‘Step back thinking’

Step back

During my past life as an instructor, one of the training exercises I often conducted focused on teaching fast yet safe actions of moving platoons, squadrons or fire teams in and out of harm’s way. For this exercise, mental strength was more important than physical. Thus, a large part of the training focused on what we call "step back thinking" which is, simply put, training people to think in non-traditional ways or training people to break the barriers of traditional thought. One common training exercise we conducted was a forward moving scenario wherein troops were required to come down a single-story rooftop structure, wearing urban battle gear (meaning body weight plus 40 pounds of assorted gear and a rifle). The inclination of most people would be to simply jump off the structure, which is probably the simplest way if one does not consider how the rifle and Kevlar helmet will impact the body upon landing, not to mention the added risk of having men come up from right behind you. The smart move is called the "Spider Crawl." This is done by grabbing on to the ledge of the structure using one’s strongest arm, extending it fully as far as one can, then going for the jump – which will probably be only a four-foot drop from a one-story structure resulting in a more controlled landing and a very quick refresh time. This is certainly a lot better on the body than a 12-foot drop.

This example presents a scenario which shows the one solution that most will think of pursuing without considering the other dimensions of the situation, such as those of the added weight from the gear and equipment. This is a classic example of when "step back thinking" will allow one to accomplish the task using the right approach.

Scenario and solution

In an effort to keep up with our foreign neighbors, it seems that we put a high premium on adopting and implementing "foreign" processes and technology. We always seem to think that what’s good for them is also good for us, what works for them will also work for us. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but I happen to think that in thinking this way, we fail to consider the other dimensions of the scenario, the added "weight and gear" of the situation. Take, for instance, the issue of online purchases. A lot of smart and experienced people are aware of the issues involved – slow penetration of credit cards and access points. So, as expected, those engaged in e-commerce have gone the traditional way of tying up with banks and other payment systems. But there are other ways. And there are two local companies that have taken another route: "Over the Counter" (OTC) payment solutions – a process that combines secure cash payments at facilities with points of presence.

Overcoming obstacles

These two companies are Qnet Communications Inc. and eToDoor.com. The way in which these two companies have engaged in e-commerce in the Philippines is to use an OTC system. Basically, an OTC system uses the Web as a very flexible storefront and transactions are basically done in cash at the actual facility and/or store location where the portals are housed and viewed. Thus, two major obstacles in e-commerce transaction – credit card penetration and access points – are overcome.

One company that provides points of presence to other companies that wish to foray into e-commerce is Qnet Communications. This is one of the company’s strategies to make its services more appealing to overseas Filipino workers, specifically at its Hong Kong locations. Qnet has a tie-up with Filgifts, a provider of an array of products and services that OFWs can purchase for their families back home. Through this tie-up with Qnet, consumers can browse through an online storefront and make purchases at Qnet locations using the OTC system. This is great for companies who are dying to engage in e-commerce or wanting to tap the large OFW market but do not have the required infrastructure to do so.

The other company is eToDoor.com which utilizes an OTC system for its local client base. The company sells products that are not available in the Philippines. eToDoor.com provides excellent service to those who do not have credit cards to purchase items they can afford to begin with.

Using a "step back" approach, these two companies are great examples of how the online and OTC worlds can meet to provide workable solutions. Just how the electronic world should be used!

Semper Fi!

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