When New Year approaches, people usually come up with new resolutions to change their behaviors, living, and working for the better. Mr. Sompob Witworrasakul, Chief Regional Officer, SCGP and General Director – Vina Kraft Paper Company Limited, is therefore here with us today to share his motivational experiences and ideas that promise to inspire great New Year’s resolutions.
ENGINEER WITH RICH EXPERIENCES
Mr. Sompob joined SCGP about 30 years ago as an engineer at the Ban Pong plant of Siam Kraft Industry Company Limited. He would later participate in most manufacturing units.
“I worked for the manufacturing, manufacturing support and maintenance. As the company was expanding at that time, I was offered opportunities to take on various roles at Ban Pong and Wang Sala plants. Over time, I had also acquired various skills and vast knowledge,” he recounted.
“Then, I got a scholarship to study pulp and paper in the United States. During my time there, I picked up not just new technological knowledge but also English fluency. After I completed my study, I was sent to the Philippines for a three-year stint. I would later come back to work in Thailand for a long period of time, during which I’d seen the overall picture of SCGP businesses. Now, I have moved to Vietnam and overseen marketing and sales operations too,” he continued.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE TO CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS
To Mr. Sompob, his current job is quite challenging given his engineering background. Yet, he is confident that his rich work experience has already equipped him with practical perspectives.
“While working at the plant, I had also learnt about paying attention to customers. As an engineer, I had to solve various problems at hand and constantly create new things. I considered all internal units I worked with as customers. So, I am well prepared to deal with customers. Feedback from internal units is frank. These internal customers are sometimes even more demanding,” he explained.
“Another big lesson from internal customers was dynamics. They sought growth. So, when we had interesting innovative services and products, they eagerly embraced our proposed solutions. Over time, we grew together. Such work process can apply well to external customers too,” Mr. Sompob concluded.
“GIVE IT A TRY!” : BEGINNING OF SUCCESS
Today, customers have constantly looked for new solutions. SCGP, therefore, has dynamically explored new things. As an executive, Mr. Sompob has steered the exploration and encouraged new development all the time.
“We are always thinking about creating something new. It’s okay if we fail sometimes because failure has at least offered a lesson. Aside, a product that failed to tap into the market may later become a best-seller at the right time later on. When we decided to experiment with solar roofs, we approached government agencies for joint development. When my staff presented an interesting idea, my common reply was ‘Let’s give it a try!’. Such approach has spawned new businesses,” he quipped.
“I personally appreciate and encourage a sense of accomplishment. When a product is successfully launched, I inform my team of the small win. It’s a way to motivate and inspire my team. If our new product does not sell well, I teach my team to accept the results and see what we have learnt. Success does not necessarily mean impressive sales only. We can learn from our experiences and keep experimenting,” he explained.
As an executive, Mr. Sompob has also found a way to manage cultural diversity and generation gap. Even though members of different cultural or age groups may not fully understand one another, they are nudged to embrace diversity and find ways to connect.
“I have used various tools to handle generation gaps. I cannot act like young people but I know whom I can assign to manage our young members. Regarding cultural differences, I think we are not that different. This was probably I had worked at a regional level before. All members, regardless of which country they are based, are SCGP people,” he added.
ENDLESS LEARNING, FOCUS ON DELIVERING GOOD THINGS TO SOCIETY
Mr. Sompob has encouraged all to create value for themselves, even if the process may take time and hard work.
“Our organization has many talents. If you are not sure about something, ask those who know. When you start collaborating with others, you hone your social skills and enhance your own work. This tip applies internally as well as externally,” he said.
“On social and environmental responsibility, I would like to emphasize that SCGP focuses on creating better things. For example, many of our projects – if successful – will curb the use of resources or add value to the world. We can be proud of what we have been doing,” Mr. Sompob concluded.