Lessons from a painful experience at work

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Lessons from Betrayal How a Painful Experience at Work Taught Me Valuable Business Lessons

As entrepreneurs, we often start with optimism and confidence in others. We assume that the people we hire are doing their jobs, but sometimes, we're left feeling betrayed – not by strangers, but by people we trusted.

I know this pain all too well. I began my business journey with a sense of excitement and trust in my team members. However, it wasn't long before I realized that some of the very individuals I entrusted with the keys to my company were quietly dismantling it from within.

One key hire brought in his own circle of friends who stole from the company. When he discovered the wrongdoing, he didn't report it – instead, he concealed the truth and gave them a pass. What should have surfaced in November only came to light months later – after he resigned, leaving chaos in his wake.

From this painful experience, I've learned valuable business lessons that I now share with others in the hope of helping them avoid similar pitfalls.

Don't Confuse Credentials with Character

It's easy to be impressed by someone with more experience, especially when you're still finding your footing. However, don't assume that credentials alone mean they have good character. I made this mistake and gave a manager too much autonomy, only to discover he was hiding the truth.

When Something Doesn't Feel Right, Don't Wait – Step In

Don't wait for things to get out of hand before taking action. If something doesn't feel right, step in and ask hard questions. Open your books and investigate any discrepancies. False confidence can blind you to the truth – often, it's not the systems that are failing, but the people running them.

Inventory is Your Silent Truth-Teller

I focused too much on revenue and expenses, forgetting that losses from spoilage, spillage, or theft can drain profits just as fast. Every missing cup or gram of product cuts into your margins. Discipline and vigilance are key – count everything daily, weekly, monthly, and train your team to do the same.

Guard Your Assets – Product and Cash Alike

Install CCTV cameras strategically to prevent internal theft. Use a reliable point-of-sale (POS) system to track sales and reduce internal fraud. Double-check payments and maintain accurate records to prevent unauthorized transactions.

Build Systems that Protect Your Business

A well-systematized business should function properly even when you're not physically present. Design clear processes and firm policies to minimize waste and theft. Document everything, conduct regular audits, and implement consequences for non-compliance.

Own the Failure

Accountability is the first step to rebuilding trust. When the betrayal came to light, I didn't cast blame – instead, I apologized to my team and myself. While I bore the financial cost, it was my team who endured the instability and toxicity of working with bad eggs.

In conclusion, entrepreneurship isn't glamorous – behind the social media posts are long nights, difficult decisions, and sometimes, painful betrayals. But every fall gives us a choice stay down or rise wiser, sharper, and stronger. I choose to rise.

Tina Khoe Ang is a retail entrepreneur managing 30 branches in Metro Manila, and a master franchisor of an American frozen treat brand with 11 shops. She is moderator of the Philippines HR Group on Facebook, and a co-host at The HR Café Usapang Trabaho, Buhay, Atbp webshow every Sunday at 3 p.m. You can email her at [email protected].

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.