What is this B1 and B2 phenomenon? Please see the following pieces of evidence.
Exhibit A (mutual acknowledgement):
Exhibit B (3rd party acknowledgement):
This phenomenon is first characterized by sending a message with the same meaning, if not the exact same words. Second, it MUST be sent at exactly the same time. It’s a very fascinating occurrence which happens quite often at the Discord of Happy Hive between B1 and B2. Such amazement, such wow.
Pero sa totoo, nakakatawa naman talaga. There have been a lot of instances when an opinion was generally asked, or a report was made, and a response was needed from one of us. It just so happens that when we see it immediately, we automatically reply with the same thing at the same time. It occurs SO MUCH, to the point that now, when I see Reena typing a reply, I wait to see what it is and just say “SAME”, instead of putting in the effort to type it myself. Sayang yung typing time ko ‘noh pareho lang pala!
Kidding aside, this was not automatic. After 7 years of working in the company (plus additional years in a previous construction company), it took a while for us to hone our knowledge and views. Other than work-related knowledge, what really contributed most was how similar our views are on the important things in life – what issues we’d die on the hill for (working moms, women’s rights), which topics we can be flexible about (how things can be done), and which ones we laugh about all the time (tsismis and my conyo persona). These sturdy beliefs we built on over and over again. Now, I think of us as weird sisters, practically finishing each other’s sentences when we’re discussing something – pero mas nananaig siya kasi mas passionate talaga siya. Mas malakas lang tawa ko, okay?
There are definitely times when we disagree and have conversations about. When that happens, there’s a lot of listening and explaining to be able to see the point of the other. Ears may turn red and hot, voices may rise a bit, but that’s just part of the process. In the end, there’s always a graceful compromise and a resolution. A joke, a beer or two during a debriefing, and all’s well. I think the key here is how we communicate with each other, how open and willing we are to prioritize understanding the company and what needs to be done. It’s for the good of the company, kumbaga.
Being similar in our thinking now partly stems from my admiration from her, thus wanting to emulate her. I’ve always admired her zest for life – walang sakit-sakit, basta makapag-surf or makapag-skate! She’s also always firm and outspoken about her beliefs and is really, REALLY PASSIONATE. HINDI SIYA GALIT, ALL CAPS LANG. I still have to learn how she easily just talks randomly with a stranger or a new client comfortably (le gasp!) without having to prepare anything beforehand. Grabe, total opposite ko talaga as a risk-averse, over-thinking introvert. I obviously can’t be like her, but I pick up bits and pieces, which I think adds pizazz to my own character especially in terms of connecting with both the team and clients. I’ve always been thankful that she embarked on this co-founding journey with me. I’m so, SO proud of what she has done since taking the CEO reins. I knew she could do it.
So what do you think, B2?
Yes, we probably need new friends. Palagay ko nga, B2!