Panama Canal Authority (Acp)
Change constantly.
“The Panama Canal Authority is charged with the management, operation, maintenance, improvement and modernization of the Panama Canal. The ACP is independent and autonomous from the Government of Panama, functioning as a market-oriented model that focuses on customer service and reliability. This shift in business model has yielded substantial dividends to customers and world commerce, with the canal recently setting impressive safety and efficiency records,” says Administrator Alberto Aleman Zubieta.
“It is essential to understand the real nature of your company and the products and services you provide. We live in a dynamic environment and therefore we have to change constantly. Knowing where your company is and where you want it to be in the near future are key elements for developing a strategic vision.
“There are three essential characteristics of a good leader. They are:
- Having and implementing a vision and sense of direction to lead toward that set goal
- Placing priorities
Empowering your people
“I believe that an organization’s people are its lifeblood, and that leaders are only as good as the people who support them.
Empowerment means letting people know they are valued, giving them autonomy and opportunities that will lead them to reach their highest potential. Having the best team of informed, knowledgeable, and trustworthy people is a crucial and indispensable element in achieving an organization’s goals and a leader’s vision.
“At the end of 1999, during the U.S. handover of the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama, I assumed leadership of the ACP. Managing the historic Panama Canal is no small or easy task. Nevertheless, the challenge, and especially the honor, of taking the responsibility for Panama’s national symbol of pride and patrimony, was truly exhilarating.
“Our vision for the canal is to bring an 89-year-old waterway to 21st century standards, and to steer the canal towards profitability and future viability so that we may meet the needs of our customers and guarantee dividends for the Panamanian people. Our goal is to make Panama the most important canter for transshipment and logistics of the Americas and to get the most benefit from our geographic position.
“The ACP has moved from a public utility, user-based operation to a market-oriented business enterprise to better meet the demands of our customers, thus requiring a cultural change in our organization.
“We are in the process of this cultural change and business model. We have worked with our management team and the canal’s world-class workforce to develop the canal’s vision, mission, and values, which are the bases that will support our strategy to achieve our vision. We have created an education program for our entire workforce so that they can understand the business we are in, the environment, our competition, and our goals, mission, and vision. These, together with a strong communication and information program, will help accelerate these required changes in our company.
“We also met and consulted with many of our customers to identify their needs. We implemented a new toll structure based on the market’s needs. We also made capital investments by increasing and improving our equipment and machinery. In response to security developments, we expanded our security operations and installed new security systems.
“The ACP has already started to reap the fruits of this process. Our investments in training, equipment, and technology have helped achieve an impressive and new safety record.
“Since we assumed control of the canal, the ACP has steadily reduced the number of maritime accidents. We have also significantly reduced the time vessels take to travel the canal.
“This means that the canal route provides faster and more reliable shipment of goods for customers and consumers alike. The Panama Canal Maritime Operations Department, as well as the Human Resources
Department’s Training and Development Division were awarded ISO 9001 certification, and the Environmental Management Division was awarded ISO 14001 certification. The ISO certifications corroborate the quality of service provided by the Panama Canal to its customers, and attests to its continued commitment to satisfy their needs and expectations.
“With a dynamic management team, and the ACP’s highly qualified workers and employees, we have been working steadily toward the achievement of our collective vision for the canal. Together, we will make sure that the gains we have achieved will continue on in the coming years.
“All the above would not have been possible without the partnerships we have forged with people, and by empowering our work force to make informed decisions, to innovate, and to react to the requirements of our customers. The history of the Panama Canal is filled with great leaders who have been pivotal in enabling and building one of the engineering marvels of the world.
“Leadership is formulating decisions, overcoming mistakes, and innovating as you respond to the evolving needs of your clients. You do not inherit leadership. You have to earn that leadership and respect.
“There are those that believe that being in a position of command makes them a leader. There is nothing farther from the truth. People may obey because of fear or necessity. A true leader inspires the people to perform at utmost capacity rather than only obeying orders and acting on them.
“Leadership is both challenging and exciting. Lead and learn, learn and lead; these are important ingredients in becoming a better leader.”