Continuous Training of Managers Vital for Company Development – Veira

The continuous training of managers, particularly middle managers, is vital for the development of the organizations they represent, and by extension Jamaica, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira, has emphasized.

She explains that training plays a vital role in assisting managers to “make their mark, instead of leaving a scar” on the organizations to which they are aligned.

Ms. Veira was speaking at the press launch of a Middle Managers’ Conference, at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, on Wednesday, April 3.

The two-day conference, which will be held on April 22 and 23, seeks to address the need for proactive management by middle managers, in adding value to any organization.

It will be hosted by Make Your Mark Consultants at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston under the theme: ‘The People at the Centre of Strategy’.

Ms. Veira said that apart from training, the overall package of the individual manager is paramount to the company’s success. These, she said, include social etiquette, dress code, among others.

“You have to remember that it is not only the intellect, but the total package which will decide the outcome,” she added.

Commending the organizers for their foresight in staging such a conference, the Ms. Veira said it can only redound to the benefit of those who participate.

She argued that the practical application that will be shared throughout the conference is fundamental in restructuring organizations and how they do business in the island.

“I am very excited when I hear that there are programmes like this on the agenda, because it means there is hope for Jamaica,” Ms. Veira said, adding that individuals will garner added knowledge through their participation.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Make Your Mark Consultants, Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, said efficient middle managers are critical to the development and productivity of any organisation, to give it the competitive edge in the market.

She said the conference is known for its practicality, while giving participants “a push” when they are going back to their offices.

Mrs. Coke-Lloyd pointed out that the conference has a 96 per cent satisfied/very satisfied rating, hosting local, regional and international presenters.

Middle managers are persons in the middle tier of management, who head specific departments such as accounting, marketing, production or business units, or who serve as project managers.

They are responsible for implementing the top management’s policies and plans, and typically have two management levels below them.

Middle managers represent the largest management group in Jamaica, making them the hub of the organization. Studies have shown that this large group of potential leaders and entrepreneurs will determine a business’ success or failure.

Some of the presenters for this year’s conference include: Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier; Managing Director of KITCH Consulting (UK/Barbados), Felicia Linch; President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company, Kelly Tomblin; CEO of the Toll Authority, Joan Fletcher; and President of Money Masters Limited, Claudette Crooks.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter