What's Wrong With You?

"Aquino scolds Lee's 'noisy' captor; he gets no citation"

"Capa faces uncertain future in PNP after media outburst"

"Aquino commends distinguished cops; Capa left out"

The reassignment order: What's wrong with it?

Nothing was wrong with the reassignment order but the timing and the manner by which it was delivered was wrong.  Wrong timing because the reassignment was announced right after the arrest of Lee - a very simple reason why such became the subject of suspicion and interpreted or misinterpreted as a punishment and not a reward. The reassignment order, if it was indeed a reward or incentive for Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa, could have been announced and presented on a later date and probably in a formal ceremony similar to what they had on April 1, 2014. The PNP should know our culture and the kind of media we have. Nothing can escape the kind of scrutiny the public and the media does with such events or turn of events. The PNP could have been more cautious about the timing of such reassignment order. 

The reaction: What's wrong with you? 

Capa's reaction did not go through the PNPs grievance mechanism. It was an outburst captured by the media and fueled further by the statements released by the Senior Superintendent. Capa could have discussed the matter directly with PNP Chief Alan Purisima or he could have filed his complaint or grievance. But we still argue, what's wrong with going to the media? And what do we mean by professionalism? Nothing is wrong about going on a "media tour" if it is at the right time, right manner and for the right reason - meaning, when going out in the open becomes really necessary to prevent neglect or abuse. On other hand professionalism is exhibited when you are able to sustain commitment to policies and procedures, norms of behavior  and respect for individuals, your institution and the community you serve while maneuvering in a very challenging situation. To some professionalism is nothing but a good behavior backed-up by pure intentions. Still to some professionalism is simply being civil even though you have bad intentions.  

The scolding: What's wrong with you? 

Scolding somebody in public reveals your personal feelings about the subject person's behavior or the event. This is least expected from a leader much more if one does it without naming names or what we call in the showbiz jargon as "blind item". If scolding somebody in public is necessary then the leader may do it in such a way that he maintains respect not just on the subject person but to his own person and the position he occupies. There are better ways to do scolding in public without the risk of being "measured" by those who witness such. Some leaders know it. Others do not. Still others refuse to do it. True enough, leaders must be tough to enforce policies and implement decisions. But leaders must be ready to face comments and criticisms including complaints and grievances and whether it follows the prescribed procedure or not. Again the norms of behavior, and of course professionalism, but this time in the highest level.