Leaders in public and private sectors enhance their leadership skills |08 July 2022

Mr Sinon facilitating the workshop (Photo: Salome Abel)

Various leaders from government, private and parastatal organisations across the country are upgrading their leadership skills in a three-day training workshop.

Organised by the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs in collaboration with The Guy Morel Institute (TGMI), the ‘Executive Leadership Development Training’ was officially opened on Wednesday and ends today.

It is taking place at The Guy Morel Institute (TGMI), Ma Joie.

At the end of the training the participants will be certified depending on the rate of attendance and examination performance.

The coordinator of the training is Maryvonne Francis, director of the Productivity Unit, with Timothy Sinon as facilitator.

The training first started in 2019 and has gained momentum on a national level. “Today more than ever we need to relook at our roles as leaders,” said Ms Francis, adding that the leaders are uniquely situated to make a difference wherever they are.

Addressing the participants she noted that poor leadership, bad managerial style are issues affecting productivity in the work place.

Mr Sinon gave the participants an overview of the next three days and what work would need to be done post programme.

Many of the participants are first timers to the programme and was advised to complete all sessions to acquire the certification.

Traditionally the programme did not require an exam however the facilitators have decided that the participants have three months to apply the skills they have acquired and after give a presentation. This is optional to receive a full certification. However those who do not wish to give a presentation will gain a certificate of participation.

Ms Francis stated that the main aim of the training is to have an impact in the workplace and to gain awareness of whether they have or are showcasing leadership qualities.

She added that the end result is to elevate productivity, improve efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace.

In total there were about 47 participants in the first cohort for leadership training which is part of a series of training the unit has launched.Among the 47 participants there were a number of people who were attending as a refresher course.

“We also have a demand for in-house training which will be hosted at the organisations who request,” Ms Francis said.

She added that people need to take their leadership roles better and have a good practice management style.

“It is important that the leaders and their workers work together in partnership to get better results,” she further stated.

The director highlighted that there are various issues that affect productivity as a leader such as communication. She stressed that to gain better results organisations need to promote team work.

She added that the unit has seen success after all the trainings they have conducted in regards to productivity. She said she feels satisfied that many best practices have been adopted as well as a spark of innovation coming through.

She added that some of her ‘mentees’ have even been promoted and adopting the best practices.

Ms Francis launched an appeal to those stuck in the same practices over the years that their mindset has to change as mindset and attitude are issues hindering productivity. Positive mindset change is targeted on all sides, employers and employees.

She also noted that a new campaign is being launched nationally to address the issues pertaining to mindset and attitude.

She emphasised that this is one aspect which is affecting service delivery in Seychelles.

“If you have a mindset that is negative, definitely you are not giving a good service,” she stated.

She added that for service delivery people need to be more welcoming, have quality standard and ensure that they deliver on time (timeline in service).

She further stressed that people cannot work with bureaucracy and red tape as it hinders productivity.

For service, the director noted that to give good service people must be engaged and passionate about their work to ensure better and higher quality output.

Vanessa Lucas & Marla Simeon