My friend is stealing from our company’

Dear Nanay,

I started a business with my friend, whom I have known for over 20 years. During a recent audit, I discovered that she has been stealing from the company. I have all the proof but haven’t confronted her. What should I do?

Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

I think you know what you have to do. No matter how difficult it is, you have to confront her and make her return whatever she has taken from the company.

Whenever you are dealing with people, you have to always be honest. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated – with honesty, fairness and integrity. You cannot lie or steal and expect to get away with it. Eventually, mabibisto ka rin.

If you are a friend, you will not steal. Even if you are not a friend, you still should not steal.

Honestly, I don’t think she is deserving of your friendship.

Sincerely,

Nanay

* * * How Do I Get A Promotion?

Dear Nanay,

I know you have been a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur your whole life. But what is your advice to professionals or employees like myself who want to get a promotion and get ahead in my career?

Ryan

Dear Ryan,

I wasn’t always an entrepreneur. When I was just starting right after high school, I was just a tindera in my brother’s bookstore. I worked very hard to do my best at my job. And because I was good at selling I was quickly put in charge of the branch. I guess in its own little way, you can call that a "promotion."

Whenever you ask someone about how to get a promotion, almost every person will have a different answer. But the bottom line remains the same. You have to work hard. You have to prove to your boss that you deserve that promotion. Nobody is going to give it to you if you do not earn it.

You cannot depend on other people to earn your promotion for you. If other people do the work for you, then they will probably get the promotion instead of you.

At work and in life, nobody will do things for you. You have to take responsibility and do it yourself. You will realize that in your life, there is only one constant. There is only one person you can control at all times. And there is only one person you can always depend on no matter what happens. And I am sure you already know who that person is. That is you.

The sooner you learn this lesson, the more successful you will be.

Sincerely,

Nanay

* * *

If you have a question, e-mail asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.