Skip to main content
All Posts By

stluciancpc

The Impact of Competing Businesses to Productivity & Competitiveness

By Competitiveness, Productivity, Trade

Competing Businesses Demand An Increase In Productivity and CompetitivenessWhen you think about restaurants, stores and retailers near you, why do some seem to thrive whereas others are empty and ready to close down? The answer lies in competitiveness.  A competitive business refers to a business entity which uses all of its resources to outperform its competitors.  These businesses do so in a sustainable way rather than just over the short-term. In the Saint Lucian context, there are some markets where firms must compete in order to succeed. Those who battle to succeed are generally those who are competitive.
Competition in the business environment not only has a positive impact on consumers but on the local economy as a whole.  Domestic rivalry supports productivity and international competitiveness of the business sector and promotes dynamic markets and economic growth.  That is, when local businesses are competing with each other, they strive to keep down their operating costs which makes it is easier to pass on competitive prices to consumers. Lower prices means that the disadvantaged segment of the population are now able to enjoy lower prices. Therefore, these businesses can now reach more customers and can thus increase their market share. This in itself means that those firms are achieving increased productivity while competing.
In addition, competitors in the same market are always trying to increase their share of the market. In doing so, they may export goods and services to foreign markets. This has the advantage of helping them get more sophisticated clients overseas. Of course increased market share overseas can translate to increased profits. These local businesses are then able to expand and employ more workers. If this happens collectively, this will translate to increased employment, competitiveness and thus economic growth for the country.
Michael Porter, the competitiveness guru has stated that industries that are competitive internationally are those in which domestic rivalry is the strongest. He suggests that domestic rivalry contributes to the success of a country in a particular industry.  For example, Korea’s electronics sector is globally recognised and highly competitive. The sector’s high performance resulted from rivalry between domestic companies like Samsung and LG. Therefore, when firms aggressively compete with each other locally this means they are more prepared and better able to compete and sustain competitive advantage in the international market.
Business leaders must understand that the never-ending search for competitiveness is, therefore, a search for competitive advantages. All firms in the same line of business are chasing the same thing, so you can see that the concept of competitiveness is a moving target.  The complacent business that has enjoyed advantages in the past soon finds that it is overtaken by hungrier, fast-moving competitors.
Competitive businesses usually have one or more competitive advantages. Competitive advantage refers to the factors that allow a business to outperform its competitors. In order for a company to use those advantages to work effectively, they need to be sustainable.  A business which has achieved a competitive advantage means that:

  1. The company has been able to add more value to its customers than its rivals and has been able to attain a greater market share than other firms.
  2. The company has an advantage over its competitors by offering a superior value, quality or service.

In conclusion, it is important that our local businesses know how to compete. They have to implement strategies to enable them to be more competitive. These entities have to strive for excellence in order to face fierce competition and more importantly for survival. This effort to outperform their competitors supports productivity and competitiveness which contributes to overall economic growth.

October 30, 2015
Love0

NCPC Empowers Young Entrepreneurs towards Increased Productivity

By Competitiveness, Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips, Youth

Information Processing, E-Commerce, Social Media Marketing and Customer Service Will All Be Touched On At The EventThe National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NCPC) reinforces its commitment towards promoting increased productivity and competitiveness by embarking on actions and activities which educate and encourage a mind-set change amongst the Saint Lucian citizenry.
Continuing on in this vein, the Council is seeking to empower and encourage future success amongst young entrepreneurs to equip them with the tools which will promote increase in innovations and by extension making their businesses more competitive.
To this end, the NCPC will be hosting as part of Productivity Awareness Week 2015 “The Competitiveness Enrichment Seminar” which will be held on October 15, 2015 from 9 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the ICT Centre on Bourbon Street, Castries.
The seminar will feature informative and engaging sessions touching on, amongst others, subjects such as Information Processing, E-Commerce, Social Media Marketing and Customer Service.
Event organiser Marina Suraj of the NCPC states:
‘If you are between the ages of 18-35 years and are an entrepreneur with a micro-business, this opportunity is for you!
The NCPC encourages persons who are interested in attending this one day session to contact their offices between Monday and Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. before September 25, 2015 to indicate your interest. All interested persons are asked to register for this event at the earliest as a limited number of spaces are available.
A short profiling questionnaire has been designed and placed on the NCPC Facebook page for persons who wish to attend.  You are welcome as well to visit our offices located on the Second Floor of the Financial Centre Building, Bridge Street, Castries to obtain and complete the eligibility form.  The form seeks to ascertain the eligibility based on the age requirement which qualifies you the entrepreneur as “youth” and other pre-set features which identify your business as a “micro-enterprise.
For those who maybe working within the day but would still like to attend one of the events, we will be hosting a young entrepreneur’s mixer on the evening of 16th October, at The Blue Coral Mall from 6pm to 9pm. This will be a great networking event where numerous linkages can be made to help anyone along the way in relation to growing their business. Again, numbers are limited so we encourage those interested to get in touch with us at the earliest convenience.”

September 15, 2015
Love0

Mental Health and Its Impact On Productivity

By Productivity, Self Improvement

mental healthEveryone has the right to employment in conditions of security, equity, freedom and human dignity. For persons with mental health problems, achieving this right is a challenge.
According to the World Health Organization (2001), mental health is defined as ‘a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community’. However, in today’s workforce many people seem to be plagued by this disease and it is often overlooked as they are usually hidden by individuals in the workplace. For people suffering from mental illness, social exclusion is often the hardest barrier to overcome and is usually associated with feelings of shame, fear and rejection. Therefore, the stigma that is attached to having a psychiatric disorder dissuades most from admitting to its existence. There is also a reluctance to seek treatment out of fear that it could result in job loss.
As a result, mental health disorders often go unrecognised and untreated. This is not only detrimental to an individual’s health and career but it also influences productivity in the workplace. Mental illnesses have a huge effect on interpersonal relationships at work. People who suffer from mental illness may withdraw from others, act in unexpected ways or take a lot of time off. This can therefore strain relationships with supervisors and co-workers.
Employee performance, rates of illness, absenteeism, accidents and staff turnover are all affected by employees’ mental health status.
Treatment, if applied could ultimately alleviate symptoms for the employee and improve job performance. However, accomplishing these aims, especially in St. Lucia, will require a shift in attitudes as they relate to the nature of mental health disorder. Common mental health problems that can be found in the workplace include depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. The symptoms of which are all highly documented, but they tend to manifest differently at work. Although, effective mental health services are multidimensional, the workplace is an appropriate environment in which to educate individuals and raise their awareness on mental health. It is highly suggested that companies acknowledge and invest in the mental health of their employees. Not only for the sake of their employed workforce but also for the company. When organisations focus on the practical things that can be done to alleviate mental illness in the workplace the numbers of hours worked and productivity improves. Therefore, in the long term, costs spent on mental health care may represent an investment that will pay off- not only in healthier employees, but also for the company’s financial health.

August 31, 2015
Love0

How to be a Productive Intern this Summer…

By Competitiveness, Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips, Youth
St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Apprenticeship Scheme Intern Melissa Mondesir

St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association Apprenticeship Scheme Intern Melissa Mondesir

Internships provide real world experience to those looking to explore or gain the relevant knowledge and skills required to enter into a particular career field. Internships are relatively short term in nature with the primary focus on getting some on the job training and taking what’s learned in the classroom and applying it to the real world.
Internships are an excellent way to begin building those all-important connections that are invaluable in developing and maintaining a strong professional network for the future.
Each year, thousands of students gain experience by doing summer internships. In order to be successful at your internship this summer here are seven tips that could help you make your stint productive.
Start your day early
Set your morning alarm earlier than usual and swing by the office ahead of time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this extra time in the morning can be very useful. This allows you the chance to complete a few tasks, check your inbox, and feel less rushed throughout the day.
Write  down  everything
Whether you consider yourself to be an absorbent sponge it never hurts to carry a notebook. When you have to remember important information, you won’t need to waste time racking your brain, but can open up your handy notes instead. Invest in a quality notebook or two and always keep them handy throughout the day for easy access.
Utilize to-do lists     
Keeping a planner or to-do list can be help you keep track of your daily and weekly assignments as an intern. Remember, time management is crucial to becoming more productive. You will be thankful that you have everything scheduled neatly once your tasks and weekly meetings start to pile up.
 Take regular breaks
Taking regular breaks may sound counterproductive however this will increase your performance at work. Studies have shown that breaks can help increase attention span as well as prevent fatigue and eyestrain from sitting at your desk all day. Everyone needs time to unwind and stretch- take a water break, make small talk with staff or take a few minutes to meditate.
Eat snacks
Don’t go hungry during your internship; snack on some healthy treats for extra energy and brain power. Skip the  sugary sweets that can make you feel sluggish and grab something quick for the office for example almonds (a handful is rich in vitamin E, calcium, and potassium), fresh or dried fruits (naturally sweet and also strengthen your immune system), or carrots with hummus (which has protein, calcium, iron, and can improve your eyesight).
Ask for help
Try to avoid being the intern who refreshes their outlook inbox every five seconds waiting for something to do. Ask your supervisor or any other colleague in your department if there are additional tasks that needs to be done. Always ask for guidance if you are unsure of how to complete tasks and bear in mind that you are there to learn and grow. Showing initiative and interest will definitely increase opportunities for growth.
 Meet everyone you can 
You’re an intern in an office filled with industry professionals make use of this opportunity to network. Start by saying “hello” to people in the hallways, and always make sure to introduce yourself. The connections you make at your internship can not only keep you busy at work today, but also land you your dream job five years down the line. Remember to stay connected with everyone you meet (and add them on LinkedIn)!

August 31, 2015
Love0

Judge Appointed to Rule on Commercial Matters

By Competitiveness, Trade

court-hammer_thumbSaint Lucia will soon have the ability to settle commercial disputes with the appointment of a judge to rule on commercial matters in a timely manner.  High Court Judge -Justice Cadie St. Rose- Albertini was appointed to preside over such matters effective July 1, 2015 for the next three years. The Government of Saint Lucia has identified the establishment of a Commercial Division to its High Court as a high priority reform which will ultimately impact Saint Lucia’s competitive position and its overall development.  In the 2013/2014 Budget Address, the Honourable Prime Minister endorsed the Division and partnered with the Compete Caribbean Program for funding support in its implementation.
This ongoing project is coordinated by the National Competitiveness & Productivity Council and the Ministry of Legal Affairs in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Last year, the NCPC with support from Compete Caribbean embarked on the design of the Commercial Division to the High Court based on the experiences of a similar court in the British Virgin Islands which has been internationally recognized as a good model. The design is now complete and the NCPC as well as the Ministry is in the process of taking the necessary steps to establish the Division.
Additionally, the establishment of this mechanism will increase Saint Lucia’s competitiveness in the regional and international market. The World Economic Forum defines competitiveness as
“The set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country.”
Therefore, the presence of a set of institutions in a country that support businesses results in increased productivity and competitiveness. Thus, the operations of a Commercial Division can impact the competitiveness of a country through the promotion of business and investment prospects. The Commercial Division may contribute to a healthy investment climate which encourages investment into the country thus leading to economic growth.
This project will mark the start of enhancing the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Ranking for Saint Lucia and the overall business climate, through the Enforcing Contract indicator. For a number of years, this has been one of Saint Lucia’s worse performing indicators. That is, in 2015 Saint Lucia ranks 145 out of 189 economies on this indicator. On average, it takes 635 days and 46 procedures to settle a commercial dispute. Saint Lucia’s low ranking on this indicator is mainly due to the long delays in the trial and judgment phase. Frequently, after a case is filed, the parties have to wait over a year for a court date.
In general, the hiring of a Resident Judge to rule on commercial disputes will result in the speedy and efficient resolution of commercial disputes permits the court to be competitive and to support the business sector. In countries where contract enforcement is efficient, businesses are more likely to engage borrowers and customers which will translate to more business activity for firms.
It is expected that the new Division will be formally opened by the end of this year. It is anticipated that the Division will increase the efficiency of the legal system to settle commercial matters including contract enforcement.
The establishment of the Commercial Division cannot be realised without the associated legislative amendments or changes. It is expected that amendments will be made to the Code of Civil Procedure and the Civil Code as well as other pieces of legislation pertinent to the operations of the Commercial Division.  Compete Caribbean has provided support for the revision of these pieces of legislation and will also assist in equipping the court.

August 31, 2015
Love0

Volunteering To Enable Others To Shine

By Competitiveness, Productivity
Some of The Successful Candidates

Some of The Successful Candidates

A productive citizen is one not afraid of volunteering their services for the greater good of the nation.  They go all out for others and their country selflessly and sincerely. When the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council hear about individuals giving of their time and effort freely to back a productive cause, we feel obligated to highlight their efforts.  Shelly-Ann Noon is one person we felt had to be recognised due to her efforts in helping to bring about the attainment of 42 educational scholarships for 42 young St. Lucians in London England.  Here she captures her experience in her own words.
‘As I continue to receive updates and photographs from the 42 students who are actively pursuing their dreams in the UK, I marvel at the difference that three months have made in their lives.
I remember with all clarity March 31st, when we sent out our first press release. We were thrilled at sharing this amazing opportunity but also anxious about the time line within which we would have to work. BPP University in the UK had extended 50 Full Tuition Scholarships to St. Lucian nationals in the disciplines of Business and Law.  These scholarships were for their May 2015 intake. We had 6 weeks.
After 48 hours we had received over 50 emails; before the end of the week we had crossed the hundred mark.  Students were requesting additional information, some seeking support and guidance through the application process. We were truly grateful when the university offered to send a representative down to St. Lucia to expedite the sign-up process. Mr Jose Castro, the director of Admissions, flew down a week later and spent three days at the SALCC interviewing and signing up students.
We now had less than a month for those who qualified to resign from their jobs, move out of their rented apartments, and tie up all loose ends, even before they had been issued their Tier 4 student visas which came with rich criteria. This proved to be our greatest challenge yet.
A plethora of emails danced between RISE, BCCC, BPP and the St. Lucian Government. Pre-existing bonds had to be deferred, financial institutions had to be endorsed by the Ministry in order to be accepted by UKVI, employers extended reduced mandatory notice to their employees, banks worked tirelessly with the limited resources of the students and the students themselves continued to support and encourage each other. It was no easy feat.
Faith, endurance, perseverance and eventually gratitude, become the pillars of their character as their learned to brush off one rejection after another and continue pushing onward. There was an abundance of paperwork, footwork and prayer.
Now, every day I receive messages from one or two of those remarkable young people, with updates on the progress that they continue to make in their new lives; and every so often there is an image attached of their faces bright with promise. I especially love noting the incredible backdrops- amazing views of London, a true sign that they have accessed a whole new world.
It would be remiss of me to not mention and extend heart felt gratitude to those who held the torches along the dark and challenging trails: Juliette Wagner James of BBP University who created and extended this opportunity, Jose Castro and his assistant Rebecca Charlton who worked 7 day weeks and 14 hour days so that the students would meet deadlines, the Ministry of Education and Government of St. Lucia who opened closed doors, the financial institutions (especially FICS) who worked with the students and found light, however little, and made it enough to convert opportunity into reality. Hibiscus Travel and Virgin Atlantic Airlines for extending group rates for travel, Bay Gardens Hotel and the staff of SALCC who offered spaces for us to meet as often as was necessary, the staff of FEDEX and their Customs officers on duty when those returning travel documents were needed in short time. The members of the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce who remained throughout a phone call away, always willing to assist. The members of RISE (St. Lucia) Inc. who never missed a meeting, a call or group chat detail, and the staff of the British High Commission with special thanks to Mrs. Debbie Worrel here in St.Lucia and Dr. Ernest Hilaire in the UK, who made the impossible possible and today continue to offer a support system to the students. Finally, those individuals who went into their personal wallets when all resources had been exhausted before all needs could be met – Mr. Mandish Singh, Mr. Matthew Beaubrun, Mr. Boo Hinkson, Mr. George Alcindor, Mr. Leevie Herelle and Dr. Jacqui Bird.
Coming through to the other end of this initiative, it is evident to me that our young St. Lucians really do have a thrust for knowledge. It was heart breaking to see those who, through no fault of their own and certainly no lack of effort, were unable to avail themselves of what was sure to be a legacy altering opportunity.
It is my prayer that those 42 students who triumphed will continue to embrace the light, make rainbows of the UK rains and illuminate the path for those hopefully only temporarily left behind’.
to avail themselves of what was sure to be a legacy altering opportunity.
It is my prayer that those 42 students who triumphed will continue to embrace the light, make rainbows of the UK rains and illuminate the path for those hopefully only temporarily left behind’.

July 22, 2015
Love0

What is your idea of a productive summer vacation?

By Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips

Productive Summer Vacations Are The Most MemorableHave you ever asked yourself ‘what makes a good summer vacation’? Some feel that a favourable vacation consists of simply laying back and doing as little as possible.  They see a vacation as a period of time when schedules are banished and deadlines are ignored. There are others however who live life under the premise that every second of every day must be spent in a structured and orderly way. They believe that no period of time should be unregulated and thus wasted. How an individual spends their time off is a personal decision, and no one way should ever be viewed as wrong but for those who would prefer to follow a productively active plan, there are some actions that can be taken to help you do so.
Wake Up Early
Nothing eats away at your summer break like staying beneath the covers for most of the morning.  Decide the previous day when you will get out of bed, then make sure to follow through. During the first few weeks of your vacation, chances are that you will relish the opportunity to sleep in. It’s okay to do this and to give yourself a break but try not to make it a practice throughout the duration of your holiday as you may well end up spending the entire time in bed.
Maintain Good Health and Hygiene
Just because you are not obligated to leave your home every day during your vacation, it does not mean that you have to let yourself go. Take care of your health and hygiene.  You may also consider taking some summer fitness classes to get into shape or to help improve on the great shape that you already have.  If you are not too interested in joining a formal fitness club or group you should still try to get outside and have fun every day.
Study
Research a topic of interest, make some time to find out about something new. Your studying does not have to be limited to a book or the internet however. Go out to a museum, a gallery or a library to find out more about the chosen subject.  If you are a student, remember that studying remains essential throughout the school year. Look over last year’s notes or do some research into what next year’s courses have in store. When school resumes, you`ll be grateful that your academic knowledge and skills have not deteriorated.
Join a Volunteer Group
There are always groups around the community in need of some help. Give up some of your time to help out. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Go To Camp
Camps do not only pertain to children. Adult camps may be in operation under a different name or format.  Ask around, you may be surprised at how many adult community activities are in operation that offer the chance of learning something new.  You could learn to write, draw, bind books, make photo albums, knit and so much more. Try something new and different, something that you know nothing whatsoever about and you will gain a new skill and possibly find a lifelong hobby to love.
As stated, everyone has their own idea of what makes a good summer vacation and no one way is better than another but if you are not travelling abroad or planning anything elaborate for your summer break you can still make it memorable by making it productively active.

July 8, 2015
Love0

Important Productivity Lessons for Children

By Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips, Youth
Productivity Lessons Can be Learnt From A Young Age

Productivity Lessons Can be Learnt From A Young Age

Defining the concept of productivity to a child can prove challenging. The children’s online dictionary ‘kids.net.au’, defines productivity as “the quality of being productive or having the power to produce.”  It is also listed as being “the ratio of the quantity and quality of units produced to the labour per unit of time.”  It is questionable however as to whether either of these definitions could be easily understood by a child. Therefore, to better assist children with a coherent understanding of the concept of productivity, parents must resort to a more practical approach through demonstration of productive practices, explaining the productive elements to be found within each approach. With continuity in the practice of teaching and employing everyday practical productivity practices, a combination of efficiency, good preparation, effective use of learning tools and materials will prove evident in the children’s need always to execute all tasks to the best of their ability.
Simple productive habits to be demonstrated to your children include,
Take Notes to Remember Something Important-
Taking notes eliminates the prospect of your child having to try to recollect information at a later date. Trying to remember important information that has not been written down can prove time consuming. In taking notes, the knowledge needed is always at hand. If your child does not like the prospect of carrying around a pencil and a notepad, get them to use their tablet or smartphone. It is the action of note taking that is important, not the instrument that they use to do so.
Put Things Back Where They Belong-
This action not only prevents the home from becoming cluttered, it actually saves your children from wasting time in the future. By placing items back where they belong, the prospect of having to look for them at a later date is eliminated. This practices teaches a very effective time saving strategy.
Do Not Put Tasks On Hold Until the Last Minute-
Using the time allocated for a certain project properly, will help improve your child’s time management skills. Effective use of the time given to complete a project will also allow your child to carry out the task at hand to the best of their ability.
Pack Your Belongings the Night Before-
By making this simple task into a habit, your child will be able to observe the effects of good preparation. Getting ready for school in the morning takes time. This task illustrates how effectively this can be done once they have packed their school bag the night before. They will also be able to see how this exercise plays a vital role as it pertains to the time they get to school in the morning and how it allows for them to be properly organised in advance.
 
The Better You Communicate, the Better You Will Be Understood-
Children should be taught from a young age that communication is key. The better they are at communicating, the more likely they will be understood by those they are communicating with. Better communication helps to prevent false assumptions. Good communication allows for messages to be received and responded to efficiently. It dispels confusion, eliminating the possibility of time being wasted on a wrong action.
Not all children are keen on learning new lessons, especially when it means that they have to change the way in which things are done. However once a lesson becomes a habit, and the worth of each habit is realized your child will be appreciative of the productivity lessons instilled in them at a young age. It is only right to place children on the correct path which will lead to them becoming productive adults. In this way, they will be better prepared for their lives ahead.

July 3, 2015
Love0

A Productive Job Search

By Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips
Carry Out A Productive Job Search

Carry Out A Productive Job Search

Productivity is a necessity within all aspects of life. Whether old or young, employed or unemployed, productivity is key. That being said, for those seeking employment productivity plays an exceptionally important role. Having a high level of unemployment means that when a job opening exists, hundreds, if not thousands of individuals will be found applying for the same job. It should therefore be the objective of each applicant to ensure that their respective applications are set apart from all others thus securing them a place in the interview process and ultimately success in landing the job.
In the interim, ensuring positive results begins with a ‘productive’ job search.
A productive job search must be handled like a full time job, with schedules and varying strategies being adopted.  The process may be time consuming and a little stressful, but the end result will be well worth it as the objective is to ensure that the job seeker gets employed.
There are ten basic parts to a successful and productive job search. They include:

  • Networking; Maintaining current contacts and making new ones.
  • Monitoring of Online Presence; Most companies effect online searches on their prospective employees therefore it is important that your online profile exhibits a positive portrayal of yourself.
  • Searching For Jobs; An active effort must be made to constantly check listings and other avenues for employment opportunities and job openings.
  • Researching Companies; Be knowledgeable of the companies for which job openings exist. Ensure that you align yourself with the work of the company and its vision.
  • Updating Resumes; Your resume must be constantly updated to include new and relevant information.
  • Writing Cover Letters; Your resume must be accompanied by an eye-catching, well written cover letter. This document must articulate your potential as the right candidate for the job.
  • Applying To Jobs; Unwavering pursuit of employment must be evident in the approach to writing and dispatching job applications – remain actively engaged in this practice.
  • Following Up on Applications; Never assume that your application was received. Follow up with a short email or a phone call to confirm receipt.
  • Interviewing For Jobs; Be readily available when called upon for job interviews.
  • Following Up on Interviews; Always thank the organisation for having made the time to see you and enquire about the next stage of the hiring process.

Alongside the aforementioned, there are other strategies that aid in making the process of looking for a job more productive. For example, a job seeker should:

  • Make Plans

Allocate certain days for certain activities and stick to the schedule. For example make Mondays, and Wednesdays the days to follow up with networking contacts and Tuesdays and Thursdays the days to research new companies worth applying to. Fridays could then be reserved for following up on any job applications sent off the previous week.

  • Maintain a Spreadsheet of Activities

Information spreadsheets are a vital aid for jobseekers. They help by keeping them up to date and on track of where they are within the whole job seeking process. Included should be all information relating to all jobs applied to. Note down the names of the companies contacted, the date applications were sent off, the individuals contacted and the dates when follow up activities should begin. It is also advisable to have a networking spreadsheet which should contain all relevant information pertaining to all networking carried out.

  • Always Rework Resumes and Cover Letters for Specific Jobs

It may not be necessary to rewrite an entire resume and cover letter for every job, but certain keywords, the summary of qualifications, and the letter’s content should be updated for each job. This will take longer than sending out the same standard cover letter and C.V but applications will be much more targeted, making them more effective.
Anyone who has ever been unemployed would agree that when looking for a job, it can be disheartening when applications are continuously sent out with there being little to no positive feedback. However, the key is never to give up! Persistence coupled with a productive action plan will help bring about a productive output. One which will give rise to the right person being hired for the right position, within the right organisation.

June 29, 2015
Love0

Maintaining A Productive Staff

By Productivity, Self Improvement, Tips
Maintaing A Productive Staff Does Not Have To Be Hard Work

Maintaining A Productive Staff Does Not Have To Be Hard Work

Every good business owner or successful supervisor works hard at giving their staff the encouragement they need for them to be productive.  This creates the right environment needed to support strong individual contributions and full team participation alike. Employees are then able to provide the best in service for clients.
That having been said, a conscientious manager is one who is also aware of the fact that employees fall into varying categories, each needing to be managed and held accountable to high standards. When individuals are not held to the same high standards as their colleagues, team morale is destroyed and productivity is weakened.
In his article ‘Getting The Best From Your Staff’, Ian Ferguson, contributor to the Bahamas Tribune lists the categories that employees fall into as being,

  • The Highly Motivated and Competent Employee
  • The Highly Competent and Discouraged Employee
  • The Hard Working and Dedicated, Yet Low Skilled Employee and
  • The Low Skilled, Low Productivity Employee.

The Highly Competent and Motivated Employee
These individuals are seen as being the prized jewel within any organisations crown. They give 100% effort, are self-starters and have a lot to offer. They enjoy their work and so they give their all when trying to achieve company objectives.
Even though this category of employee contains highly competent individuals, they should still be given the opportunity to grow through new assignments, expanded roles and positive reinforcement.
The Highly Competent but Discouraged Employee
The highest number of employees fall within this category. These individuals have a lot to offer, but their attitude towards work has become jaded. This has resulted in their resolve being to do the bare minimum.
There are many reasons why an employee might find themselves within this category. From disillusionment to boredom, the cases vary. Regardless of the reason, these employees must be identified and communicated with. Quick action can result in them becoming some of the most valued assets to a company. Strides must be taken by those in charge to re-engage them within meaningful tasks, with their efforts being applauded along the way.
The Hard Working yet Low Skilled Employee
Many leaders make the mistake of confusing hard work, commitment and dedication with efficiency and competence. Some would actually argue that it is so rare to find people with good work ethic these days that once found these employees should simply be rewarded for their efforts. This is not always the best approach. A hard working dedicated employee who is low skilled should be encouraged continuously to improve on their competency. An individual such as this is indeed a credit to any organisation, but imagine how productive a worker they would be within the company if they were fully trained within their role. These employees must be inspired to engage in talent development initiatives and supported along the way. This will bring about a proficient and well-rounded employee.
The Low Skilled, Low Productivity Employee
There will always come a point in time when a business owner or supervisor will find this individual under their directive. It often baffles onlookers as to how these employees have been allowed to continue within their role without reprisal. The fact is that their lack of productivity is noted, yet many in a leadership role believe that it is only fair to give them the chance to improve on their performance. Opportunities given are seldom ever taken however.
Ferguson states’
‘Companies must make the sometimes difficult yet necessary decision to release such employees, once every effort has been made to build capacity and provide training and learning opportunities for them.’
Keeping this type of employee on as part of any working team often leads to a drop in morale amongst other more productive and committed members of staff. It would be wrong to ever let this happen.
Differing personalities make up the staff of any given company or organisation. Each has within them their own level of dedication to the organisation and as such they each deliver a varied level of service. By knowing the staff that work alongside them on a day to day basis, their personalities and their skills, a good manager is able to motivate each individual in the right way. This in turn bringing about a high level of productivity from all in employ.

June 29, 2015
Love0