easily. I must admit that I was quite surprised with the expectations. I realized that Cooee was in the other end of the spectrum. Suddenly I was managing my own team, directly speaking with stakeholders and business owners. Yes, that includes hiring, training, coaching of individuals, and a lot of decision making on my part. Unlike in my previous company, I was solely responsible for myself and to my boss. I would say it’s a beautiful chaos. Not because it’s a mess but because Cooee has brought out the best in me when facing challenges. These pushed me even further to think outside the box and veer away from my comfort zone. As a result, it gave me a new perspective and a broader definition of leadership and work-life balance. Staying committed, making initiatives, working with unique individuals, and honing their skills are now 2nd nature. Learning objectively rather than reprimanding maximizes their potential. Achieving their goals through these values guarantee the company’s success. It also gives me joy knowing that the value I share are carried beyond the walls of Cooee. This is my work culture which I promote with everyone. Cooee is an extension of my life. The values that were instilled by my parents when I was growing up are the same as the company’s principles. My success is not only measured through numbers but most importantly seeing a person’s growth and transformation. Thinking that one day, I will be able to see and happily listen to their success stories. Realizing as well that I have contributed to both the company and society.

I have always been very vocal in saying that this responsibility I have taken on was something completely new and foreign to me. Add that to the fact that I wasn't really adept with technology, save for the usual mundane things any person does with their phones and laptop. Needless to say that I was clueless when I started, and it felt very surreal knowing that I needed to start from scratch all over again. I also began work at a time where there were just 2 people in the team - Mei and myself. We both had to navigate and divide our time between the platform, the hiring process, and the content the tutors gave. It was a humbling experience, but at the same time an empowering one. Humbling because I had to learn everything in lightning speed, empowering because it made me realize that our capabilities as humans are limitless for as long as we are willing to learn. A couple of months into the job, we gained our own team. And they were immediately thrust into the overwhelming numbers of QCs that we had missed out on. I know from experience that the tasks given to them were perhaps more than what they expected. And the work output we required of them was staggering at times. We've had days where we would give each other a pat at the back for finishing things. But we've had more setbacks to date - and that's putting it mildly. I have been demanding at times, getting each one to fulfill a task, and giving them more just so we could meet the demands. And they braved on with no complaints, no side comments. They happily embraced whatever was given them, and showed to me time and time again what they are made of. So it was truly humbling, and a lot sweeter, when I learned of the things they had to say about me. It inspired me to work harder and be better in what I do. But the biggest take-away I have gotten from this is that small things matter. A quick call, a short message of encouragement, all these matter in making work easier. MJ, Patrick, Maria, have not only made it more fun to show up at work every day, they've also pushed us to improve on ourselves simply by showing us their dedication to the job, their eagerness to accept new roles, and their concern for each other's well being. So this nomination wasn't for me alone. It was for us - our party of 5, our dream team. It was a testament of how we reflect each other in our work, and in our dealings with each other.

How I began my hike adventure in the metro I grew up in the southermost part of the country called South Cotabato where the SOCKSARGEN mountains, pineapple and flower plantation and the majestic Mt Matutum has always been my view. Being outdoors with nature is just a few walks away. Now, living in the metro is the exact opposite. There is not much greenery with only cityscapes - highrise buildings, crowded places and the noise of traffic in the streets. And they say, if there’s a will, there is always a way to reconnect with nature. I began my hiking journey in Luzon around five years ago. Some people would thought that mountain climbing is not really a ‘girl thing’. I searched the internet to find some Do-it-yourself dayhikes and found my way to a group of strangers who also have the same goal as me. So I started with minor dayhikes and the rest is history. I enjoy being outdoors to take long walks and see the gigantic trees and mountain goats, to eat some wildberries, and to enjoy the spectacular mountain ranges and the greenery around me. I love rivercrossing and rapelling in monoliths. I love how the big leaves in the forests slap my face when climb over its roots. I love posing in the rocky peaks under the sun. It took me some time to overcome my fear of heights especially when I am in pointed rocks and stiff peaks. When I am out there, I appreciate nature and focus on the present, just feel the moment. Of course, the feeling is always similar. It is always fun hiking. The earthy scent that rises after a light rainfall, the song of the wind under a pine tree canopy, the summer heat that gently pierces your skin and the rhythym of your breath as you work your way up the rocky trails and grassy peaks, things you experienced on your dayhike in the north. The summit may reward you with beauty and awe but for me, its always about how you carry yourself during the climb and the trails you passed and explored before reaching the top. The Peak – this is probably the reason why I chose this self reflective title. There may be different trail class along the way, but what matters is we reach the peak and enjoy the moment.

The onboarding process sure has a lot of steps to deal with, from integrating company culture to getting the tools and information needed for a newbie. This should be a strategic procedure, that’s why here in Cooee, Trello is used to have a smooth transition for Nooees’ onboarding. As shown in the image, The Trello board is following a curriculum to give an overview of what Trello is-- an area to learn about the Cooee culture from the people, practices, tools, and values. Utilizing the board can help newbies to connect with The People : the company itself, Cooee Team, HR Team, and the Client; be able to learn the Tools we operate with like the Cooee iTee Help Desk and Chatbot, Cooee One Beat Help Desk, TiTo App, PYD Tool and understand how to document their processes. Through the Trello, all Nooees will also be able to understand and perform various Cooee Practices —Daily Huddles, Coaching Sessions, Payroll Policy, Managing Outages and know the Australian Geography and Culture as well. Every list assigned into one’s Nooee Compass comprises of Optimal Me, Self-Paced and Interactive sessions, and Journals to establish a meaningful onboarding experience. Through their compass, Nooees can practice being Authentic by being able to express and be aware of their emotions, exercise being Empathetic by understanding others’ emotions and set up their social intelligence and Believing in Potential by having the perception that mastery of something can be developed by means of instilling a good routine. All these sessions help build connections with one another and offer a space for us to reflect and immerse ourselves into the Cooee Values . With the help of these tasks, Nooees can be equipped with the tools and traditions that will guide them to be more competent and be a great aid in imparting their contributions into the company.

About 2 years ago, we started to have the DILO (day in the life) tracker where we plan and capture our activities throughout the day. It was a totally different template back then where we put in a value of 1 per 15-30 min. tasks. It went thru several improvements and there was also a time when a working group work on it until it became the PYD (Plan Your Day) tool as you know today. From a data analysis perspective, the way we analyze data before was to get individual excel file from each one and we would do a simple pivot. We definitely thought of improving the process but there were several challenges. Aggregation - how do you consolidate all data of Cooee so you can view a team data for instance? Scalability - how do you handle the data every time there's a nooee? Repeatable - how do we produce KPI and analytics reports from it on a regular basis? By the 2nd year, several options were forwarded such as creating a web application for it, utilizing Excel VBAs etc. Then we found Google. It's something familiar, totally advanced and free! We began designing, engineering data pipelines from source data to destination. We tested for several weeks until we solved each of the problems mentioned - aggregation, ease of scalability and ease of repeatability. Fast forward to now, we finally have this tool that's connected to a dashboard that we can review, analyze and make decisions from. The journey is similar to building a lego set. We have this massive data or lego pieces we need to make use of. At the start, we were only able to build light aircraft or small airplanes. Then after some learning process, we went up next level and we were able to build a jumbo aircarft or a 747. It took effort until we are now in the position where we're able to use every piece of the lego. So that we can perhaps build not just airplane but an ecosystem or an airport. From a user perspective, the PYD tool essentially is an instrument to live the Cooee values. It is used for planning, for development and for optimal performance.