Learn Humility

In my capacity as President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the Philippines, I am required to formally present financial and operating results of the company to my shareholders once a year and convene with my Board of Directors every three months. As the company’s founder, my direct report accountabilities are few and far between, therefore it is critical that I honor and obey my responsibility to the God-appointed leadership roles in my business (and life). It is unwise for us to not recognize leadership over our lives, no matter how comfortable it seems to feel (especially for someone in my position), and more importantly, it is unprofitable to resist right leadership, no matter how painful it may sometimes be. Proverbs 1 verses 23-30 highlight the connection between wisdom and correction and yet it is rare for us to humbly accept rebuke or criticism.

It is a true privilege and honor to be stewarded by my Chairman, one, Menardo Jimenez Sr., who has stood tall in business and industry for decades, yet completely humbles and submits himself to the authority of the one true God. With his blessing I share a recent correspondence with him where I acknowledge my place in our relationship after committing an oversight.

Here it is:

Dear Ninong Nards,

I hope my letter finds you well. I was becoming concerned since we have not spoken to each other for some time now, and it honestly caught me off guard when I learned that you were extremely disappointed with me over several issues that transpired in the last two months. It has never been my intention to upset you and for doing so I sincerely apologize. Upon further reflection, I perfectly understand why you feel this way and realize that I have come across as disrespectful and insensitive given my actions or lack of these past weeks.

Before I go any further, I want to convey to you that you are someone who I have the utmost level of respect for. Your accomplishments over the course of your business as well as family life are truly admirable, but all the more it is your unselfish and boundless generosity as a person that moves me. In the few years that we have known each other you have cast your faith in my abilities to run The Coffee Bean, as you have been my staunchest ally and supporter of my vision for the brand in this country. I work as hard as I do and am driven to succeed because this faith means a lot to me.  I am committed to taking The Coffee Bean to the best that it can be and I cannot imagine giving you or any of the other shareholders any less.

More importantly Ninong Nards, you have been like a father to me. You were there for Ina and I during our darkest hour last year – your spiritual counsel, especially your raw and genuine concern for us will always be firmly entrenched in our hearts. Your presence on our wedding day and in our lives is truly a blessing from the Lord.

I take full responsibility for having failed you in certain aspects of our relationship these recent months. I still struggle with being impatient, proud, demanding of my own way – and oblivious to how seriously my conduct affects other people. In my shortsightedness I have been insensitive and disrespectful to you and others, and for this I am genuinely sorry. It is my prayer that you can see past the facets of my personality and areas of my life that represent works in progress, that through the Lord’s grace as well as your continued support and guidance I will live up to His expectations and be a true witness for Him, manifest in all that I do, under any circumstance.

I want to assure you that your faith in me has not been misplaced and that my commitment to you and to the brand is as strong as ever. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Sincerely,
Walden

***

We must always remember that no one is above reproach. If we are rebuked, cast aside the emotional impulse to take it personally, then LISTEN, PROCESS, and GROW FORWARD. Aside from the line accountability and responsibility to my Board of Directors, it is this attitude of submission to the leadership roles in my life that has served me and the company well.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)