Upgrade skills, office professionals urged

OFFICE professionals are being urged to deepen their knowledge of the technological advancements taking place in the workplace, or run the risk of becoming obsolete.

The advice comes from Education Minister, Ronald Jones, as he recently addressed members of the Barbados Association of Office Professionals, during their annual luncheon, where he pointed to the rapid advances in technology that have taken place over the past two decades.

“You should not simply wait on somebody to tell you to refine your skills. Refine your knowledge; don't wait,” he exhorted. “The true and genuine professional steps up to the plate, self-motivated.

“The pace of change in no more than 25 years has been so dizzyingly rapid, that every workplace in Barbados has changed forever, and will continue to change, and you are its centre. All of these changes, technological and in communication, are taking place around you, so you too have to change. If you don't get change, you become obsolete.

“So that in concert, the human adaptation or change is taking place along with technological change. Your behaviour is being modified by the technology that you interact or interface with.”

The Minister said while these advancements make their job easier, it is also incumbent on employers to ensure that the office is also properly configured to maximise the utility of the office space.

“All of this is partnership in the development of the empowerment of the office professional. Money has to be spent to  equip that office to make what you do highly effective and highly efficient.”

The Minister also addressed the issue of communication in the workplace, which he said is a hallmark of a good office professional, particularly those who are the face of the company, saying one bad experience from a  customer or client could tarnish an entire group of professionals.

“The Barbadian tone is a highly distinctive tone, and if you are not careful, it can sound a bit unmannerly. It is really not. It is just that peculiar sound upon your ears that you get.

“Beautiful, possibly one of the most beautiful in its cadence and tone, but many don't understand it.”

Minister Jones told the office professionals that they are partners in the management of the company, a hub of information and to whom an employer turns to for guidance, sometimes without recognising it. The Minister encouraged the BAOP members not to get embroiled in gossip or negativity in the office. (JH)