There are messages of tightening belts, less than one percent growth and further political uncertainty.
In addition to that the #Rhodesmustfall and #Feesmustfall movements are shaking up the skills training landscape and companies may be inclined to spend less on their training as they wait for news on the fate of the SETAs and where their skills development levies are going to be deployed.
The fact is that this is exactly what companies should not do.
We are only as strong as our human capital allows us to be. We can have amazing systems and technology, policies and laws that weigh heavily on our side and a customer care programme that is so innovative that nobody has done it before, but without motivated and engaged employees, this will all amount to zero.
Do not fall into the trap of saving on your skills training, especially your soft skills!
Studies show us that people who are emotionally intelligent are up to four times more successful than their equal IQ counterparts.
Emotional intelligence means that an individual has the motivation and ability to understand his/her own communication style, as well as that of their clients (internal and external), and that they then manage that communication accordingly.
At Staff Training our approach to customer care, diversity, team building, management training, business etiquette and frontline reception, all include the principles of emotional intelligence. Contact us and see by how much you can increase your productivity and profitability in 2016. We look forward to a year of great partnerships with clients just like you.
© Debbie Engelbrecht 11 January 2016.
Debbie is the CEO of Staff Training, a management coach and facilitator who is passionate about the empowerment of all South Africans.