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Published on July 24, 2007

In Thai society, seniority is considered most important. As a result, in management it is difficult for younger people to break through into the senior ranks, no matter how skilled they are.

But Sureeporn Udompolvanich, 24, a vice president at imported-car company TSL Auto Corporation, leads people who are older and more experienced than she is.

"To be in such a position at my age, what I have to do is make people trust in my ability first, and that I am serious about the job," the young executive explains.

Sureeporn has staff meetings as often as possible.

The meetings are not just a stage for her to show her vision and leadership but a place where she can be open to subordinates' abilities and ideas.

"I accept any good ideas that come out the meetings. It does not mean that, as I am a boss, they have to do everything as I say. I have to consider their thoughts, too," she says.

"I show that I have confidence in their abilities. Once you place your confidence in someone, you will get their corporation in return."

Sureeporn is in charge of sales and service at TSL, a subsidiary of Benz Chaeng Wattana.

She started last year as a marketing director. Her duties then were to recruit a team and brainstorm ideas for a yearly campaign.

Compared with others her age, Sureeporn has entered the workforce in a senior position. That may be because her father owns the company.

But that does not mean she was not prepared properly for her work.

"I read many books about business - stories of success and personal management. It really helps to understand what direction the company should set out for itself, and what kind of employees I should hire to build my team."

Apart from self-learning, Sureeporn absorbed a lot from her father and other executives of the company as well as friends who graduated in marketing and management.

Sureeporn has an undergraduate degree in public administration from Thammasat University.

"It is quite lucky for me that this is a family business and I have been familiar with it since I was a kid. So I already have an instinct about what I should do," she says. Sureeporn spent her childhood in the showroom with her father.

Nevertheless, with just two years of work experience many might see this as a case of nepotism. Sureeporn understands.

"I know some employers might resent me. But that's normal and happens in any company. It's impossible to avoid small trifles."

Sureeporn does not just let these problems pass by. She has it out with disgruntled employees face to face.

"And if that person is senior to me, I let my father deal with it," she says.

"I understand that, in this culture, no matter how skilled you are, seniority is important. And with my low seniority at present, it will take time before everyone has faith in me."

Sureeporn sets goals for her team. "With a target, it makes work fun for everybody and they forget about having a young boss."

Watchara Saengsrisin

The Nation