DECEMBER 2019
MUTUALLY
INCLUSIVE 3 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER
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STRONG INTEGRATED FINANCIAL GROUP • MODERN MUTUAL • EMPLOYER OF CHOICE • MODEL CORPORATE CITIZEN
Editors’ Message Team, we’re just about at the end of another year. And what a year it has been! Planning for success in 2020? We’ve got some tips. We also share some safety tips from Chadd Chambers, Manager – Safety & Security and some fun scenes from the recent VM Annual Pensioners’ Luncheon. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts with us at vmcorporateaffairs@myvmgroup.com
Clover & Dayton
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CONTENTS 4
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3 New Year’s Resolutions to enhance your career
Pensioners’ Delight!
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Safety tips for the Season
3 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE YOUR CAREER #1
I WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
This could mean moving into a role where you directly impact your company’s bottom line – on the revenue side by developing business or on the cost side by saving money. Or, maybe you feel good about your day-to-day role and want to focus on your legacy – extending your influence, mentoring people, taking a leadership role in your community.
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We’re approaching a new year with great promise just waiting for us to make the most of. When planning your personal strategy for the year, don’t forget to make some positive changes that will boost your professional life. Here are three options for you to consider.
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I WILL BE PRODUCTIVE
If you consistently finish the day, wondering where all the time went and still with important tasks undone, make it a priority to work on your productivity. Consider a time diary to become more aware of how you’re spending your time now. Then, decide on your key priorities and focus your time and efforts on what is most important.
I WILL TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF
In addition to maintaining your professional skills, take care of your personal well-being. Exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management are career success enablers. Low energy is sometimes a deal-breaker in the hiring process. You need to be at your best personally to perform at your best professionally.
*Adapted from an article that first appeared on Forbes.com
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PENSIONERS’
DELIGHT!
On December 6, 2019 VM Pensioners were treated at the annual VM Pensioners’ Luncheon. It was a fun affair held at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston. From the upbeat music, gifts and laughter it was clear that guests had a great time. Kudos to the Group Human Resources Team for a spectacular event! Here are a few highlights.
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Season Tips for the
CHADD CHAMBERS Manager – Safety & Security
We are now in the ‘Silly Season’ and as many of us are looking forward to conducting all types of transactions, we must be aware that criminals are also anticipating relieving unsuspecting persons of valuables. As technology improves, so do their strategies which are more organised and includes them being passive and/or aggressive. Let the Season pass without you being added to the crime blotters.
2. Ensure your security provider conducts `routine visits to your premises 3. When leaving home, be sure to lock all windows whether protected by burglar alarms and/or bars or not. 4. Ensure alarm is activated when leaving home. 5. Ensure that you make a mental picture of the physical state you left your home. 6. When entering home, before settling, be sure to conduct a sweep to ensure that you do not lock yourself inside with an intruder. 7. Ensure you conduct a sweep of the outside of your residence. 8. Ensure you store the number of the police, fire station and medical facility that serve your area. (NB not only 119).
Here are some general safety tips for your home. This list is not exhaustive and is being shared for your awareness. 1. Install Electronic Intrusion Detection Systems with Panic, Monitoring, Armed Response and Ambulance Service from a reputable private security company.
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4. Be aware of anyone within an arm’s length of you. 5. Ladies, scream “Tief! Tief!” and run out of harm’s way if you feel threatened. Draw attention to yourself. 6. Men, do not be afraid to shout “Tief! Tief!” if you feel threatened. Draw attention to yourself. 7. Ladies, wear comfortable clothing and shoes in the event you are required to run. 8. Men wear comfortable clothing in the event you are required to run. 9. Do not use isolated ATMs 10. Before putting your card in the ATM, conduct a physical check. If something is loose, do not use that machine. 11. Practice conducting electronic/digital transactions - remember cash is liquid. 12. If you are robbed, report it to the police even if you believe they won’t retrieve your valuables. 13. Keep scanned records of all your photo identifications. 14. Walk in groups of three (3) or more persons.
SOME TIPS FOR DRIVING 1. Ensure gas tank does not go below half tank - in case of an emergency or unplanned journey. 2. Ensure that gas pump attendant runs your card in your presence and also check the POS machine to ensure that the swipe is firmly installed before entering your PIN. 3. Before entering, walk around your vehicle to detect anything unusual, such as tampered locks, windows, wheels and mufflers. 4. Use your AC and or ensure all windows are up. An added precaution is to activate central locks for windows and doors. 5. Install tint (3% Quantum). This will help to disguise who is in the vehicle. 6. When in built-up traffic, glance at your mirrors. Look out for motor and pedal cyclists and pedestrians coming close to your windows. 7. If you meet in a minor accident i.e., if the vehicle is drivable, proceed to the nearest police station if you feel threatened. 8. Familiarise yourself with locations of all police stations. (Do not rely on Google when driving in cases of clear and present danger of your physical space). 9. Keep scanned records of your vehicle documents (valid).
Remember, your safety is as easy as reciting your ABCs:
A-LWAYS B-EING C-AUTIOUS
SOME TIPS WHILE WALKING 1. Plan your journey. 2. Minimise or eliminate use of cell phones while walking. 3. Turn on ‘location’ on cell phone.
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