The challenges facing the third generation of the Gullases

It is a hard act to follow. I refer to the totality of the many outstanding achievements of UV chairman and president Eduardo Gullas, with his firm but gentle leadership, his perspectives on policies and strategies, mastery of education laws, his great wisdom in choosing and motivating UV officials, as well as the hands-on stewardship which was steadfastly done day-by-day by Dr. Jose “Dodong” Gullas, executive vice president, not to mention the laid-back, low-key unifying role of Mrs. Gliceria Gullas Lucero, whose patience and perseverance inspired his brothers to hold the family together despite adversity.

The third generation of Gullases are not just brothers and sisters but first-degree cousins. They face the challenge of keeping the family united, cohesive, and cooperative. Their respective parents have remained bonded by their strong love for each other, inspired by the vision of their late father, Papa Inting, and the guidance of their late mother, Mama Pining.

Their parents were members of the old school, more experienced than Baby Boomers. The children of the founder were born in the 1920’s and 1930’s. They were well-off and had a comfortable life, but their parents taught them the dignity of hard work, importance of sacrifice, and the need to stay together as siblings.

The third generation of Gullases was born in luxury and easy life. They never went to school on foot but were driven by drivers and closely guarded by yayas and security personnel. They are highly educated here and abroad, skilled in modern and cutting-edge communication and information technology. They are well-versed in global trends and are aware of the challenges confronting them.

Thus, the third generation of Gullases will not be wanting in knowledge, skills, and technical competencies. They are gifted and empowered. But their biggest challenge are the soft skills of communicating with each other, building trust and cooperation, and solving issues that may put a wedge between and among them, with a sense of urgency and commitment to keep the family intact.

What they need to really learn from Sir Eddie, Sir Dodong, and Inday Sering are these soft skills. They also need to choose a leader from among them who has the gentleness and patience of Sir Eddie, the humility and selflessness of Inday Sering, and the hardworking focus and commitment of Sir Dodong.

They also need to draw inspiration from their Lolo Inting and Lola Pining, specifically, his vision and passion and her frugal and simple outlook and attitude. The young Gullases should learn the intricate art of human relations and the difficult sciences of conflict resolution and team-building.

Perhaps what the third generation needs, when the second generation decides to turn over to the younger ones the task of leading and managing UV, really is an outsider who does not side with any faction, but serves as a unifying advisor, mediator, and arbitrator, who has the respect and trust of all younger Gullases. Men like Atty. Dodong Baduel should stay and be that kind of trusted consigliere, to help the cousins stay together, bonded and strong.