Andrés Bonifacio is a truly inspiring figure. He played a crucial role in leading the Philippines to freedom, and his extraordinary life is still significant today.
Bonifacio formed the Katipunan, a secret society based on the Masonic order that had an estimated one hundred thousand members by 1896. Extending from Manila to the Mindanao Islands. Andrés Bonifacio, also known as the Father of the Katipunan and a native of Tondo, will be remembered as the young revolutionary.
While his goal was to free his countrymen from Spain, we commemorate his birth as a reminder that a young hero was killed by his fellow countrymen. Nonetheless, Andres Bonifacio sacrificed his life for the Filipino people.
Bonifacio Day celebrated on November 30, not only marks the birthday of one of the Philippines’ national heroes but also provides an opportunity for us to think about ourselves and our actions. Bonifacio’s life narrative allows us to reflect on how, with the appropriate drive and mindset, we can achieve anything.
Career Lessons we should learn from Andrés Bonifacio
1. Dream big
It’s widely known that Bonifacio was one of the founders of the Katipinan movement, leading eventually to independence from Spanish rule. However, it’s a lesser-known fact that he started drafting the Declaration of Independence well before the revolution had begun – sitting in a cave.
His dedication is a constant reminder that anything is possible – as long as you put your mind to it and have the right motivation. Use this Bonifacio Day wisely and start dreaming big. Draw up your professional goals no matter how ambitious. Once they have been verbalised or put down on paper, you will have put the wheels in motion to make your dreams real.
2. Never give up
Bonifacio was fortunate enough to be able to attend school, but that didn’t protect him from hardships in his youth. He had to drop out of school at the age of 14 to support his siblings, as both his parents died within a year. Selling canes and paper fans in the street, he managed to build a successful business.
His life shows us that success does not depend on one’s social status or circumstances. Not being able to finish his formal education made Bonifacio even more determined to read books and teach himself about the world. Knowing what you are working towards or for does wonders for motivation. Being successful is much easier if you know what you want to achieve.
3. Believe in teamwork
Bonifacio is often portrayed as a hard worker and revolutionary. Although this is true, he was much more than that. Although having struggled through many hardships in his youth and experienced betrayal during his early activism, he strongly believed in the values of comradeship.
It shows us that no matter how terrible circumstances are, it’s important to work together. Bonifacio probably would be the first to admit that the revolution was the result of teamwork. Collaboration and kindness with others, such as your colleagues, are just as crucial today as they were during Bonifacio’s time.
4. Be a self-starter
Being one of the founders of La Liga Filipina, a movement calling for political reforms, he did not give up when the movement fell apart. He started another one called Katipinan, which ended up being instrumental in the political change that followed.
Bonifacio Day is a reminder that failure is not final and that standing by your beliefs is crucial. Just because you fail once, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals in the end. His determination is an example of the self-starter culture we often see today in successful businessmen.
Money Lessons
1. You should have more than one source of income
Bonifacio worked full-time for J. M. Fleming & Co., a British trading corporation. He was a “corredor,” or broker for raw materials or local products, such as rattan and tar. He joined Fressell & Co., a German enterprise, as a “bodeguero.”†However, his job was not to handle large goods, but to run the warehouse, which resembled a grocery store.
To express his creative side, he worked as a part-time theatre actor in Moro-Moro productions. He frequently played the imaginary Tagalog folklore character Bernardo Carpio. His theatre profits went towards supporting his orphaned siblings.
Nowadays, it is only logical to have numerous sources of income. Simply following your passion is not practical for everyone. You can achieve balance by pursuing a conventional job and developing your creative skills.
2. Take control of your finances
There was no appropriate financial management system during the Katipunan era, which led to charges that Supreme Council members squandered funds for personal gain. As a result, Bonifacio emphasised the need for audit documentation, payment of registration fees, and certificate granting procedures.
Having an orderly financial record and system leads to accountability as well as transparency. It also tracks your spending and saving habits.
Business Lessons
1. Collaborate with those who share your vision
Bonifacio drafted the Decalogue, which outlined the early rules and restrictions for KKK members. Emilio Jacinto later developed and expanded it into Teachings of the Katipunan, better known as “Kartilya.”†This became a guidebook for both new and existing movement members. Their collaboration also contributed to the creation of pro-freedom propaganda.
The adage “No man is an island” remains relevant today. A vision, whether it is to start a new firm or make a major corporate decision, requires more than one brain for risk and ROI analysis. You should surround yourself with people who believe in you and have the same energy and ambition as you.
2. Integrate your mission into your branding
The KKK movement was founded to promote political reforms, and its name and colours reflect this.
KKK was initially termed “Cataastaasan Cagalang-galangal Catipunan,” as the official alphabet did not include the letter K at the time. Bonifacio and his friends wanted a symbol to symbolise themselves as Filipinos and chose the letter “Ka” from the ancient script.
Bonifacio inserted the letter K into the movement’s name (Kataastaasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan), which was then reduced to the abbreviation KKK for brand memory. The colour red, which is psychologically associated with activity, was also utilised on its flag, making it the most effective emblem of resistance.
Brand names and faces are not solely about creative preferences. These elements should align with your company’s overall goal or vision, which is a global marketing strategy. Examples include internet corporations like Facebook and YouTube, which are recognisable by their symbols even without their names written out.
3. Establish your brand with a direct marketing technique.
Before Bonifacio became Supremo, the Katipunan had approximately 300 members. As a result, there needed to be more resources to reach more Filipinos. Bonifacio consented to Dr. Pio Villanueva’s marketing plan of discreetly disseminating the Katipunan newsletter Kalayaan. This has attracted 30,000 subscribers since its publication.
Aside from periodicals, the marketing sector expanded with more effective campaigns across numerous digital channels and conventional media. Following the pulse of the people with these marketing techniques and data analytics will increase your company’s visibility and develop your brand.
4. Maintain corporate ownership control
The Tejeros Convention was planned to be a discussion on Cavite’s defence strategies against the Spanish, but it turned out to be an unexpected election. Despite the Supreme Council’s objections, Cavite’s Katipunan members chose Aguinaldo as president. This also resulted in the bypassing of other provincial representatives. This sparked strife, ultimately leading to Bonifacio’s terrible death.
Betrayal and mutiny are unavoidable in the corporate world. If you don’t protect your position and carefully select the people you’ll be working with, others will take advantage of the circumstance to gain control.
Conclusion
Andres Bonifacio was a guy who bravely pushed for true change, and our past experiences have shown us that change often begins within ourselves. Bonifacio accomplished just this. He transformed his life first by refusing to give in to his terrible circumstances. While Andres Bonifacio’s life was terrible, his example should continue to encourage us to overcome the obstacles we face in our own lives and as members of society. His life was as exceptional as the circumstances in which he decided to make a substantial change.
While bravery and patriotism are cornerstones of heroism, self-sacrifice is the most difficult virtue and the finest kind of humility. This is the most important lesson we can take from our hero Andres Bonifacio: selflessness. May his example inspire us all to be our best selves.
FAQ on Career Lessons from Andres Bonifacio
Q:1 Who was Andrés Bonifacio?
A: Andrés Bonifacio was a prominent Filipino nationalist and revolutionary leader. He is often referred to as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution” for his pivotal role in initiating the fight for independence against Spanish colonization in the late 19th century.
Q:2 What career lessons can we learn from Andrés Bonifacio?
A: Andrés Bonifacio’s life teaches us the power of determination, leadership, and grassroots organising. His commitment to Filipino independence against colonial oppression demonstrates the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs despite daunting odds. Bonifacio’s legacy underscores the significance of unity, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.
Q:3 How can resilience be applied in our careers?
A: Resilience plays a crucial role in our careers as it enables us to overcome setbacks and obstacles. By embracing resilience, we can bounce back from failures, learn from them, and adapt to new circumstances.
Resilient individuals are more likely to persevere through challenges, maintain a positive attitude, and ultimately achieve their career goals.
Q:4 What qualities make a good leader, as demonstrated by Andrés Bonifacio?
A: Andrés Bonifacio, a remarkable leader, embodied vision, courage, integrity, empathy, and effective communication. His clear vision inspired others, while his courage drove him to make tough decisions. Integrity defined his moral compass, earning trust. Empathy toward his followers created a supportive environment. Bonifacio’s adept communication rallied people to his cause. His leadership qualities remain timeless lessons for aspiring leaders.
Q:5 How can self-education contribute to career growth?
A: Self-education plays a significant role in career growth by enabling individuals to acquire new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. It allows us to stay updated with industry trends, develop expertise in specific areas, and enhance our problem-solving abilities.
Self-education can be pursued through reading books, attending workshops or webinars, enrolling in online courses, or seeking mentorship. By taking charge of our learning, we can expand our career opportunities and increase our value in the workplace.
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