Barbados Association of Administrative Professionals

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C E L E B R AT I N G A D M I N I S T R AT I V E P R O F E S S I O N A L S W E E K

Administrative Professionals D A I LY

t 16-PAGE SPECIAL MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010.

– Surviving the

challenges

2. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

Knowledge

encourage others to join the profession whilst simultaneously showcasing our worth to the social and economic environment.

This year, we the members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals will celebrate our 36th anniversary. We have come a long way as a developing organisation with plenty of talent and experience displayed by our members. We this movement of business in the COLLEAGUES! Another year has continue to embrace our junior workplace? How can we help our passed and the present one is brothers and sisters? What contribution organisation, the Barbados speeding ahead. As we observe another Administrative Professionals’ as an organisation which touches most Association of Future Office Professionals and look forward to Week, we do so with pride and joy as it of the agencies whether private or assisting them in facing any challenges. relates to our achievements over the public can we make?

As President I am very proud of years. This year, the theme chosen We face these questions daily, as we our achievements during my tenure. move and have our being. However, Administrative Professionals So, as a clear testimony of knowing Surviving The Challenges, helps us to when we place our confidence in God confidently who holds our hands and who has promised to see us through join in one of the main focus events of even in these tough times, we can face continues to lead us into the future our fellow associations across the the challenges and transform them into – I join with the songwriter and leave regional and international arena. these words with you. positive experiences.

As administrative professionals “Many things about tomorrow, For example, we can do so by using we are constantly challenged with I don’t seem to understand; numerous evolving corporate demands; our initiatives, talents and skills to help But I know who holds tomorrow, us personally and professionally in with cultural diversity and new, And I know who holds my hand”. securing the wellbeing of our families, demanding and exciting technological With those words before us, I organisations, our country and by changes in our workplaces. As therefore take this opportunity to extension ourselves. a result, we need to become more congratulate all administrative and Fellow administrative professionals, knowledgeable in order to survive and office professionals and wish you a this is our week, let us enjoy and thrive in this dynamic environment. happy and enjoyable Administrative cherish the activity(ies) our employers In a period when the majority of Professionals Week 2010 . companies and governmental agencies have planned for us. Such action is are cutting back on their spending and only a small token of their appreciation – JANICE WILLIAMS for the hard work we do in making our employees are faced with possible President BAOP “downsizing”, we must ask ourselves a organisation excel. It is also our 2009-2010 few questions. Are we fully prepared for opportunity to relish our attention,

key to our

survival

JANICE WILLIAMS President BAOP

(GP)

rs ea

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19 70 - 2010

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 3

(STANDING, FROM LEFT) Jacqueline Haynes-Roach, corresponding secretary; Elma Reece, treasurer; Linda Coombs, president elect; and Sonia Nicholls, assistant secretary/treasurer.

(Sitting, from left) Shernelle Sealy, recording secretary; Janice Williams, president; and Maxine Skeete, immediate past president. (GP)

The Barbados Association of Office Professionals Board of Directors 2009-2010

IAAP growth with change

IT WAS INDEED an honour and a pleasure to have been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) for the terms 2008-2009 and again 2009-2010.

As I come to the end of this wonderful journey, I can truly say that I have benefited tremendously and I wish to thank the members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals (BAOP) for having the confidence in me to put my name forward as a candidate. Thus, Barbados became the second Caribbean country to have a candidate sitting on the Board of Directors.

The Board’s membership is made up of the International President, President-Elect, VicePresident, Treasurer, Secretary and five Directors who oversee the operations of associations across the United States. My role on the Board therefore was to assist in providing an international perspective and a unique global insight that represents members of the affiliate associations across the globe and serve as Liaison between these associations and the Board of Directors.

The IAAP is a not-for-profit professional association for office professionals with approximately 28 000 members and affiliates and over 600 chapters worldwide. Affiliate membership is available to established autonomous administrative professional organisations and/or units of such associations located outside the United States, its territories, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands or Canada.

The affiliate associations, of which I have responsibility for are Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Singapore, St Kitts & Nevis, Aruba, Barbados, Iceland, Jamaica, Philippines, Ski Lanka and Thailand.

Achievements I am happy to report that since being a member of the Board of Directors, I have been successful in recruiting Angola, South Africa, South Korea and Zimbabwe into the IAAP family as affiliates.

For the last two years IAAP has continued to develop a roadmap to allow significant progress in achieving its goal of becoming a remarkable association by 2010. One of our first efforts was to rewrite our mission statement. The development process chosen allowed us to use member feedback to help narrow down several draft statements and to have the final say in the ultimate selection of a statement.

Enhancing the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development became our reason to exist

and therefore, a guidepost for all activities, programmes and services. Shortly before the 2008 convention held in New Orleans, a project plan to accomplish the goals of IAAP was created. To date a great deal of project plan progress has been made including: a new mission and new values statement, member baseline survey, an assessment of programmes and services against IAAP’s mission, a redesigned headquarters, website and web community.

Over the last year and a half, the IAAP has gone through many important changes, which to my mind will move the association forward and create excellence. Change is not always easy, yet it can bring significant success when it is well thought out and

JENNIFER HINKSON

(GP)

implemented with a plan in mind.

As I vacate my seat as a member of the Board of Directors on July 31, I am confident that the changes that were made will continue to grow IAAP and bring it closer to becoming a remarkable association and I am indeed grateful to have been a part of this development.

– BY JENNIFER HINKSON International Affiliate Representative International Association of Administrative Professionals

4. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

Embrace COLLEAGUES, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Administrative Professionals’ Week. This auspicious event where we recognise all administrative professionals (APs) worldwide will take place from April 18 to 24.

The Caribbean region again has the pleasure of hosting the event under the theme Administrative Professionals Surviving The Challenges, a follow-up from last year’s theme. In 2009, we Embraced The Challenges and charted a pathway to survive the impact of an economy in recession.

The region has overcome numerous hurdles since the recession began.

Some countries are still in the midst of the recession, others are experiencing flat outlook and some are presently tailing off.

APs, whatever condition you are currently at, it is an opportune time to re-evaluate your position.

Towards the end you will find a shift from where it was at the beginning, as challenges brings about changes.

It is understandable that with changes, new plans will need to be developed and implemented. Continue to monitor the plans and adjust where necessary, and above all learn from your accomplishments and failures.

Remember that challenges, turned upside down, are simply opportunities waiting to be achieved.

Attitudes will determine success

challenge, expect changes Administrative professionals, as you continue to face the challenges of a changing economy you must adapt to the circumstances and be positive and optimistic.

We have gone through one of the toughest periods of this economic

slowdown. It is often stated that those who survive excel from their experiences and utilise these lessons appropriately.

– JENNIFER FRANCIS TAYLOR President 2008-April 2010

JENNIFER FRANCIS TAYLOR

(GP)

Mission to enhance success ON Administrative Professionals Day® we honour admins working in all capacities of office life. To the office workers in Barbados, we salute you during this week set aside annually to honour administrative professionals.

At the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), we take seriously the work of the

administrative professionals.

Our mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development. We are here to advance the profession.

We believe that admins are the

cornerstone of the office. I wish all the office workers – those who keep the office running smoothly and efficiently – a happy Administrative Professionals Day. – SUSAN SHAMALI CPS/CAP 2010 International President International Association of Administrative Professionals

Administrative Professionals’ Week At RBC we believe that our people are vital to our ability to provide our clients with personal or business banking solutions every day.

Our administrative professionals are an integral part of this team, providing key support when and where we need it most.

We salute them.

™

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 5

HOW DO YOU marry family, work, worship, studies, rest and recreation and feel fulfilled? This is the challenge facing many working mothers who must find a way to fill these roles by sometimes wearing more than one hat at a time. Time management and discipline are key to the successful marriage of these roles. First, you need to establish what is most important and prioritise – based on the ranking you can determine – what you will attempt.

A daily “things to do list” is a must if you are going to remain focused and accomplish the things that you want to do in 24 hours. Most times, you know what you want to do but these activities are in your head – having a written record will be a vivid reminder. Wherever possible, your list can be revised according to priority and to make the tasks practical and achievable. The sense of achievement at the end of each day will motivate you to continue balancing your schedule and going after your objectives.

For some people, family will be first – in that case you could agree with family members how the family responsibilities would be shared so that all parties are engaged and working towards one common harmonious goal. In some instances, a woman may go beyond the call of duty to ensure that the family is functioning well while disregarding her

It’s all about

balance needs, which ultimately leads to frustration and stress.

It makes good sense to share worship and recreation with family where valuable quality time is enjoyed and pleasant memories created.

Too many times meals are taken on JANET SEALY: BAOP Member Of the go, how about making an efort to The Year 2009-2010 (GP) meet up with a loved one to share a if not with relatives with our Christian meal a day. From time to time it would brethren or from some carefully planned be nice to sacrifice personal comforts structure in the community. and travel in one vehicle – this could Work commitments change as enhance communication and business changes – gone are the days togetherness in families. when the duty of the administrative Too many people have moved away from the extended family setting and as personnel was to answer telephones, make coffee and tea and record a result do not have the blessing of minutes. Most administrative staff are parents and grandparents in close proximity. Several working parents can involved in managing the day-to-day activities of the office, supervising other testify to the value of having relatives staff members, performing event who would care for their children as they themselves would. Thought should planning activities and preparing be given to recapturing that family spirit budgets for their departments. The

normal 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work day no longer applies in the administrator’s life.

Technological tools like the Blackberry forces you to respond to requests outside of normal working hours. Training and retraining is important if you are going to remain marketable and have that competitive edge; you must keep up to date with educational advancements. Thanks to online training there is a viable alternative to strenuous after-work classes.

The constant complaints of “stress” can be blamed on the lack of rest and exercise. When challenges are encountered and there is a lack of time, we work through our lunch hour and settle for a quick bite, we give up that gym evening or after-work walk. We sometimes work late into the night and rise early in the morning to resume our normal schedule. Our bodies cry out for rest and relaxation. If we are going to reach our true potential and be at peace with ourselves we must be able to bring balance to our lives. Balance is imperative and without discipline it can be easily lost. We must regularly review our activities to ensure that our spiritual, physical, mental and social side are in harmony. Balance is achievable – work at it.

– JANET SEALY

6. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

The Barbados Association of Office Professionals Chairpersons 2009-2010

STANDING: Geoffrey Springer (Internal auditor) and Esther Tull (AP Week coordinator) Seated Yvette Sargeant (left) (Disciplinary), Carlyn Waithe (Librarian). (GP)

BAOP Week of Activities

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS in Barbados, like their counterparts in various countries across the globe, over the next week will be celebrating their annual Administrative Professionals’ Week.

The celebrations began for members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals (BAOP), their friends and families, with a thanksgiving service yesterday morning at the Bethlehem Moravian Church in Maxwell, Christ

STANDING: (from left) Cherene Turton (Ways and Means); Veronica King (Publicity), Bernadine Daniel (Membership/Mentorship), Diana Holdipp (BAFOP), Judy Taitt and Monica Green (Education/Conference).

SEATED: (from left) Donna Wade (CPS coordinator) Olivia Burch (Chorale coordinator) and Angela Carter (Programmes Planning ). Missing is Kathryn Daniel (Activities). (GP) Church, followed by lunch at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort.

Held this year under the theme Administrative Professionals – Surviving the Challenges, activities will continue at various venues over the week and culminate on Saturday, April 24, with the Barbados Association of Future Office Professionals’ (BAFOP) awards ceremony at Divi Southwinds starting from 6 p.m.

Activities for the remainder of the

week are as follows: Tomorrow BAFOP Schools’ Seminar 9:30 a.m. – Barbados Community College Speaker: Carl ‘Alf’ Padmore The theme will be Working for Today, Living for Tomorrow Wednesday 21, April AP Day Luncheon

12 p.m. – Hilton Barbados Hotel Speaker: Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo, MP Revelation of the Member Of The Year will also take place at this event.

Friday 23, April Fish Fry – Karaoke and Steel Pan 6 p.m. – Bay Street Esplanade Saturday, April 24 BAFOP Awards Ceremony 6 p.m. – Divi Southwinds Beach Resort

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 7

THE Barbados Association of Future Office Professionals (BAFOP) is the youth arm of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals (BAOP) where our primary focus is on our members’ development; educationally – through seminars, courses, and motivational lectures; socially – enhanced interpersonal development, friendships and relationships; the growth of the Associations’ membership; the overall awareness of our existence, and to our continued success as we enter into our 16th year of existence.

Catering to persons between the ages of 15-25 years, the Association was conceptualised in April 1994 by Mrs Orwin Niles, a Life member of the BAOP and its main goal is to prepare young aspiring office professionals for the world of work.

BAFOP celebrates its 16th anniversary on April 24 and we, the 2009-2011 Executive Board take this opportunity to say thank you to the past and present members, who have built and maintained the foundation of the Association, therefore assisting in its growth, continued existence and success.

To the members of the BAOP, friends and family of the BAFOP, we are appreciative of your continuous support at our meetings and activities and for your encouragement to the members of the Association.

BAFOP

paving the way The BAFOP welcomed four new members into the Association at the 2009 Installation and Initiation Ceremony. Leah Brown, Tameisha Callender, Nayo Belgrave and Christan Hunte were all installed as members of the Association.

Christan Hunte was awarded the Most Outstanding Initiate for 2009. This award is presented to BAFOP initiates (from left) Shaneal Bynoe, Leah Browne, Tameisha the prospective member who faithfully Callender, Nayo Belgrave and Christian Hunte. (GP) attended and participated in meetings using their initiative when necessary; and activities and who displayed a high past president of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals Nikita Brathwaite was the 2009 recipient level of enthusiasm and commitment (BAOP), and the Caribbean of the Making A Difference challenge during their ply for membership into Association of Administrative shield. the Association.

Professionals (CAAP).

The award The Orwin Niles Award Christian is currently the chairperson is intended to recognise a BAFOP The most prestigious award is of the Ways and Means Committee. member who makes a difference in the Awardees association, by mentoring another The Making A Difference Award member, chairing an activity or merely • Continued on Page 12. was created by Mrs Jennifer Hinkson,

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 9

8. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

º

ast ate p to i d e imm vel ETE, g the ga s. (GP) E K S n i ass liam INE MAX nt, (left) p anice Wil J e d presi president BAOP Moni MEMBE R the p ca Greene S Judy T aitt ( r payi o c e e awar ds ce dings at i ng rapt at left) and remo nstal lationtention to nies.

(GP) and

BOARD MEMBERS posing with Minister Patrick Todd (sitting centre). Standing from left: Sonia Nicholls, assistant secretary/treasurer; Elma Reece, treasurer Jacqueline Haynes-Roach, corresponding secretary; Shernelle Sealy, recording secretary; Linda Coombs, president elect. Sitting are Maxine Skeete (left), immediate past president, and Janice Williams, president. (GP)

REVEREND MCATHIN HINDS, who delivered the Feature Address at the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Conference held February 25, 2010, being presented with a token of appreciation by Member of the Year, Janet Sealy. (GP)

PRESIDENT JANICE WILLIAMS (second from left, front row), liaison officer Diana Holdipp (second from left, back row) and Member Of The Year Janet Sealy (third from left, front row) with BAFOP members after their semi annual church service at the People’s Cathedral in January. (GP)

ing the (left) receiv a DaSilva of T T O M M LYDIA JE Award from Marv (GP) Education ce Cruise Services.

Foster & In

FORMER PRESIDENTS Deidre Murphy, Orwin Niles and Maxine Skeete at the BAOP retreat last year. (GP)

mbs, CK: Linda Coo BAOP GIVES BA cond from left), and Sandra t (se president-elec r to a family enting a hampe as Party es pr ft) (le ds in H tm hildren’s Chris at the annual C 2009. (GP)

NEWLY INITIATED MEMBERS and their mentors at the initiation ceremony held on April 3 at Clock Tower Garrison. (GP)

f Sons and S, father o inner Nicolette M IA L IL w W EDWARD Scholarship Award on her belhalf Daughters ccepting, the award niss. (GP) a Williams president Maxine In st a p m o fr

BAOP MEMBERS enjoying fellowship after the semi-annual church service at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church – December 2009. (GP)

10. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

From employee to entrepreneur

NOT ALL OF US have it in us to be “our own boss”. However more of us can really be successful entrepreneurs than we think. Just getting an okay job is too often the goal of too many in our environment.

In today’s economy getting and keeping a job is probably harder in Barbados than it has been in decades. Furthermore we owe it to ourselves to make every effort to find work that we are really keen on – even passionate about!

To those who want to transition from being an employee to being an entrepreneur, work through the following steps purposefully: Act like an ROS JACKSON owner/entrepreneur NOW. Use your current job to develop your business skills and to develop your currently in? This is important credibility with your colleagues and because of your future credibility you the company’s other stakeholders. If on must avoid being in situations which are the job you are lazy and “don’t careish” conflicting. You also need to be honest no one around you will have faith in with yourself and your boss on how you you to run your own business. will make the transition.

Every business needs customers.

Find the courage to make the leap.

Think deeply about your decision.

Am I really driven to do this? This is What will I do and why? Am I important because determination is key passionate about it? How have I gauged to working through difficulties. You will its potential? Is it outside of what I have difficulties. Plan your entry into currently do or is it in the field that I’m business by preparing yourself

Alicia Lynch

Mario Blackett

Chandra Kingston

Princess Watts

Elaine Holford-Sealy

Richardine Alleyne

Grantley Bailey

Shanna Streeks

physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. What are my goals? What do I have to do step by step? What are my living expenses – my needs not my wants? Am I covered for three months? Am I looking after myself with adequate exercise and so on?

Prepare yourself – you are your most valuable asset. Think about it – getting ready for your personal “Olympic Gold Medal” requires a lot of preparation and sacrifice.

Critically examine your beliefs. Are they working for you or against you?

Change them if necessary.

Remember “my beliefs support me and my journey”. You need to visualise success, get organised, stay focused and practice self discipline. You also need to respect yourself and strengthen your spirituality in order to be ready for the “ups and downs”. They are guaranteed.

Be aware that you will need to overcome both your fears and some inevitable obstacles. Making the leap is a risk and fear of the unknown is natural but vision, courage, and perseverance will help overcome fear.

Do not over analyse but plan and be solution oriented while you keep your eye on THE PRIZE. Deepak Chopra reminds us that: “when you experience uncertainty, you are on the right path – so don’t give up”. As you venture into “uncharted waters” you will have to expand your comfort zone. Can you work to be comfortably uncomfortable?

The first few months will be the hardest but you must stick with it and trust yourself. Learn from every experience, be patient and humble.

Acknowledge every little success daily.

Surround yourself with positive supporters and create your success path.

Just go for it. – Plan but do not over analyse. Work out your finances. Be prepared to “pound the pavements” and learn from rejections. Take care of yourself and trust!!

Visit our website at www.caribbeancatalyst.com for a questionnaire “Do I Really Want To Be My Own Boss?” and pointers on Developing Your Plan Of Action.

Remember you own your success.

We are all “self made”.

Heather Negahdar

Tanisha Harewood

The price of our team’s success is dedication, hardwork and an unremitting devotion to our company’s goals.

Our Office Professionals have once again shown their commitment to excellence. We are proud to have each one of you as a member of our team.

Tina Bartlett

Call us at 431 2800 or visit sagicorgeneral.com

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 11

Why I joined the BAOP UPON LEAVING Campus, where I am reading secondary school I for a BSc in Economics & continued my education Management. I am currently with focus on a career in employed as an administrative the secretarial field. My assistant, Desktop Publishing desire to someday be a Department at Sagicor Life secretary led me to Inc. enroll at the Academy of My love for the Commerce and administrative field has led me Technical Studies where to become a member of the I completed a Secretarial Barbados Association of Studies Diploma.

Office Professionals (BAOP).

From there I went on I believe my academic and to the University of the professional backgrounds West Indies, School of JEANNIE McCASKIE along with my creative gift in Continuing Studies where (GP) desktop publishing would I completed the serve to be a tremendous Administrative Professional Secretaries asset to this association in achieving its Programme, I also received further objectives. training at the Barbados Institute of I take this opportunity to extend Management and Productivity (BIMAP) congratulations to the BAOP on its 36th where I pursued a Diploma in anniversary and I look forward to Administrative Management. working with you in the years to come.

Today I am a student of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill – JEANNIE McCASKIE

Dress for success IN SPITE OF traditional standards of dress now being extremely relaxed in some social settings, and slightly so in modern offices, the old saying “Dress For Success” is still a good ENSURE the way you yardstick by which office professionals are judged. dress, for the interview It begins even before you get the job. Good and after securing the job training courses should include guidance on proper portrays you as a office wear, and if possible have a type of uniform professional individual. (GP) for students which fits into this mould.

When you start to go out to interviews, it is important to make a good first impression, not only with your qualifications, and your manner of speech and deportment, but also the way you dress.

Good grooming is vital, from your head to your toes.

Hairstyles should be neat and not falling into your eyes, spiking up into high points, or being overly wild and trendy. Save the wild styles for the occasions in your social life for which they may be appropriate.

Make-up should be judicious and “not laid on with a shovel” and overly bright. Accessories should blend or make an attractive contrast with the main garment – a tailored dress, skirt suit or skirt and blouse.

Hem lengths should be at or just under the knee or longer – keep the micro-minis for outside the office. Nails should be well manicured and not decorated in bizarre styles or colours out of sync with your outfit. Jewellery should be understated, going with a few stylish pieces, rather than a whole heap of gaudy items.

When selecting the interview garments, err on the side of conservative, rather than faddish. After you get the job, then you will be in a better position to see where you can be more flexible. Look at the successful women within the organisation and get into step with their style.

In spite of the recent trend, borrowed from the United States, for Casual Friday, be cautious about relaxing office dress codes to the extent that a sloppy look is the result. This is especially important if you have the type of job in which you will be interacting with important clients who may not be into the “casual day” thing.

Office managers in the United States have also been re-thinking the wisdom of allowing staff to dress more relaxed on Friday, as, instead of going the elegantly casual or slightly sporty look, some workers have gone overboard into wearing drawstring baggy pants, Hawaiian shirts, old T-shirts, sneakers, slippers and unkempt hair. Such gear definitely does not fit into the “Dress for Success” mode.

12. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

CHRISTAN HUNTE was awarded the Most Outstanding Initiate for 2009.

(GP)

Visit our site to learn more • From Page 7. presented to the member who has worked industriously and displayed tremendous commitment to the development of the Association. The Orwin Niles Award is named after the BAFOP’s founding member Mrs Orwin Niles. This was presented to Angie Bailey. Angie was also awarded the

ANGIE BAILEY received the Orwin Niles award as well as the Astrid Alleyne award. (GP) Astrid Alleyne Award, which is reserved for senior members who exemplify outstanding service and commitment to the Association.

Should your require information about our purpose, role, meetings and activities, or you are interested in becoming a member, we invite you to visit the website www.baop.org and click on the link for BAFOP.

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 13

MODERN LIFE offers countless situations that can make people uneasy – being in confined spaces and being in close proximity to strangers. One such place that combines all these elements is an elevator.

To avoid making yourself and others feel uncomfortable, it is important that you treat the elevator as an extension of your workplace, and behave as if your most important client is with you.

As a matter of courtesy, rules of elevator etiquette should be observed.

These rules apply universally.

1. Thou shall take the stairs if travelling between one or two floors, barring personal injury, lest incur the wrath of those travelling to the 32nd floor whose trips are delayed due to your laziness.

2. Thou shalt not attempt to board elevator before previous passengers have disembarked.

The universe does not revolve around you.

3. Thou shalt face forward and don’t stare.

4. Thou shall give others their personal space in an elevator.

5. Thou shall not release any intestinal gases.

6. Thou shalt not press button for wrong floor without acting appropriately ashamed as elevator stops and doors

Elevator etiquette – the ups and downs

9. Thou shall wait for empty carriage if you are feeling ill. If that proves impossible, please refrain from coughing/sneezing/and so on for duration of ride.

10. Thou shalt not call out their floor to the person standing nearest open then shut without anyone the buttons as if that person is the lift leaving. operator. If there is space to do so, 7. Thou shall hold the door for you should press button thyself. others running to catch the 11. Thou shalt not carry on carriage. A plague on those personal conversations, be they who watch idly by as they slide person-to-person or via cellular shut in someone’s face. phone. The elevator is not you phone 8. However, thou shalt not hold booth. the door indefinitely and delay 12. Thou shalt not dress or groom travel for other passengers. In a oneself in an elevator. This is busy building, one could bedroom or bathroom business. potentially hold the door for 13. Thou shalt not spray on several minutes waiting for the perfumes, smoke and so on. Be carriage to fill. Unless someone considerate persons aboard may have is clearly attempting to catch allergies or respiratory challenges. that particular elevator, adopt the adage “thy snoozes, thy • Source: http://officeloses.” politics.suite101.com/article.cfm/ elevator_etiquette CERTAIN RULES OF ETIQUETTE apply when • Researched and submitted by riding an elevator. (GP) Louisa Nurse. EDEM, CAP, CPS, AAA.

14. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

Importance of public speaking

PUBLIC SPEAKING is presenting your thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. Often the wrong perception that only people involved in sales, marketing or mass media need to learn public speaking. However, the truth is that individuals from all walks of life have to speak in public at one time or the other.

A child reciting a poem in school or • http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ citizens expressing their opinions on the-importance-of-public-speaking.html any national issues or the president of • Researched & Submitted by Louisa Nurse. a company addressing the staff are EDEM, CAP, CPS, AAA. all different forms of public speaking.

Improving your public speaking skills cannot be ignored and has become an essential component of the interview process. Employers are looking for dynamic and articulate persons to represent their organisations in general and to promote the goods and services they make available to the public.

Mastering the skill of public speaking is beneficial whether you endeavour to pursue a career as a speaker or as a way to become more confident in social situations. The skills of public speaking can yield a number of benefits for you. It can open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.

In this article you will get an insight on the importance of public speaking.

Improves Communication Skills Public speaking is interrelated with communication skills and can be described as a form of communication. Public speaking does not always mean that you have to give a speech to a large audience. When you go for an interview, and speak to a group of interviewers or when you are giving a class presentation; all these are also a form of public speaking. In such situations, if you have the ability to communicate properly, it can help you shape up your future.

Helps to Overcome Fear Surveys have revealed that most people are afraid of public speaking more than their fear of death.

You can reduce your anxiety to a large extent, if you gather a thorough knowledge of the subject matter on which you are going to speak.

As a result, when you face the audience you just have to share with them whatever you have learned.

The more you practice public speaking, you will realize your anxieties and fears associated with it going down quite remarkably. Therefore, practice in front of a group of friends, who can help you identify your weak areas and help you work upon them.

Helps in Personality Development When you successfully deliver a good speech, the kind of personal satisfaction you experience is unparalleled. It you a sense of self-worthiness. A positive response from the audience can help you feel more confident. Thus, it can bring about a lot of improvement in your overall personality.

Improves Relationships Once you develop good public speaking skills, a marked improvement can be seen in your interpersonal skills, which in turn, will help you maintain a healthy relationship with your friends and members of your family. Even in your professional life, an effective interaction with your boss, clients or subordinates will help you enhance the possibility of your advancement in your chosen profession.

Therefore, at any point of time in your life, if you get an opportunity to learn public speaking skills, grab it without giving it any second thought. Once you learn them, make sure you use the public speaking skills as often as possible, as you can sharpen the skills further by means of more practice only. The most distinguishing feature of public speaking is to deliver it with full confidence, credibility and conviction. However, when public speaking is not done properly, there is a possibility of miscommunication that can lead to a lot of misconceptions. Source:

LOUISA NURSE

(FP)

DAILY NATION SPECIAL. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. 15

16. MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010. DAILY NATION SPECIAL

%FlCIENCY %NTHUSIASM AND $EDICATION

Alex IďŹ ll

Annette Phillips-Gay

Antoinette Crichlow

Camela Knight

Charmaine Blackman

Cheryl Gibson

Claire Stanford

Crystal Dottin

Eunice Willoughby-Forde

Gaymel Cummins

Gloria Forde

Hasina Patel

Jacqueline Bradshaw

Jeannie McCaskie

Joy Anne Miller

Judy Austin

Karen Downie

Karen Greaves

Leah Green

Lisa Ramsay

Maria King

Melissa Browne

Melissa Elliott

Melissa Watkins

Monica Allyene

Nadia Corbin

Natalie Goring

Nicole Mayers

Patrice Cadogan

Samanta Pinder

Sandra Gilkes-Branch

Sandra Harper

Sharon Rowe

Sharon Wiseman

Tajahna Knight

Sagicor acknowledges its Administrative Professionals. These individuals exemplify efďŹ ciency, enthusiasm and dedication in the way they work every day. We are proud to recognise our colleagues during Barbados Association of OfďŹ ce Professionals Week.

Valencia Springer

Victoria Dalrymple

).352!.#% s ).6%34-%.43 s 2%4)2%-%.4 0,!..).' s (/-% /7.%23()0 s %$5#!4)/. 3!6).' s 3!6).'3 0,!.3 s -/.%9 -!.!'%-%.4 "ARBADOS 4RINIDAD 4OBAGO *AMAICA 3T ,UCIA !NTIGUA AND OTHER COUNTRIES

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